Google Refreshes its Nexus 7 Tablet

The original Nexus 7 launched last year in mid July for $200 and Google has finally released its successor. This refreshed tablet is Google's 2nd generation of the device and it is slightly more expensive than the original Nexus 7. The entry level 16GB model is currently retailing for $220 and a 32GB version is selling for $270. Google's newest Nexus device comes with a slew upgrades over its original 7 inch slate.

Google decided to up the retinal display on its newest device as the new Nexus 7 sports a 1920x1200 screen whereas the original had a 1280x800. We're excited about this as it means the Nexus is going from 216 pixels per inch (PPI) to 323 PPI.

Another welcomed upgrade coming to the Nexus 7 is its updated processor and RAM. Last year's device rocked a Tegra 3 ARM CPU clocked a 1.2GHz, which is replaced by the more powerful 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro. The first gen Nexus featured 1GB of RAM while the newest model is rocking 2GB giving users more power for multitasking goodness.

Google didn't change the Nexus 7's 1.2MP front facing camera, but it added a 5MP rear facing camera and slightly reduced the tablet's weight too. Last year's model weighed in at 0.74 lbs while the 2013 slate weighs 0.64 lbs. The weight reduction is probably because the Nexus 7 now has a smaller 3950 mAh battery instead of the 4325 mAh variety found in the first gen model.

If you want to get your hands on the slate you can purchase one from Best Buy as the retailer just started selling them. Another place to purchase the tablet is the Google Play store, though it won't sell through that outlet until July 31st.

We're excited about the new Nexus tablet and hope this refresh means Google will release an updated version of its Nexus 4 phone soon too.