Nexus 9 has been released
Replacing both the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 in one swoop, the new HTC Nexus 9 has finally been officially unveiled by Google today. The Nexus 9 is the first Nexus device from HTC since the original Nexus One and also marks the Taiwanese company’s return to the tablet market.
Although early rumors claimed that the tablet would offer a unibody metallic design that was somewhat akin to the HTC One only in a tablet form, the final design is actually much closer to the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013). That means you get a device with a matte soft plastic feel and a vertical-aligned Nexus logo on the back. There is however a metallic edge, which is silver on the white version.
Bottom-line, if you liked the last-gen Nexus family’s looks, you’ll probably enjoy the new Nexus 9 as well. As for the hardware? The Nexus 9 sees a jump up to the world of 64-bit processing and offers high-end specs all the way around.
Nexus 9 Specs
CPU/GPU
|
Quad-core
2.5 GHz Nvidia Tegra K1
|
Display
|
8.9-inch
display, 1440 x 2048 pixels
|
RAM
|
4GB
|
Memory
|
16/32GB
storage
|
Battery
|
non-removable li-po
6700 mAh
|
Camera
|
8MP
rear cam, 3MP front cam
|
Connectivity
|
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac,
GPS / GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.0 (LE)
|
Sensors
|
Accelerometer,
gyro, proximity, compass
|
OS
|
Android 5.0
|
Dimensions
and Weight
|
226.3
x 151.9 x 7.9 mm, 418 grams
|
The Nexus 9 easily one-ups past Nexus tablets and is without a doubt one of the most impressive tablets we’ve seen in 2014. It remains to be seen whether or not the 64-bit upgrade will make for a truly noticeable difference in terms of performance, but it’s nice to see Google pushing forward the 64-bit mobile revolution nonetheless.The Nexus 9 is powered by a 64-bit Tegra K1 processor, coupled with an impressive 4GB of RAM. The namesake display size is actually 8.9-inches, with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. Some of the Nexus 9’s other specs include an 8MP rear camera, NFC, 16 and 32GB storage options, optional LTE, and Android 5.0 Lollipop right out of the box.
Software features
The Nexus 9 will be the first tablet to ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop, and will also be the first Android tablet to be optimized for 64-bit both on the software and hardware level.
Many of us had the opportunity to get to know the Android L developer preview and so some of the functionality in Android 5.0 Lollipop will be familiar, albeit it with several new coats of polish thrown on top.
Staple changes for Android 5.0 Lollipop include 64-bit support, the new Material Design interface changes, notification improvements throughout the UI, improved security and business features, battery optimization software, and even minor tweaks like searchable settings and revised quick settings.
As for any Nexus 9-specific changes? As is to be expected from the Nexus series, you pretty much get a flat-out unedited Android experience here, but then again, that’s a large part of the appeal for pure Android fans.