In 2013, the Asus Google Nexus 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 represented distinct approaches to the burgeoning 7-inch Android tablet market. The Nexus 7 aimed for a performance-focused experience, while the Tab 3 prioritized broader Samsung ecosystem integration. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on processing power, display quality, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a slightly better display, the Asus Google Nexus 7 is the superior choice. Its Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset delivers a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks, and its contrast ratio, while not dramatically different, is still respectable. The Galaxy Tab 3 offers a more familiar Samsung interface, but lags behind in raw processing capability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SM-T211, SM-T215 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-T211, SM-T215 |
| 4G bands | - | 3, 7 - SM-T215 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps (SM-T215) |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, June. Released 2012, July | 2013, April. Released 2013, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 198.5 x 120 x 10.5 mm (7.81 x 4.72 x 0.41 in) | 188 x 111.1 x 9.9 mm (7.40 x 4.37 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 340 g (11.99 oz) | 306 g (10.79 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~59.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 3 | Marvell PXA986 |
| GPU | ULP GeForce | PowerVR SGX540 |
| OS | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 5.1.1 (Lollipop) | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UX UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 3.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 2.0 (TV-out) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 108 h |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | Up to 8 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Ion 4325 mAh battery (16 Wh) | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White |
| Models | - | GT-P3200, SM-T211, SM-T215, SM-T217S, SM-T217T |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.63 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.71 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1098 (nominal) |
Asus Google Nexus 7
- Superior processing power with the Nvidia Tegra 3
- Better performance for gaming and demanding apps
- Generally regarded as having better viewing angles
- Lower contrast ratio compared to the Tab 3
- Lacks expandable storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0
- Higher contrast ratio (1098:1)
- Samsung’s TouchWiz interface offers broader feature set
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Significantly weaker performance due to the dual-core Marvell PXA986
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature 7-inch displays, but diverge in contrast ratio. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 1098:1, exceeding the Asus Google Nexus 7’s 908:1. While the Tab 3’s contrast appears superior on paper, the real-world difference is likely subtle. Neither manufacturer specifies panel technology (IPS, TFT), but the Nexus 7’s display was generally regarded as having better viewing angles. Bezels are comparable, typical of the era, and neither device offers particularly high resolution, limiting pixel density.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet excels in the camera department. Both feature basic rear cameras, and detailed specifications are scarce. Focusing on the processors, the Tegra 3’s GPU could potentially offer faster image processing, but the overall image quality is likely similar, limited by sensor size and lens quality. The lack of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image clarity suffers in low-light conditions. The camera is not a deciding factor for either tablet.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Asus Google Nexus 7 utilizes the Nvidia Tegra 3, a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is powered by the Marvell PXA986, a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor. The Tegra 3’s additional cores and more powerful GPU provide a significant performance advantage in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. The PXA986, while efficient, struggles to keep pace. The Nexus 7’s architecture is better suited for multitasking and demanding applications, offering a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the Tegra 3’s higher power consumption, the Nexus 7 likely has a shorter battery life under heavy load. The Marvell PXA986 in the Tab 3 is more power-efficient, potentially offering longer runtime for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. Charging wattage is also unknown, making a direct comparison of 0-100% charge times impossible. The Tab 3’s efficiency likely translates to better standby time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Asus Google Nexus 7 if you need a tablet for gaming, media consumption, or tasks requiring a responsive user interface. Its Tegra 3 processor provides a smoother experience for demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 if you prefer the Samsung TouchWiz interface, value expandable storage (a feature the Nexus 7 lacks), and prioritize integration with other Samsung devices. It's a more versatile option for general use, but at the cost of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Marvell PXA986 in the Galaxy Tab 3 struggle with modern Android apps?
Yes, the dual-core Marvell PXA986 is significantly underpowered by today’s standards. While it could handle basic tasks when the Tab 3 was released, running newer, more demanding Android applications will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The Nexus 7’s Tegra 3 offers a more tolerable experience, but even it will struggle with the latest software.
❓ Does the Nexus 7’s lack of expandable storage significantly limit its usability?
Yes, the absence of a microSD card slot on the Nexus 7 is a major drawback. With limited internal storage, users are forced to rely on cloud storage or carefully manage their files. The Galaxy Tab 3’s expandable storage provides much greater flexibility for storing media, apps, and other data.
❓ Is the Tegra 3 chipset in the Nexus 7 still capable of running basic games?
The Tegra 3 is still capable of running many older and less demanding Android games. However, newer, graphically intensive titles will likely experience performance issues, such as low frame rates and stuttering. It's best suited for 2D games and simpler 3D experiences.
