HTC Nexus 9 Tablet

MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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Just saw this article on GSMArena about the next Nexus tablet being leaked and it's the HTC Nexus 9. I think it's definetely coming, whether the specs are real it's a possibility. Only downside for me is that it may come with a hefty price tag and looking likely to cost as much as iPad Mini with Retina Display.
Rumors about HTC working with Google on a Nexus tablet have been abundant this year. We've heard quite a few times that an 8-inch or 8.9-inch device would be coming, and that it would be manufactured by HTC, and not Asus - the company responsible for both Nexus 7 iterations.

Now though almost all the details about the upcoming HTC tablet have been leaked. It may be called Nexus 9 when it launches, and its codename is Volantis (or Flounder). It's got an 8.9-inch touchscreen indeed.

However, it comes with a very odd resolution: 2048x1440. That would be a big departure from previous Nexus tablets, which all had 16:10 aspect ratios. The new Nexus is closer to the iPad's proportions, though it's not 4:3 like Apple's tablets either. And that's strange, since the source of this leak claims that the Nexus 9 will have 4:3 aspect ratio. So something's off here, do note that.

The Nexus 9 is said to come with Nvidia's Tegra K1 64-bit chipset, 2GB of RAM, and 16 or 32 GB of storage space. An 8MP camera with optical image stabilization will be on the back, with a 3MP snapper on the front.

The tablet will sport a zero-gap aluminum construction, and it should also have stereo front-facing speakers (though they aren't depicted in the leaked render, as you can see).

Its dimensions apparently will be 226.3 x 151.9 x 7.9 mm, and it shall weigh 418g (in Wi-Fi-only) or 427g (with 4G LTE).

In terms of pricing we're looking at $399 for the 16GB model and $499 for double that. This is for Wi-Fi-only versions, mind you. The ones with LTE may go into $600+ territory, which means the Nexus 9 will be as expensive as the iPad Mini with Retina Display. That's an interesting move considering that all of its predecessors have been very affordable compared to their competitors.

The Volantis should be released alongside the Android Lollipop iteration, or whatever it ends up being called, sometime during the fourth quarter of this year - so don't expect to see it next week at Google I/O. The tablet could come with a few official accessories such as a keyboard case.

According to Android Police, this leak is legit. The hardware exists, and it's already been seen inside Google. Of course certain details may change before release, but the image accompanying the specs does raise some questions, though - it seems to depict a plastic device, and the front speakers are invisible.

And then there's the issue with the display, said to be 4:3 but with a leaked resolution that doesn't have that aspect ratio.

So what does everyone else think? A worthy upgrade?
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Comments

  • IanPIanP Posts: 3,661
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    If you have the money, sure.
  • flagpoleflagpole Posts: 44,641
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    I'm basically planning to boycott anything that tries to charge me $100 for five quid's worth of flash ram.
  • GeordiePaulGeordiePaul Posts: 1,323
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    Looks nice enough however I doubt I'll spend the extra to upgrade from my iPad mini retina, especially since my previous nexus tablets have all been very glitchy, and I remain unconvinced of the quality of android tablet apps. Too expensive as well.
  • LostFoolLostFool Posts: 90,649
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    I'd still rather have a new Nexus 10.
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    It's now 2 months later and according to all tech websites this is actually happening.

    It looks like the next Google Nexus tablet will be made by HTC with Android 5.0 on board. Interesting choice.

    What's definetely confirmed is a 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 SoC with top clock speed of 2.5GHz and LTE connectivity.

    Rumored specs of the Nexus 9 include an 8.9inch display with 2048 x 1440 pixels, 16/32GB of built-on memory, 8MP camera and built-in stereo speakers.

    Should be a cracking tablet by all accounts, can't wait for the reveal of this.
  • bluebladeblueblade Posts: 88,859
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    MrSuper wrote: »
    Just saw this article on GSMArena about the next Nexus tablet being leaked and it's the HTC Nexus 9. I think it's definetely coming, whether the specs are real it's a possibility. Only downside for me is that it may come with a hefty price tag and looking likely to cost as much as iPad Mini with Retina Display.



    So what does everyone else think? A worthy upgrade?

    Possibly - although the screen resolution of the Nexus 7 is outstanding already, with crystal clear images. I don't need a bigger screen, and I've only had the nexus 7 (2013) for less than a year.

    If I hadn't got a tablet, I'd probably go for the nexus 8 or 9 (whatever), especially with LTE. It's also being dubbed the "Volantis". Es

    Plus, Android L (5.0) will be rolled out to the other nexus devices.
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    Looks like the tablet will be released in October with a potential release date of October 16th. Whether this is the date the tablet is officially unveiled or goes on sale is still up in the air. Seems like this could be a beast!
  • Anika HansonAnika Hanson Posts: 15,629
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    No I think I'll stick with my galaxy tab pro 10.1 it has a higher resolution display anyway.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 2,151
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    LostFool wrote: »
    I'd still rather have a new Nexus 10.

    This.

    I was going to hold out for the new nexus tablet. But when I hear about the 8.9" screen, I changed my mind and went for a 10" samsung.
  • LostFoolLostFool Posts: 90,649
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    This.

    I was going to hold out for the new nexus tablet. But when I hear about the 8.9" screen, I changed my mind and went for a 10" samsung.

    I have looked at the Samsung tablets but their range is too confusing and I really don't like TouchWiz.

    While I would prefer a new Nexus 10 I can't see it happening so I think I'll be tempted by a Nexus 9 as my original 2012 Nexus is starting to become slower and more unreliable.
  • Anika HansonAnika Hanson Posts: 15,629
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    As it looks as though the next nexus tablet is going to be 9 inches, I've picked up a nexus 7 2013.
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    As it looks as though the next nexus tablet is going to be 9 inches, I've picked up a nexus 7 2013.

    Yes, i've been saying that since June! :D
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 124
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    I've owned my Nexus 10 for about 18 months and was looking forward to the successor.

    But a 9" screen feels like a step backwards which is a shame really.
  • alanwarwicalanwarwic Posts: 28,396
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    Appanantly it gets launched next Wednesday at HTC's Oct. 8 "Double Exposure" event , in New York I think.

    Most quotes are a rehash of old spec leaks.
  • bluebladeblueblade Posts: 88,859
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    alanwarwic wrote: »
    Appanantly it gets launched next Wednesday at HTC's Oct. 8 "Double Exposure" event , in New York I think.

    Most quotes are a rehash of old spec leaks.

    We'll see. There's been numerous rumours as to possible exact date of release.

    When it is released, Android L will also be released to other Nexus devices.
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    I have to say i am very excited. Ever since i first posted about it in June and it's now October. If it's as good as i think it's going to be i am definetely buying one ASAP. My only worry is the price. I think it might be a tad pricey.

    It's apparently being announced this Wed and being released the following week. How true that is i don't know, it's just rumours for now.

    Please let this tablet be a beast!!!
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    Leaked pic of the alleged tablet. Could be real or could be fake.

    http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_t1_back_revealed_shows_plastic_body_and_nexus_logo-news-9845.php
  • BeethovensPianoBeethovensPiano Posts: 11,689
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    That could be a piece of grey cardboard lol
  • alanwarwicalanwarwic Posts: 28,396
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    I guess the clue was in the word 'Exposure'.
    They are simply launching a camera orientated M8.

    The 9 is now rumoured for the 30th, but considering a new Nexus 10 never materialised I'm gonna take that with a pinch of salt.
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    Next week is going to be a big week for Google. Oct 15th is set to be the day Google unveil Android L, Nexus 9 and Nexus 6 to the masses. The new Nexus tablet IS being made by HTC.
  • bluebladeblueblade Posts: 88,859
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    MrSuper wrote: »
    Next week is going to be a big week for Google. Oct 15th is set to be the day Google unveil Android L, Nexus 9 and Nexus 6 to the masses. The new Nexus tablet IS being made by HTC.

    and you know this how ?
  • MrSuperMrSuper Posts: 18,537
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    blueblade wrote: »
    and you know this how ?

    https://plus.google.com/+ArtemRussakovskii/posts/31EQY2xatw4#+ArtemRussakovskii/posts/31EQY2xatw4

    It's not 100% confirmed but it could happen
  • GeordiePaulGeordiePaul Posts: 1,323
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    Not sure I understand the love for the Nexus 10. It's ancient in tech terms, wasn't particularly well reviewed when new, sluggish compared to anything modern, huge, and ugly, and plagued with stability issues (probably not all of them, but enough that it put me off at the time).

    A Nexus 9 will definitely NOT be a step down in any respect other than actual screen size.

    I could be interested potentially in the Nexus 6 but I dont think it'll come in a capacity larger than 32 Gb which will be a deal breaker.
  • flynnflynn Posts: 903
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    Not sure I understand the love for the Nexus 10. It's ancient in tech terms, wasn't particularly well reviewed when new, sluggish compared to anything modern, huge, and ugly, and plagued with stability issues (probably not all of them, but enough that it put me off at the time).

    A Nexus 9 will definitely NOT be a step down in any respect other than actual screen size.

    I could be interested potentially in the Nexus 6 but I dont think it'll come in a capacity larger than 32 Gb which will be a deal breaker.

    As a Nexus 10 owner, it's not just the screen size that puts me off the 9 (assuming the rumours are true) - lower pixel density and 4:3 are both a step down as far as I'm concerned - in fact 4:3 is enough on it's own for me to say I won't be getting one if that turns out to be accurate.

    As for your other comments on the 10, all I can say is they don't reflect my experience of having one for close to 2 years. Of course it's getting old in terms of tech, that's just the way of things, but mine has never had stability issues and still does everything I need it to, without ever feeling sluggish :confused:
  • GeordiePaulGeordiePaul Posts: 1,323
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    I had an iPad Air, not any more as I dont like iOS, but to be honest the 4:3 ratio was good for everything except movies. Pixel DPI will likely be similar but I wouldnt bet against the screen being better and the whole thing will be smaller/lighter, faster, and generally much nicer to use and carry around. Each to their own of course :)
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