The Nexus 7 2 is the new tablet in Google’s range of products and with a revamped design, higher resolution than its predecessor and faster processor, it’s set to lead the tablet pack.
However, with Sony’s first endeavour into the phablet foray with the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, can a tablet beat a smartphone/tablet hybrid?
We compare the Nexus 7 2 with the Sony Xperia Z Ultra to see which will come out victorious based on the specs.
Nexus 7 2 key specs and features
The Google Nexus 7 2 was a huge hit when it launched in 2012 and now Google is attempting to take on the budget tablet market once again with its follow-up.
The Nexus 7 2 brings a much higher resolution display to the table and although it still measures 7-inches, its pixel density has been ramped up to 323ppi.
The 1200x1920 pixels make the screen of the tablet look stunning in comparison to its predecessor and makes from a great gaming experience thanks to the Adreno 320 GPU packed inside.
The Nexus 7 2 runs on a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 8064 processor, with 2GB of RAM and with Android 4.3 on the top, expect a super-smooth experience.
Google’s Nexus 7 2 is available in 16GB or 32GB versions, but there’s no microSD card slot to boost that internal storage, in true Google style.
On the back of the Nexus 7 2, there’s a 5-megapixel camera, while the front boasts a 1.2-megapixel snapper for self portraits and video calling.
The Google Nexus 7 2 is available in both 4G LTE and Wi-Fi versions, but we’re still awaiting network information – after all, what use is 4G LTE without networks to support it?
Obviously, EE is the main network rumoured to sell the device as it is the only UK network to offer 4G services, but with the roll-out of other networks’ 4G in the months to come, it probably won’t stay an exclusive.
The Nexus 7 2 16GB Wi-Fi-only version will cost $229 (£159) with the 32GB variant retailing for $269 (£179).
Sony Xperia Z Ultra key specs and features
The Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet is Sony’s first attempt at bringing a large-screened device to market (except the Sony Xperia Tablet Z with its mammoth 10.1-inch screen).
The Sony Xperia Z Ultra’s screen measures 6.44-inches which makes it the largest phablet around and almost on par with the Nexus 7 2’s 7-inches. With a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, it’s full HD and as such, provides a stunning experience.
The device runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, which will hopefully be bulked up to Android 4.3 when the update becomes available. Although it doesn’t match the features of the Nexus 7 2 in terms of software, Sony has brought its own features to the table including the ability to use a pencil to control the screen, much like the Samsung Galaxy Note series with the S Pen.
Android 4.3 offers a whole host of new features including ??
The Sony Xperia Z Ultra also includes an IR port for controlling your TV and any other sources that support it, plus it’s waterproof and dustproof – something it certainly has above the Nexus 7 2.
An 8-megapixel camera sits on the back, although some may find it a little awkward to take pictures on such a large device. There’s a 2-megapixel camera on the front too, and with all the extra photography functions Sony packs in, the Xperia Z Ultra makes a very able camera indeed.
The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is only available in a 16GB version, but with extra storage available via the microSD card slot, it allows you to increase that by up to 64GB.
The processor powering the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU and it’s certainly the most powerful around, beating any other device in its class.
Battery life is where you may find there’s a problem, with a 3050mAh capacity powering the show. With such a high-resolution display to power, you may find battery is consumed quicker than on the Nexus 7 2.
All this tech comes at a cost though – the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is available on pre-order for a staggering £639.99 at Expansys and £599.99 at Clove.
Nexus 7 2 vs Sony Xperia Z Ultra: Conclusion
The Nexus 7 2 will no doubt be a very popular device, thanks to its boosted specs and decent price point. Android 4.3 is sure to make the tablet a winner for most who just want a tablet for watching video, surfing the internet and little else.
However, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is much more than a tablet. Marketed as a smartphone too, you can use it to make calls, as a camera phone and being waterproof and dustproof just adds another USP to the mix.
Some may find it a bit of a confused device and at around £600, you’ll have to feel very committed to the phablet form factor to want it.
by clareh via Featured Articles
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