Google Nexus 7 vs Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Android 4.1 or Jelly Bean ships on a new device for the first time on the Google Nexus 7, Google’s entry into the world of tablets, there is now a device with impressive specifications at such a low price point. With the Nexus 7, Google is looking to boost the android tablet market, a market that has to date made slow and steady progress but has failed to produce a device capable of crossing over into true mainstream awareness. Nexus smartphones have never been major sellers for Google, instead they have been designed almost as reference devices for other manufacturers to follow, but early signs suggest the first Nexus tablet could be different. The price is nothing short of shocking, the tablet is available in 8GB and 16GB models, then $199 and $249 price points respectively.

Naturally, users are curious about how the Nexus 7 stacks up against other tablets in the same price range. The seven-inch Nexus may not be an iPad killer, but it out-specs the Kindle Fire in every respect. You can catch the comparison against what many consider to be its main rival, the Amazon Kindle Fire here . Now, you can have a look at how the Google tablet stacks up against another similarly priced device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7-inch tablet PC. Let the comparisons begin!

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 sports a seven-inch WSVGA display with a resolution of 1024×600 pixels, while the Nexus 7 offers an IPS display with good viewing angles, and has a higher resolution of 1200×800 pixels. The Nexus 7 is the clear winner here as far as the display quality is concerned.

Winner: Google Nexus 7

Processor

The Asus-built device sports the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor running here at 1.3GHz, and packs 1GB of RAM, this is one of the biggest selling points of the Nexus 7. Actually, it is the first quad-core processor to be available at the price-range of a mid-range tablet, so it looks slightly underclocked when compared to other high-end quad-core tablet PCs.

The Galaxy Tab 2 runs a 1GHz dual-core processor, and has 1GB of RAM. This processor is quite good for a mid-range device, however, the Nexus 7 has completely won the game when it comes to low-cost tablets now. The performance of the popular quad-core NVIDIA on the Nexus 7 against the dual-core processor on the Galaxy Tab 2, the Nexus 7 is definitely a clear winner here.

Winner: Google Nexus 7

Memory

When it comes to memory storage capabilities though, the Nexus 7 takes a step back. Compromises to meet the price point are relative with the lack of a rear camera or cellular connectivity, but the absence of micrSD card slot and HDMI output are a little more disappointing. The Nexus 7 is available with both 8GB and 16GB of internal storage without any kind of expandable storage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 also comes with 8GB or 16GB of internal storage but with memory expansion via microSD card slot.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Operating system

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 ships with Android 4.0 out of the box, while the Nexus 7 is the first Android device to release with the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS. Android 4.1 may seem at first glance like a modest, incremental update, but it contains a number of brand new features that will in time prove fundamental. With a greater emphasis on automation and intelligence, and a whole new strategy to kickstart the tablet market, Jelly Bean is one tasty OS. it stands ahead of Ice Cream Sandwich.

Winner: Google Nexus 7

P.S. You can learn more about the interesting features introduced with Android 4.1, Jellybean OS, here .

Camera

Both devices are equipped with front facing cameras, but the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 offers a rear facing camera. This can be a big deal if you want to scan the QR codes using your Android tablet, you can use your tablet’s camera to scan lots of things you see.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Software

You can use your Galaxy Tab 2 as a universal remote for your home entertainment devices, it has the ability to control your TV with it, thanks to the Smart Remote app and built-in IR blaster.

Using AllShare to wirelessly stream multimedia content from your tablet to your TV or another DLNA-enabled device. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 also offers Bluetooth 3.0 and Wi-Fi, there is no NFC on board.

The Nexus does not support Flash and so many things will not work.

The Nexus 7 comes with Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and NFC.

Winner: Draw

Conclusion

Google has done a great job here in releasing an affordable tablet with impressive specifications. So, Samsung and Asus will struggle to compete on price, while the market for no-name budget tablets has probably been wiped out overnight. The Nexus 7 should definitely give the Android tablet market the boost that it was severely lacking. We can only wait and see what kind of a response the release of this tablet will be.

With the Nexus 7, Google has produced one of the most important Android devices to date. It will give a major boost to the Android tablet ecosystem, making it more appealing to developers to produce tablet-specific apps. There is absolutely no doubt that the Google Nexus 7 is the clear winner here, unless dual cameras and memory expansion available on the Galaxy Tab 2 are must-have features for you. This bundle can be the deal breaker for many users, and they are willing to pay $50 more for the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. The nexus 7 comes with a better price at $200, however the lack of memory expansion makes it useless to many users.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Student Edition is now available, you get a keyboard dock with it for no extra cost and you also get the dual cameras and microSD card slot as well.