Tablets have evolved dramatically, but some older models still hold a certain appeal. Today, we're pitting the Asus Google Nexus 7 (2013), a beloved Android tablet of its time, against the Amazon Fire 7 (2017), a budget-friendly option. Let's see how these devices stack up in a modern context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nexus 7 (2013) boasts superior performance and a higher-quality display, making it the better choice for general use. However, the Fire 7 (2017) offers incredible value for those deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem and primarily consume content from Amazon services.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 20 - EU | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 17 - North America | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, July. Released 2013, July | 2017, May. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 200 x 114 x 8.7 mm (7.87 x 4.49 x 0.34 in) | 192 x 115 x 9.6 mm (7.56 x 4.53 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | No |
| Weight | 290 g (Wi-Fi), 299 g (LTE) (10.55 oz) | 295 g (10.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~323 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~62.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~62.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro | Mediatek MT8127 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Customized Android 5.1 (Lollipop), Fire 5.4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, AF | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.2 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Alexa natural language commands
Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h (multimedia) | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3950 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 2980 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Canary Yellow, Marine Blue, Punch Red |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -92.3dB | - |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -92.3dB | - |
Asus Google Nexus 7 (2013)
- Superior Performance
- High-Resolution Display
- Wireless Charging (Qi)
- Android OS
- Older Device - Limited Software Updates
- Potential Battery Degradation
- Camera Quality is Basic
Amazon Fire 7 (2017)
- Affordable Price
- Amazon Ecosystem Integration
- Lightweight and Portable
- Decent for Media Consumption
- Lower Performance
- Low-Resolution Display
- Limited App Selection (Amazon Appstore)
- Amazon Ads on Home Screen
Display Comparison
The Nexus 7 (2013) features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi), offering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The Fire 7 (2017) has a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 (163 ppi), which appears noticeably less sharp and detailed. The Nexus 7's display is the clear winner.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. The Nexus 7 has a 5MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera, while the Fire 7 has a 2MP rear camera and a VGA front camera. Image quality is mediocre on both, suitable only for basic snapshots. The Nexus 7's slightly better specs give it a marginal edge.
Performance
The Nexus 7 (2013)'s Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset with a Krait quad-core processor provides significantly better performance than the Fire 7's Mediatek MT8127. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and overall responsiveness is superior on the Nexus 7. The Fire 7 struggles with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Nexus 7 (2013) has a 3950 mAh battery, while the Fire 7 (2017) has a 3000 mAh battery. While battery life varies based on usage, the Nexus 7 generally offers slightly longer battery life due to its more efficient processor and software optimization.
Buying Guide
The Asus Nexus 7 (2013) is ideal for users seeking a responsive Android experience, appreciate a good display, and don't mind an older device. The Amazon Fire 7 (2017) is best suited for casual users, families, and those heavily reliant on Amazon's services like Kindle and Prime Video, prioritizing affordability over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nexus 7 (2013) still worth buying?
If you can find one in good condition and don't need the latest features, the Nexus 7 (2013) is still a capable tablet for basic tasks and media consumption, especially if you value performance and a good display.
❓ Can I install Google Play Store on the Fire 7 (2017)?
Yes, it's possible to install a custom ROM and the Google Play Store on the Fire 7 (2017), but it requires technical expertise and voids the warranty.
