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Google Nexus 9
Google Nexus 9
Google Nexus 9
Google Nexus 9
Google Nexus 9
Google Nexus 9
...


8/10
Informr score
The Google Nexus 9 currently has an Informr score of 8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 41 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Blazing performance
  • Android 5.0
  • Bright, vivid display
  • 4:3 display ratio
  • Front-facing BoomSound speakers
  • Multi-user support

What's bad

  • Bulky design
  • Weak camera
  • 4:3 display ratio
  • Weak battery
  • No microSD card support

Google’s Nexus phones and tablets offer access to the pure Android experience and have effectively pushed favorites into a competitive market for years. With the Nexus 9, Google looks to tackle the large-format premium tablet market with an innovative design and serious performance. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s check out some reviews.

Like many other popular devices by HTC, the Nexus 9 features a plastic and aluminum case with soft touch rear coating. Every review noted how sturdy and solid the chassis of the tablet feels. However, that sturdy design does come with a little additional weight, with the Nexus 9 coming in at just under a pound.

With a squarish 4:3 design, as opposed to the now-typical 16:9, the device takes aim at providing more productivity uses than many Android tablets currently offer. Opinions of this design varied between reviews. Engadget said it was “a little too dense, too large to grasp with a single hand for long periods of time, while full-on two-hand typing on that screen can be a little precarious.” BGR praised the design, calling it “quite comfortable to hold.”

Housed in the body of the tablet is a 2048-by-1536 pixel IPS LCD display with a diagonal measurement of 8.9 inches. Reviews noted that the IPS display provided great viewing angles for sharing videos or games with friends. However, most noted that the screen was simply adequate overall with Engadget saying it is “a really a good screen, just not an outstanding one.” With many of its competitors boasting higher resolutions or proprietary enhancements, this could be an issue for some.

Tablet photography isn’t exactly a priority for many. The Nexus 9 is unlikely to change that trend with a standard 8MP rear facing camera, 1.3MP front facing camera. Gizmodo tested the cameras and found them “adequate for catching pictures of the cat or the dog or the kids doing something cute when your phone is in the other room.” Ultimately, if you’re looking to take great photos, your camera or even your phone will outperform the tablet.

One area in which Google and HTC chose to compromise to reduce size and weight was the battery. At 6,700mAh, the battery offers lower capacity than many of its competitors. While the lower resolution and Tegra processor managed to squeeze a full day’s use for most reviews, nearly all noted needing to charge nightly.

One area in which the device clearly stands out is performance. Powered by a Tegra K1 64-bit dual-core processor, the Nexus 9 is the first Android phone or tablet to feature both a 64-bit operating system and processor. Every review applauded the performance of the device noting that multitasking, gaming and more were smooth and flawless. PC World called it “a tablet you can confidently use for entertainment and productivity” while Engadget proclaimed it “stunningly smooth.” To help you movies and games really pop, HTC’s BoomSound speakers are included as well.

Overall, reviews were bittersweet on the device. With all the hype, and the track record of Nexus devices, what was delivered seemed merely adequate to many reviewers. While it’s perfectly acceptable for nearly any use and includes the latest Android 5.0 updates, it failed to capture any one thing that reviewers could shout from the rooftops. Engadget summed up this feeling well, concluding that the Nexus 9 is “a tablet that's stunning in some ways and seemingly average in others.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.3 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.3 GHz
8.9"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8.9"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
6700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Pocket Gamer
Pocket Gamer

The Nexus 9 is a strange beast but it's not without its charms. If you're looking for a pacey and reliable stock Android tablet, then there really is nothing better out there right now.However, if having stock Android isn't a deal breaker, then there are an abundance of comparatively priced devices...

- Glen Fox, Pocket Gamer
SlashGear
SlashGear

This device is great, but it might not be meant for you. If you're a developer and want to keep up with Google's Android builds, starting with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, then this is the tablet you're looking for.The Google Nexus 9 made by HTC comes in several different iterations. You can purchase it...

- Chris Burns, SlashGear
Wired
Wired

The Nexus 9 is a really good tablet. It not a speed demon, and doesn’t blow your mind in any one way (except the exceptional audio), but for $400 it’s a very solid choice, and if you’re wanting an Android tablet I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

- Brent Rose, Wired
The Indian Express
The Indian Express

The Nexus 9 is an impressive Android tablet for regular usage and Lollipop makes it a sweeter deal. However, should you actually invest more money in buying the 32GB version? To me, spending Rs 16,000 more (initial price of Rs 44,900) for around 14GB extra usable storage and a SIM card slot for only...

- Debashis Sarkar, The Indian Express
The Indian Express
The Indian Express

The Nexus 9 is an impressive Android tablet for regular usage and Lollipop makes it a sweeter deal. However, should you actually invest more money in buying the 32GB version? To me, spending Rs 16,000 more (initial price of Rs 44,900) for around 14GB extra usable storage and a SIM card slot for only...

- Debashis Sarkar, The Indian Express


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Quick view

Screen Size
8.9"

The Google Nexus 9's screen size is 8.9 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
2.3 GHz

There is a Nvidia Tegra K1 Quad core 2.3 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 8+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16/32 GB

Internal memory is 16/32 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
6700mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 6700 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 30 days standby time, 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Google Nexus 9 Specs

Overview
Release Date November 3, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Nvidia Tegra K1 Quad core 2.3 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info
NFC Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, Geotagging, Panorama
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density 281 pixels
Size 8.9 inches
Sensors Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 6700 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 30 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Indigo Black, Lunar White, Sand
Dimensions [H x W x D] 22.8 x 15.4 x 0.8 cm (9 x 6.1 x 0.3 in)
Weight 425 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Google Nexus 9 Reviews
Where to buy Google Nexus 9
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