When Google launched the Nexus 7 in 2012, it revolutionized the Android tablet market with its compact design, robust performance, and affordable price tag. The following year, the tech giant released an upgraded version of the Nexus 7, boasting enhanced features and improved hardware. But what exactly are the differences between the Nexus 7 2012 and 2013 models? In this article, we’ll delve into the details, comparing the design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software of these two popular tablets.
Design and Build Quality
The Nexus 7 2012 model features a soft-touch plastic back with a rubberized coating, providing a comfortable grip and a premium feel. The device measures 7.81 inches in length, 4.72 inches in width, and 0.41 inches in thickness, weighing in at 12 ounces. The 2012 model’s design was praised for its compactness, making it easy to hold and maneuver with one hand.
In contrast, the Nexus 7 2013 model sports a more refined design with a sleek, grippy texture on the back. The 2013 model is slightly thinner and lighter, measuring 7.87 inches in length, 4.47 inches in width, and 0.34 inches in thickness, with a weight of 10.2 ounces. The newer model’s design is more angular, with a slightly more pronounced curve on the back, making it easier to hold and more aesthetically pleasing.
Port and Button Placement
Both models feature a similar port and button layout, with the power button and volume rockers located on the right side, and the headphone jack and micro-USB port on the bottom. However, the 2013 model introduces a new feature – aSlimPort-enabled micro-USB port, which allows for output to HDMI-enabled devices.
Display
The Nexus 7 2012 model boasts a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 216 pixels per inch (PPI). The display is bright, vibrant, and suitable for reading, browsing, and watching videos. However, it lacks the crispness and clarity of higher-resolution displays.
The Nexus 7 2013 model, on the other hand, features a stunning 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 323 PPI. The increased resolution and improved panel quality make for a more immersive viewing experience, with sharper text, more vivid colors, and better overall image quality.
Outdoor Visibility and Brightness
Both models struggle with outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight. However, the 2013 model’s higher resolution and improved panel quality help to mitigate this issue, providing better brightness and contrast.
Performance
The Nexus 7 2012 model is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, clocked at 1.2 GHz, paired with 1 GB of RAM and a ULP GeForce GPU. This configuration provides smooth performance for most tasks, including web browsing, email, and social media. However, the device can become sluggish when multitasking or running resource-intensive applications.
The Nexus 7 2013 model, on the other hand, is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, clocked at 1.5 GHz, paired with 2 GB of RAM and an Adreno 320 GPU. This upgraded configuration provides a significant boost in performance, enabling seamless multitasking, faster app launching, and improved gaming performance.
Benchmark Scores
To put the performance difference into perspective, here are some benchmark scores:
| Device | Geekbench 3 (Multi-Core) | 3DMark (Ice Storm Extreme) |
| — | — | — |
| Nexus 7 2012 | 1,541 | 6,144 |
| Nexus 7 2013 | 2,641 | 13,434 |
As evident from the benchmark scores, the Nexus 7 2013 model outperforms its predecessor in both CPU and GPU performance.
Camera
The Nexus 7 2012 model features a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, which is suitable for video calls and selfies. However, it lacks a rear-facing camera, making it less suitable for photography enthusiasts.
The Nexus 7 2013 model, on the other hand, features a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with a BSI (Backside Illumination) sensor, providing improved low-light performance and better image quality. The rear camera is capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera remains the same 1.2-megapixel unit as the 2012 model.
Camera Features
The Nexus 7 2013 model’s camera app includes features like HDR+, Photo Sphere, and gesture-based camera controls, providing a more comprehensive camera experience.
Battery Life
The Nexus 7 2012 model packs a 4325 mAh battery, which provides around 8-10 hours of moderate use, including web browsing, email, and video playback.
The Nexus 7 2013 model features a slightly larger 3950 mAh battery, which provides around 9-11 hours of moderate use. The improved power management and more efficient processor help to extend battery life, making it a great option for users who need a device that can last a full day.
Software
The Nexus 7 2012 model launched with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which was later upgraded to Android 4.2 and 4.3. The device received the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, but it’s no longer supported by Google.
The Nexus 7 2013 model launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and was later upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat and Android 5.0 Lollipop. The device also received the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update, and it’s still supported by Google, although it won’t receive any further major updates.
Android Version History
Here’s a brief overview of the Android version history for both devices:
| Device | Initial Android Version | Final Android Version |
| — | — | — |
| Nexus 7 2012 | Android 4.1 Jelly Bean | Android 5.0 Lollipop |
| Nexus 7 2013 | Android 4.3 Jelly Bean | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop |
In conclusion, the Nexus 7 2013 model offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a higher-resolution display, improved performance, better camera capabilities, and longer battery life. While the 2012 model is still a capable device, the 2013 model is the clear winner in terms of overall performance and features. If you’re in the market for a compact Android tablet with great performance and value, the Nexus 7 2013 model is the better choice.
What are the key differences between the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models?
The main differences between the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models lie in their processing power, display, and storage capacity. The 2013 model boasts a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, a higher resolution display, and larger storage options. Additionally, the 2013 model features a rear-facing camera, which is absent in the 2012 model.
These upgrades significantly enhance the overall user experience, making the 2013 model more suitable for demanding tasks such as gaming and multitasking. Furthermore, the improved display resolution and larger storage capacity make the 2013 model a better option for users who consume a lot of media content or need more space to store their files and apps.
How does the processing power of the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models compare?
The 2012 Nexus 7 model is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, which provides a decent level of performance for general tasks such as browsing, emailing, and casual gaming. On the other hand, the 2013 model is equipped with a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, which offers a significant boost in performance. This makes the 2013 model better suited for demanding tasks such as 3D gaming and multitasking.
The Snapdragon S4 Pro processor in the 2013 model also features a more efficient power management system, which helps to extend battery life. This means that users can enjoy longer usage times without needing to recharge their device. The improved processing power of the 2013 model also enables it to handle more complex tasks such as video editing and 3D modeling.
What are the display differences between the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models?
The 2012 Nexus 7 model features a 7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which provides a decent level of image quality. However, the 2013 model boasts a higher resolution display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, making it one of the highest resolution tablets in its class. This means that users can enjoy sharper and more detailed images, making it ideal for reading, gaming, and watching videos.
The improved display resolution of the 2013 model also makes it more suitable for tasks such as graphic design, video editing, and gaming. Additionally, the higher resolution display enables users to view more content on the screen at once, making it easier to multitask and be more productive.
Do the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models have the same storage capacity options?
No, the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models have different storage capacity options. The 2012 model is available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB storage options, while the 2013 model is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options. This means that users who need more storage space for their files, apps, and media content can opt for the 2013 model with a larger storage capacity.
The increased storage capacity options of the 2013 model make it more suitable for users who consume a lot of media content or need to store large files and apps. Additionally, the larger storage capacity options enable users to store more games, movies, and music, making the 2013 model a better option for entertainment.
Are there any differences in the camera capabilities of the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models?
Yes, the 2012 Nexus 7 model only features a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, while the 2013 model features a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera. This means that users of the 2013 model can take higher quality photos and videos using the rear-facing camera.
The addition of a rear-facing camera in the 2013 model makes it more suitable for users who want to capture high-quality photos and videos on the go. Additionally, the rear-facing camera enables users to scan QR codes, participate in video conferencing, and enjoy augmented reality experiences.
Are there any differences in the battery life of the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models?
Yes, the 2013 Nexus 7 model has a slightly longer battery life compared to the 2012 model. The 2013 model has a battery life of up to 9 hours, while the 2012 model has a battery life of up to 8 hours. This means that users of the 2013 model can enjoy longer usage times without needing to recharge their device.
The improved battery life of the 2013 model is due to the more efficient power management system of the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. This enables users to enjoy longer usage times while still enjoying the same level of performance and functionality.
Which Nexus 7 model is the best value for money?
The 2013 Nexus 7 model offers the best value for money due to its improved processing power, higher resolution display, and larger storage capacity options. While the 2012 model is still a great option, the 2013 model provides a more future-proof device that can handle demanding tasks and provide a better overall user experience.
The 2013 model is also a better option for users who want to future-proof their device and ensure that it can handle the latest apps and games. Additionally, the 2013 model is a better option for users who want a more portable and lightweight device that can be easily carried around.