Just over a month after the US launch of the Wi-Fi-only models of the new Nexus 7 tablet, Google has announced the release of the 32GB 4G LTE version. Available via the US Google Play store for $349, it’s being sold unlocked and comes with a T-Mobile SIM card. It ships in one to two days. The company confirmed the tablet will also be available at T-Mobile stores from next month.
To compare, the Wi-Fi-only 32GB Nexus 7 currently sells for $269, while the 16GB version can be picked up for $229.
The Wi-Fi-only version of the new tablet became available in Canada in the middle of last month, before rolling out in several European countries, as well as Japan, on August 28. In the UK, the 16GB model sells for £200, while the 32GB alternative goes for £240. In Japan, meanwhile, the tablet costs 27,800 yen (16GB) and 33,800 yen (32GB).
Favorable reviews
The second iteration of the Mountain View company’s popular slate has had decent reviews across the board. DT commended it for its crystal clear display, thinner and lighter design, zippy Android 4.3 operating system, and more powerful processor.
However, the new 5-megapixel camera was something of a let down, labeled as “terrible” in our review, producing images that are “unfocused, flat, and washed out”.
With the all-important holiday season fast approaching, Google will be closely watching Apple’s big event in Cupertino today to see if the tech giant goes ahead with the launch of a revamped iPad Mini with an improved display. New iPhones are certainly expected, though a refreshed Mini could come next month instead of today. Either way, if the diminutive iPad launches without a high-definition Retina display, consumers interested in getting their hands on a smaller tablet with a super-sharp screen may make a beeline for the Nexus 7.
