Nexus 9 is the newest member of the famous series of Nexus, which watches over Google. Earlier smartphones and tablets from this line were very popular. Contributed to this above all, the price very attractive in relation to the performance and capabilities of devices. But all good things come to an end. Google has decided to price the latest Nexus devices more "standard".
HTC Nexus 9HTC Nexus tablet 9 is the latest in a series of Nexus, designed jointly with HTC (the Nexus 7 2013 was responsible Asus) and equipped with an Nvidia Tegra K1. The existing devices of this series we had time to get used to the high-speed components, high capabilities and attractive prices. And while the Nexus has always been quite specific and targeted to the most demanding and conscious users could not complain about the lack of popularity. Unfortunately, with the latest series of Nexus ran out of "promotional" prices for devices and now we will have to pay for them as a "flagship".
Do abandonment Asus (which contractor two previous-generation Nexus 7) for creating the latest HTC Nexus 9 tabletowego was a right decision? Certainly quite unexpected, because with a candle to look for tablets with HTC Logo, and if they manage to find them, they will be construction a few years ago, which is not gained great popularity. The second major difference with the predecessor is to increase the diagonal screen size of 7 inches to 8.9 inches while varying the ratio of the longitudinal 16: 10 closer to the square 4: 3 It is natural that for a new Nexus is simply bigger, but held this, unfortunately, at the expense of convenience. The screen aspect ratio of 4: 3 and about 8 inches diagonally (the screen of the Nexus 9 has a diagonal of 8.9 inches) in the world of tablets is associated (or rather associated) with only one device: iPad mini. Both iPad mini retina (iPad mini 2) of 2013, and the one from 2014 called the new iPad mini 3 (iPad mini 3), the predecessor differ only in that they utilize the fingerprint reader while maintaining almost the same weight , 330 g, and a thickness of 7.5 mm. Who had a chance even for a moment to keep the tablets in hand, he knows how great they are profiled housing (especially corners), and low weight, along with a small thickness provide a feeling of lightness and portability. An extreme example was Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, weighing 272 grams with a thickness of 6.4 mm, while its screen has a longer diagonal (0.1 inches) of display iPad mini.Nexus 9, in which the diagonal matrix measuring 8.9 inches, is the missing link between tablets roughly 8-inch and 10-inch. Even if you were in front of the Nexus structures of similar diagonal, it is vain to look for them among the popular models. Specific HTC indecision as to whether the device is to be small and handy or big with a comfortable screen, hinders us his assessment of the ergonomics. After much deliberation, we concluded that the Nexus 9 is a little too thick and too heavy. You might think that such equipment is aimed at those who want more convenience typical for smaller models than the big screen, and this news does not provide. Do not play use the best available components; the idea is to put them in a slim and handy housing while maintaining a reasonable weight.
This does not mean that the Nexus 9 used to be very uncomfortable. Just having a point of reference in the form of better-designed tablet competition (but also with a shorter diagonal screen), recognizes their superiority over the Nexus, though this is not, of course, fully aligned rivalry.
As befits this class of equipment, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This coating is widely appreciated, so suffice it to say that there is nothing better use HTC could not. Operation of the screen thanks to excellent slip and scratch resistance is pure pleasure, for this was used very good matrix, about which more will write on another page. According to the latest trends we used speakers in a stereo. They were found in the upper and lower edges. Sound can be assessed with a plus four. First of all, they do not run out of bass, which is a common affliction tabletowych transmitters. Stereo system makes the sound is wider and fuller, and after using a folding cover in the role of support can even be tempted to watch a movie. It is true that we have some reservations about the treble, but the result is still satisfactory.
Although the speakers fared better than well, they did not surprise us. Do not disappoint the audio output. The vast majority of tablets to connect headphones playing at least good and a typical user should not complain about the sound. More expensive structures can reveal the musical potential, as demonstrated, for example, model Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro 1380F. Nexus 9 is no exception. The sound in the headphones is clean and detailed - in this respect is definitely one of the best tablets. The rear camera with a resolution of 8.1 MP takes pictures just pretty good quality. Frankly, we expected more and the level of the leading Samsung phones still a little lacking. Photographs come out slightly blurred and pale. A nice addition is the flash. Behind this front, with a resolution of 1.6 MP, it is simply great: the image is detailed, clear, with a well-mapped colors. It is the best camera that was given to us to test the tablet. On the edges of the tablet Nexus 9 routed frame with brushed aluminum, and the right side are two mechanical keys: a double to change the volume and switch. Particularly large reservations we have about the latter, because ... it was loose! We do not know whether it is a result of extensive testing in other editorial or design flaw - either way, it should not happen. At the bottom edge placed only micro-USB port. Nexus 9 in vain to look for a digital video output or slot for a micro-SD card, but this is sort of the hallmarks of the series (which, of course, many do not respond). Along with the tablet received the cover, which can be converted into a stand. However, we feel that the hardware design something went wrong, because even at the end of the test we had a problem to make it in the pyramid. After all, it should be simple and intuitive, yet not enough that we do not know how to build this structure, the additive is difficult to judge which side should come into contact with the tablet! Not only that: when you finally manage to do all this, you have to be very careful, because even a light touch makes the tablet detaches and collapses. Really glad that during the tests do not set the Nexus 9 closer to the edge of the table, because it could end badly ... A pre pyramid can also be used as a stand for easy use on-screen keyboard, but again did not at first know how it correctly to plant the tablet ... HTC must here have much to learn and even take the example of the cover models of Samsung Galaxy Tab S and Nvidia Shield Tablet.
Android 5.x or LollipopOne of the biggest advantages of Nexus is almost immediate update to the latest version of Android. It is no different in the case of the Nexus 9. Immediately after you remove the equipment from the box, you can use the possibilities of version 5.0 of the system (there is an update to 5.0.1), and because the previous name beginning with the letter K (KitKat - 4.4), the latest had to be named word on L, and here we have a lollipop. So the convention, both literal and confectionery was maintained. Android Nexus 9 version is devoid overlay manufacturer or other zamulaczy additives. We already had the opportunity to describe both the system itself with technical changes with respect to its predecessor, and Nexus 6, the software has been slightly improved by Motorola. In terms of liquidity actions and appearance Lollipop is the best thing that ever happened to Android. The author of these words on the smooth operation is particularly sensitive and private smartphone doing different things to ease of use as large as possible, but the duo lollipop with Tegra K1 Denver caused him literally jaw-dropping. Really hard to imagine a smoother running Android, and the icing on the cake are subtle, pervasive mikroanimacje. Of course, you still need to remember that the Nexus is extremely poor in additional software, which can be treated as both a disadvantage and an advantage, depending on your tastes. When in use in the eye throws ubiquitous Material Design, improved and more functional drawer notifications, and (finally!) Refreshed and improved keyboard. It's clean, tidy and functional, and interested in closer to the system refer to the articles to which links were two paragraphs earlier.
The screen like a dream?The strength of the Nexus 7 (2013) was a screen and luckily Nexus 9 maintains this glorious tradition. Tablet HTC is equipped with a matrix of IPS with 2048 × 1536 and 8.9 inches. That equipment designed with the most demanding users, confirmed mainly two graphs: one shows the nearly perfect coverage of the sRGB palette, and the second - the gamma distribution, the value of which fluctuates around standard, 2.2. Put simply: the displayed colors look like in reality and there is no question of cukierkowatości or artificial conquest, unlike in Samsung devices (Super AMOLED) and Sony (Triluminos). You can only lightly attached to color temperature, of 7400 K (instead of the standard 6500 K), through which it flows gently into the blue, and the relatively poor black (0.12 cd / m2), but it would be difficult to find a tablet with better screen.
Varied performance batteryThe biggest disappointment brought the test length of typical use, especially when the product is directed to the most demanding. Over 6.5 hours at most satisfactory result. If the tested equipment costs 1800 zł and belongs to the tablet league, you would expect much more. But doing very well during video playback HD: energy in the battery enough for more than 11.5 hours, which gave the device a place in the forefront of the competition. The result of the test reader, 27.5 hours at first glance seem impressive, but this time the predecessor, the Nexus 7 (2013), performed better.
Unrivalled Tegra K1 DenverAt the beginning it should be clarified that the market can meet the two chips Nvidia called Tegra K1. Weaker version, with four Cortex-A15 cores, we tested the Nvidia Shield Tablet and Nexus 9 is equipped with a faster, dual-core Denver switched-mode with a frequency of 2.5 GHz. Some may now wonder how two cores faster than four? It is widely known that the number of cores is not everything, and the most important is the performance of a single thread. Architecture Denver mercilessly and wins the challenge with Corteksem. Both versions of the Tegra K1 were equipped with the same layout: GK20A (Kepler) with 192 CUDA cores. Tegra K1 Denver in the tests is simply unbeatable. It is true that recently presented its successor, ie Tegra X1, and at any moment there will be new Exynosy, but in no way detract from our praises terms of the tested system. This high performance in a duet with a lollipop translates simply the fastest Android device on the market and ideal comfort. Unfortunately, as is often the case with mobile systems, Tegra K1 Denver is not immune from the phenomenon of throttling. While soaking in GXFBenchu productivity could fall by up to 25%. Tegra K1 after the slowdown timing is still very powerful, but you should remember about this phenomenon. Summary
HTC Nexus 9 is the equipment difficult from the point of view of the tester, because it is difficult to clearly assess. Tablet has been designed for the most demanding users, as evidenced by even a fantastic display with a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels and a Tegra K1 Denver, which currently has no equal. However, components of the highest class and priority upgrade to the latest version of Android cost, and is much more than its predecessor, the Nexus 7 (2013).
Nexus 9 is priced at 450e in the basic version with Wi-Fi and 16 GB of internal memory. This sum for the tablet with Android and a screen diagonal of 8.9 inches should mean equipment ideal, but it is different. Time operation of typical usage leaves much to be desired, moreover, the equipment could be more convenient.
Is a typical user should take into account the Nexus 9? Despite all the advantages of the 450e is far too expensive and in our opinion for someone convenience and uptime will be more important. However, keep in mind that the Nexus 9 has a screen size of 8.9 inches, and we propose alternative options - roughly 8-inch. When the release is 499e, you can choose the model Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Its biggest advantage is the low weight and small thickness, which is the most handy tablet in its class. Another option is the iPad mini retina (iPad mini 2) of 2013, which can be purchased for 299e and which in comparison with the successor of the 2014 model new mini iPad 3 (iPad mini 3), missing only the fingerprint reader. The last proposal is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4, also costing about 299e, of which the most important feature - and for many the main advantage - the screen is Super AMOLED.
As you can see, there is a choice and in our opinion, from the point of view of a typical tablet's advantages Nexus 9 are not worth the surcharge. Those most advanced will appreciate, of course, unrivaled performance, a fantastic screen and almost instant updates
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