The Nexus 7, a highly acclaimed Android tablet, was released in two generations: 2012 and 2013. If you’re one of the lucky owners of this fantastic device, you might be wondering which model you have. This question may seem simple, but it’s surprisingly common, especially among those who purchased their Nexus 7 second-hand or inherited it from a friend or family member. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models, helping you to identify which one you own.
Design and Physical Characteristics
One of the most noticeable differences between the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models is their design and physical characteristics.
Nexus 7 (2012)
The original Nexus 7, released in 2012, features a subtly curved and textured back, providing a comfortable grip. The device measures 198.5 mm in height, 120 mm in width, and 10.5 mm in thickness, weighing approximately 340 grams. The 2012 model has a prominent Nexus logo on the back, along with a smaller ASUS logo.
Nexus 7 (2013)
In contrast, the 2013 Nexus 7, also known as the Nexus 7 (2nd generation), boasts a more streamlined design with a smooth, matte-finish back. The device is slightly thinner and lighter, measuring 200 mm in height, 114 mm in width, and 8.7 mm in thickness, with a weight of around 290 grams. The 2013 model has a more discreet Nexus logo on the back, accompanied by a larger ASUS logo.
Display and Resolution
Another significant difference between the two models lies in their display and resolution.
Nexus 7 (2012)
The 2012 Nexus 7 features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 216 pixels per inch (PPI).
Nexus 7 (2013)
The 2013 Nexus 7 boasts a higher-resolution 7-inch IPS LCD display with a stunning 1920 x 1200 pixels, providing a remarkable 323 PPI. This significant upgrade allows for a more immersive and detailed viewing experience.
Processors and Performance
The processing power and performance of the two Nexus 7 models differ substantially.
Nexus 7 (2012)
The 2012 Nexus 7 is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, clocked at 1.2 GHz, paired with 1 GB of RAM.
Nexus 7 (2013)
The 2013 Nexus 7, on the other hand, is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, clocked at 1.5 GHz, accompanied by 2 GB of RAM. This significant upgrade results in faster performance, smoother multitasking, and improved overall responsiveness.
Camera and Storage
Camera capabilities and storage options also vary between the two models.
Nexus 7 (2012)
The 2012 Nexus 7 features a single 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, ideal for video calls and selfies. Internal storage options include 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB variants.
Nexus 7 (2013)
The 2013 Nexus 7 boasts a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, allowing for higher-quality photo capture, as well as a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera. Storage options include 16 GB, 32 GB, and a 32 GB model with 4G LTE connectivity.
Software and Updates
Software and update capabilities differ between the two Nexus 7 models.
Nexus 7 (2012)
The 2012 Nexus 7 was initially released with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and received updates up to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Nexus 7 (2013)
The 2013 Nexus 7 launched with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and received updates up to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Identification Methods
Now that we’ve explored the key differences between the 2012 and 2013 Nexus 7 models, let’s discuss some practical identification methods to help you determine which one you own:
Method 1: Check the Device’s Back
Examine the back of your Nexus 7 for the Nexus logo and ASUS logo. If the Nexus logo is prominent and accompanied by a smaller ASUS logo, you likely own the 2012 model. If the Nexus logo is more discreet and paired with a larger ASUS logo, you probably own the 2013 model.
Method 2: Inspect the Display
Look for the display resolution by going to Settings > About tablet > Display. If the resolution is 1280 x 800 pixels, you have the 2012 model. If it’s 1920 x 1200 pixels, you have the 2013 model.
Method 3: Check the Processor and RAM
Open the About tablet section in Settings and scroll down to the Hardware section. If the processor is listed as NVIDIA Tegra 3, you have the 2012 model. If it’s Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, you have the 2013 model. Also, check the RAM, which should be 1 GB for the 2012 model and 2 GB for the 2013 model.
Method 4: Examine the Camera
If your Nexus 7 has a rear-facing camera, it’s likely the 2013 model. If it only has a front-facing camera, it’s probably the 2012 model.
By using one or a combination of these identification methods, you should be able to determine whether you own a 2012 or 2013 Nexus 7. Remember, the 2013 model features a more streamlined design, higher-resolution display, faster processor, and improved camera capabilities.
In conclusion, identifying your Nexus 7 model can be a straightforward process if you know what to look for. By examining the design, display, processor, camera, and software, you can quickly determine whether you own the 2012 or 2013 model.
What is the main difference between the Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 7 (2013)?
The main difference between the Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 7 (2013) lies in their processors and RAM. The Nexus 7 (2012) is powered by a Nvidia Tegra 3 processor and has 1GB of RAM, while the Nexus 7 (2013) features a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and comes with 2GB or 4GB of RAM, depending on the storage capacity.
These differences in processing power and RAM affect the overall performance of the devices, with the Nexus 7 (2013) being generally faster and more responsive than its predecessor. Additionally, the improved hardware of the Nexus 7 (2013) allows it to support more advanced features, such as wireless charging and a higher resolution rear camera.
How can I identify the Nexus 7 (2012) based on its exterior design?
The Nexus 7 (2012) has a more rounded and chamfered design compared to the Nexus 7 (2013), with a prominent hump on the back that houses the device’s speaker. The device is also slightly thicker and heavier than the Nexus 7 (2013).
Additionally, the Nexus 7 (2012) has a rubberized back panel that provides a better grip, and the screen bezel is slightly wider and more rounded. The device’s front-facing camera is also positioned in the top-right corner of the screen, rather than being centered.
What are the differences in display resolution between the Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 7 (2013)?
The Nexus 7 (2012) has a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 216 pixels per inch (PPI). In contrast, the Nexus 7 (2013) features a 7-inch display with a higher resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 323 PPI.
The higher resolution of the Nexus 7 (2013) makes text and images appear sharper and more detailed, making it a better option for reading, gaming, and watching videos. However, the display of the Nexus 7 (2012) is still decent and provides a good overall viewing experience.
Can I upgrade the storage capacity of my Nexus 7 (2012) or Nexus 7 (2013)?
Unfortunately, neither the Nexus 7 (2012) nor the Nexus 7 (2013) has a microSD card slot, which means that the internal storage capacity is fixed and cannot be expanded. Users will need to manage their storage capacity carefully by deleting unnecessary files, using cloud storage services, or maximizing the device’s internal storage.
It’s worth noting that the Nexus 7 (2013) is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage variants, giving users more options to choose from depending on their storage needs. On the other hand, the Nexus 7 (2012) only comes in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB storage capacities.
How do I differentiate between the Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 7 (2013) based on their software?
The Nexus 7 (2012) originally shipped with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, while the Nexus 7 (2013) came with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box. However, both devices have received subsequent software updates, with the Nexus 7 (2012) eventually receiving Android 5.1 Lollipop and the Nexus 7 (2013) getting Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Both devices will have a similar user interface and feature set, with the main differences being in their underlying operating system and security patches. Users can check their device’s software version by going to the Settings app, then selecting “About tablet” or “About device,” and finally looking for the “Android version” section.
Which device has a better camera, the Nexus 7 (2012) or Nexus 7 (2013)?
The Nexus 7 (2013) has a significantly better camera than the Nexus 7 (2012). The Nexus 7 (2013) features a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1080p video recording capability, while the Nexus 7 (2012) has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera with no rear-facing camera.
The improved camera hardware of the Nexus 7 (2013) allows it to take higher-quality photos and videos, making it a better option for users who want to capture memories or take high-quality selfies.
Can I use the Nexus 7 (2012) or Nexus 7 (2013) as a phone?
Neither the Nexus 7 (2012) nor the Nexus 7 (2013) is designed to be used as a phone, and they do not have cellular connectivity. They are primarily designed as tablets for browsing the internet, watching videos, playing games, and other multimedia tasks.
While users can make voice calls using VoIP services or apps, the devices lack the necessary cellular hardware to make traditional voice calls or send SMS messages. Users who need a device for making phone calls should consider a smartphone instead.