Google Nexus 7 (2013 2nd Gen) Review: The Best Affordable Android Tablet

The Google Nexus 7 (2nd Gen), released in 2013, improved upon its predecessor in almost every way, offering a premium tablet experience at an affordable price. Manufactured by ASUS, the 7-inch tablet became one of the best choices for users seeking a compact, high-performance Android device.

Design & Build
The Nexus 7 (2013) featured a sleek, slim design, measuring just 8.65mm thick and weighing only 290 grams, making it lightweight and easy to hold for extended periods. Its soft-touch matte finish provided a comfortable grip, while the 7-inch form factor was ideal for one-handed use, making it perfect for reading and browsing on the go.

Display
The standout feature of the Nexus 7 was its 1920×1200 Full HD display, which boasted a pixel density of 323 ppi—one of the highest in its category at the time. The sharp, vibrant display made it ideal for watching videos, reading, and gaming, delivering excellent clarity and bright colors.

Performance
Under the hood, the Nexus 7 (2nd Gen) was powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM, offering smooth and fast performance for multitasking and handling apps. Whether you were gaming, streaming, or browsing, the tablet performed flawlessly without lag or stutter.

Software
Running stock Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, later upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the Nexus 7 provided a clean, bloat-free experience, with the added benefit of receiving timely software updates directly from Google. The minimalistic interface ensured users got the best of Android with smooth performance and no unnecessary extras.

Camera
The tablet included a 5MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. While tablets aren’t typically known for their cameras, the Nexus 7’s rear camera offered decent performance for casual shots. The front camera was sufficient for video calls and selfies, though not its primary strength.

Battery Life
The Nexus 7 packed a 3950mAh battery, offering up to 9 hours of mixed use. It comfortably handled a full day of use, from web browsing to media playback, without needing a charge. Its energy-efficient design ensured that battery life was solid despite the high-resolution display.

Conclusion
The Google Nexus 7 (2013) was a fantastic tablet for its price, offering a sharp display, fast performance, and the advantage of stock Android with quick updates. Its compact size and lightweight design made it a great option for users who wanted a portable, affordable device without sacrificing performance. It became one of the most well-regarded Android tablets of its time, perfect for casual users, students, and even tech enthusiasts.