Google Nexus 7 vs. LG G Pad 8.3: Top Reasons Why Nexus 7 Is More Practical and Better Choice
Both Google Nexus 7 and LG G Pad 8.3 runs Android OS the smaller size, lesser CPU and vanilla UI of Nexus 7 are reasonable downsides which also makes it better than LG G Pad 8.3's upside. Here are the reasons why Nexus 7 is more practical and effective than LG's new tablet.
Size Matters
It is true in most cases that size matters and LG G Pad 8.3 features larger screen than Nexus 7. However, 1.3-inch isn't always the basis for better display output. Nexus 7 is more portable and boasts of 323 pixel density compared to the 273 of the G Pad 8.3. Moreover, smaller screen consumes less power than bigger ones.
Corning Gorilla Glass
LG G Pad 8.3 may be proud of its large display screen but users should be aware that it doesn't feature a very resilient glass. Nexus 7 boasts of Corning Gorilla Glass which provides better scratch resistance and improves endurance of the screen compared to other tablets or G Pad.
Software Version
Android 4.4.2 KitKat is available for Nexus 7 and if you choose LG G Pad 8.3, you need to let go of LG's personalised UI in exchange for Google Play Edition which runs Android vanilla UI. Having no LG UI means, no LG exclusive services or apps and would look exactly like any other Nexus. So why pay more if you can get vanilla UI on Nexus 7?
Software Updates
Google made Nexus owners special for exclusive factor - exclusive updates. At any time Android gets a new stable version, Nexus 7 will get first compared to LG G Pad 8.3 or possibly even on its Google Play edition counterpart. LG G Pad original on the other hand gets update slower as it depends on LG's software development progress.
SD Card Isn't Everything
Most tablets use microSD card and Nexus devices are flawed on this one. But if you are downloading and keeping HD videos, tons of music files or other multimedia-related data, even the 16 GB plus 64 GB external on LG G Pad 8.3 won't be able to keep them all forever. In addition, microSD cards can be corrupted at any time and that's why experts recommend having a computer or external hard drive for keeping important files. Nexus 7 offers 32 GB model and Cloud storage as well in a lower price than G Pad.
Performance
LG G Pad 8.3 is powered by 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 and 2 GB of RAM while Nexus 7 is backed up by 1.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 2 GB of RAM as well. In technical terms, G Pad wins processor choice as it is more advanced than Nexus 7's but in the real world, software optimisations may affect performance significantly regardless how impressive the hardware parts may be - that's the reason why we get software upgrades. Between the two, it doesn't matter which features the latest CPU and you should be checking on which company release updates faster.
LTE Connectivity
For developed countries like in the United States, LTE is now becoming essential. Unfortunately, LG G Pad 8.3 original does not feature any GSM capabilities while Nexus 7 can do mobile data connection and 4G-LTE connectivity. If your line is in premium with 4G plan, Nexus 7 will be much better to use.
Personalisation
For advanced tablet users, Nexus 7 is easier to customise via root access and flashing of custom-made firmware. And in case your tablet goes haywire, you can simply download the original stock ROM from Google's official Web site for restoration purposes and it is totally free.
Battery Life
Both tablets have non-removable batteries with LG Pad 8.3 winning battery rating of 4600 mAh than Nexus 7's 3950 mAh. But for the convenience of charging, Nexus 7 allows wireless recharging technology that is compatible to various third-party rechargers in the market.
Pricing
At the end of the line, price matters and most especially if practicality counts. Nexus 7 starts at $229 with 16 GB internal storage and up to $349 with 32 GB. LG G Pad 8.3 costs $350 and it is $100 more expensive than the cheapest Nexus 7. Furthermore, Nexus 7 32 GB at $349 features 4G-LTE connectivity unlike the $350 LG G Pad 8.3.