Why I Gave a Nexus 7 as a Christmas Gift

Real-world use case

You're looking for an affordable tablet to give as a gift: here's why I chose the Google Nexus 7 (2013) for Christmas.

The Google Nexus 7:

The Google Nexus 7 is a tablet released in July 2013, developed by Google and Asus. Its resolution is above Full HD, it uses a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, and runs with 2GB of RAM. Two models exist: 16GB or 32GB. The product's finish is pleasant, with a very thin rubberized layer on the back of the device. The thickness of 8.7mm on the Google Nexus 7 gives it a premium feel right from the first touch. You can find this tablet for €229 on Google Play or from major high-tech retailers.

A high-tech Christmas gift (2013):

The first mass-market tablet was released in 2010. Mobile devices, and tablets in particular, replace (for beginners) a PC, a TV, or a radio. The tablet is a top choice of gift for Christmas 2013, and many models are competing for attention. Budget at least €200 for a tablet purchase, for the experience to be pleasant and smooth. I personally reviewed the current models I was interested in for Christmas in the 16GB range. The list is not exhaustive and reflects my personal opinion: must-haves vs challengers!

The must-have models

• Apple: iPad Mini (€300), iPad Mini 2 (€400), iPad 2 (€390), iPad Air (€490)
• Samsung Galaxy: Tab 3 (7-inch, €220), Tab 3 (10.1-inch, €380), Note 3 (8-inch, €320)
• Nexus lineup: Google Nexus 10 (€400), Google Nexus 7 (€229)

The challenger models

• Asus Transformer Pad TF300 (€380), Asus Memo Pad FHD 10 (€310)
• Sony Xperia Tablet Z (€380)
• LG G Pad 8.3 (€300)
• Amazon Kindle Fire HDX (€380)

The challengers' prices are similar to those of the market's must-have models. I quickly ruled them out of my choice! At that price, I would much rather go with a must-have model! The Google Nexus 7 is a tablet that stands out from the two categories above. It's both a must-have thanks to its build quality, and even superior on certain points, while its price sits well below the main challengers. For more information, check out this link: les numériques.

Why I gave the Nexus 7 as a gift:

The Google Nexus 7 has a lot going for it, here's what convinced me:

• The Nexus lineup offers the latest Android updates (unlike others).
• Components worthy of the biggest high-end tablets (Full HD screen and 2GB RAM).
• The system: Android 4.4.2, available on the Google Nexus 7 with no manufacturer overlay.
• A successful product finish, a very pleasant rubberized feel, and the product's thinness (8.5mm).
• The price of €229 is very attractive (well below the challengers).
• Manufacturing by ASUS (I've always trusted ASUS motherboards for their reliability).
• Product design by Google and ASUS (released in July 2013).

The truly successful marketing side of the Google Nexus 7:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/90BjqRSf3Xc/0.jpg

The features and components the Google Nexus 7 is missing:

• With 8 hours of battery life under normal use, it falls short of high-end tablets.
• A 5-megapixel rear camera of average quality, not on par with the must-haves.
• A front-facing camera that's just barely acceptable (with no real point in the end, since you don't really use it).
• No micro SD expansion available (though you can buy a micro USB / USB adapter).

The flaws are minimal, and the strengths more than make up for this gap. Since I gave it to a relative who isn't a tech enthusiast, I pre-configured the tablet. Once unboxed, here's the bundle, with the basic accessories:

I created a Google account without Gmail and removed unnecessary apps like Google+. I also set up a Google Music account and added apps. Setting up ActiveSync-type email via Zpush/Zimbra let me sync all the contacts onto the Google Nexus 7.

Conclusion: For anyone looking for a good tablet, consider the Google Nexus 7.