The Nexus 7 2 has just been announced and it seems only natural we compare it to the Samsung equivalent: the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0.
Although the latter has a bigger screen, Google’s first-edition Nexus 7 sold out in days because of its price point and form factor.
Can Samsung prevail here, or will Google beat it to the ground? We compare the specs.
Nexus 7 2 key specs and features
The Nexus 7 2 is a follow-up to the hugely popular Nexus 7 tablet from 2012 and this updated version certainly brings some extras to the table.
The Nexus 7 2 features a 1.5GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 8064 processor that is one of the most powerful around and backed up with 2GB of RAM, it’ll run like a dream.
An Adreno 320 GPU powers the graphics, ensuring the tablet is fit for gaming and watching high-resolution video, while the choice between 16GB and 32GB of internal storage will ensure there’s plenty of space to store your media.
There’s no microSD card slot that will come as a disappointment to some who like to hot-swap memory cards or already have a high-capacity microSD card hanging around, but Google wanted to keep the design more streamlined and excluding a microSD card slot means the finish is seamless.
The Google Nexus 7 2’s 7-inch display has been bumped up to 1200x1920 pixels from 1280x800 pixels and will offer a pixel density of 323ppi.
Battery life will continue to be a storing point with an extra hour's use on the Nexus 7 2.
Around the back of the Nexus 7 2, there’s a 5-megapixel camera, with a 1.2-megapixel snapper on the front.
The Google Nexus 7 2 will be available in both Wi-Fi only and LTE variations, although no networks have announced availability as yet.
The Nexus 7 2 16GB Wi-Fi-only version will cost $229 (£159) with the 32GB variant retailing for $269 (£179).
Packing Google’s brand new Android 4.3 operating system, we can expect to see oodles of new features appearing on the Google Nexus 7 2, such as restricted access and a new camera UI.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 key specs and features
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is the middle-sized Samsung Galaxy Note phablet from Samsung. Sitting between the 5-inch Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy Note 10.1, it’s probably the most fit for use as a tablet too – not too big to squeeze into a handbag and not to small so you can watch video in comfort.
The Galaxy Note 8.0 is available in both 3G and Wi-Fi versions, but the omission of 4G is a little disappointing when 4G is expected to roll out across the UK in the next 12 months.
Running the 1.6GHz Exynos Quad 4 processor with 2GB, you won’t suffer with speed. When we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, we didn’t find any lag at all.
A 4600mAh battery isn’t the biggest around for a tablet, but it does provide enough juice for more than a day’s use – and that’s if you’re constantly using the tablet, which is unlikely.
One place the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 does come into its own is with the S Pen suite of applications. Taking cues from the Galaxy Note 2, you can expect to be making note with the S Pen, becoming an animator or navigating around your device without even touching it in no time.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 also features a number of extra special extras not found on the cheaper Nexus 7 2, such as an IR blaster and a TV Remote. Although they do seem to be quirks for lazy people, they are nice little additions that make this more exciting that the average low-end tablet.
Unfortunately, these extras come at a price and with a tag of £339 SIM free, you’re better off looking at the Nexus 7 2 for a cheap alternative.
On the back of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, there’s a 5-megapixel camera and on the front a 1.2-megapixel snapper – exactly matching that of the Nexus 7 2.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 comes with a microSD card slot, making hot-swapping cards a very easy affair. There’s also a 16GB microSD card shipped in the box so you can get up and running straight away.
Google Nexus 7 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0: Conclusion
There’s no denying the Nexus 7 2 is a solid performer. Google’s tablet has come on leaps and bounds since the debut of the original Nexus 7 last year, but it’s still aimed at a lower-end market than the Note 8.0.
If you’re looking for a solid tablet for the lighter things in life, the 7-inch Nexus 7 2 is your answer – and it’s cheap too.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is targeted at a more sophisticated market and with a much higher price tag, you’ll certainly want to get the most of those extra features to make it worth the money.
by clareh via Featured Articles
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