Google is out with a new version of the Nexus 7 tablet, and it's a refresh in every sense of the word. It's running an updated operating system ( Android 4.3 ), it's slimmer, it's sharper, it's packing 2GB of RAM...and the improvements don't stop there. But even with all the upgrades, is this version of the Nexus 7 enough to win over the TechRadar team? We've weighed what there is to know about the latest entrant on the tablet terrace, and gathered our knee-jerk impressions for you right here. Kate - News Editor Oh man, this is a nice tablet. And now, let's review. Super slim bezel: yes please. Full HD screen: GOD, YES. Snapdragon S4 Pro? Take me now. Android 4.3: …well, we can start with that and talk about Key Lime Pie later - right, Google? Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Kate on Twitter Alex - Associate Editor, Reviews Can the iPad mini look anymore overpriced? Starting the new Nexus 7 off at $229 (about £162, AU$270), Google has really lowballed Apple. Since the iPad mini is still sans Retina, the Nexus 7 has the better display for a lot less money, and while Apple still has the stronger tablet ecosystem, all that could change. Adding things like Tablet 101 to the Play Store could really help highlight the best tablet optimized apps, which has never been Android's strong suit. I'm also wondering why anyone would want a Kindle Fire HD now. For just $30 (about £19, AU$32) more you can have a device with way more functionality, thanks to features like the new tablet enhanced Chrome. Unless you only plan to only consume media on the device, I see little reason to buy Amazon's tablet. I have to say, I did scoff audibly when the Google rep called the Nexus 7 an "ultimate gaming machine." No offense to Riptide GP , but playing an uprezzed version of WaveRace 6 4 in the park is not my idea of "ultimate gaming." It could be an ultimate reading machine though. That light weight and pixel dense screen will make it easy to toss in a bag and whip out to consume a quick chapter. Knee-jerk score: 4.5 Follow Alex on Twitter Gareth - Phones and Tablets Editor I was a huge fan of the Nexus 7, and this new update looks immense. Improving on a great screen is always a good move, and the power updates will really please the spec fans. Android 4.3 is massively underwhelming, but who cares when there's instant updates, low cost and a huge re-focus on media? I'm sold. Knee-jerk score: 4.5/5 Follow Gareth on Twitter Hugh - Staff Writer For me, the new Nexus 7 is all about the screen. The fact it got to Retina on a 7-inch before Apple makes it impressive from the outset. Watching Netflix in 1080p on something that's less than 300g? Yeah I'm on board with that. And if the iPad Mini 2 isn't retina then Apple's going to have a lot to answer to. But can we please stop putting rear cameras on our tablets? Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Hugh on Twitter Lily - Assistant Editor I've been avoiding tablets like the plague for awhile now because I'm old-fashioned and prefer keyboards. Oh yeah, and they're pretty dang pricey (lookin' at you Apple). Plus I have a smartphone, why would I need a tablet? But Google's crazy low prices with Android 4.3 and a bajillion pixels (323 pixels, to be exact), makes the Nexus 7 tempting. SO very tempting, especially for a 32GB Nexus for what, only $40 (about £26, AU$43) more then the starting price?! Why am I having this internal debate? I'm now imagining how I won't have to haul all my books and comics around with me anymore...well, my birthday is in August so I think I know what's going on my list. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Lily on Twitter Michelle - US News Editor I'm with my colleagues on the new Nexus' specs - for the price, you're getting a whole lot of tablet. I personally am not a fan of 7-inch tablets, and while I can't fault the new Nexus for being that size (it has to appeal to plenty of people, otherwise Google wouldn't have made it), it will affect my decision to purchase it. In other words, I'm not going to buy it. I'll be interested to see if that how that high-res display shows content on a smaller form factor, and whether Apple decides it needs to stick some Retina on its iPad mini ASAP. Knee-jerk score: 4 Follow Michelle on Twitter Total knee-jerk score: 4.2 Want to know what else the TechRadar team is reacting to? Read these: Is size everything with the Lumia 625? Not a chance The Lumia 1020's super snapper didn't exactly bowl us over Did HTC make magic with the One Mini? Related Stories Samsung's price-happy Tab 3 range on pre-sale in Australia from tomorrow Are you there, Acer? If you refresh the Iconia W3, could you fix its screen? Take cover: The Nexus 7 2 is leaking all over the place Drowning at the Surface: RT tablet hits Microsoft where it hurts Intel teases Haswell chips in fanless tablets by the end of the year
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