Dell Venue 8 vs 2013 Google Nexus 7: Features and specs review

If you had a choice between the Dell Venue 8 and 2013 Google Nexus 7 tablets, which one would you pick? Both run on Android, are modestly proportioned and fill the space for mid-range devices of their kind. Out of all the things you should be considering while picking a tablet, a few that stand above the rest. We’ve put down a few useful tips you may need before making up your mind.

Operating system and processor:

The Google tablet runs Android KitKat 4.4 currently, while the Venue 8 works with the older Jelly Bean 4.3 OS. At the same time, it doesn’t mean an update to KitKat is out of the question, though Dell hasn’t offered details on that. The Nexus 7 is powered by a 1.5GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with Adreno 320 graphics. Its rival has the 2GHz dual core Intel Atom Z2580 chipset. That’s 2 points for the Mountain View device.

RAM, memory space and battery:

Just like the Dell Venue 8, the Google Nexus 7 2013 is also available with 16GB or 32GB internal memory. But the former scores extra for accommodating 32GB expandability. Both these chunks of Android hold on to 2GB of RAM. On the battery front, the Dell device has a 4100mAh one with no mention of usage time, while the other embeds a 3950mAh powerhouse delivering up to 9 hours between charges. Since there’s no vast difference between the batteries and how you use the tablet matters most, this shouldn’t be a make or break factor.

Screen, camera and design:

Earning another point, the Nexus features a 7.2-inch 1920 x 1200p resolution touchscreen, unlike the Venue which flaunts a lower resolution (1280 x 800p) 8-inch display. The former integrates 5MP and 1.2MP cameras, while the latter has 5MP and 2MP ones. Again, minor distinction in the webcam specification. The Nexus 7 is 290g light and takes up 114mm x 200mm x 8.65mm of space. Its competitor is 130mm x 212mm x 9.5mm and weighs 350g. Neither gets our vote for aesthetics, but the Google tablet is 60g less heavy and it makes difference to some people. That’s another point

Price comparison

Want to go with the Nexus? It’ll cost you Rs 21,000, Rs 24,000 or Rs 28,000 for the 16GB Wi-Fi, 32GB or 32GB Wi-Fi/LTE/HSPA+ models. On the other hand, the Dell offering commands Rs 19,500 or Rs 23,500 depending on whether you pick the 16GB or 32GB capacity, respectively. Neither have 3G or 4G capability and are plain Wi-Fi flavored. Only considering the Wi-Fi options, we’re giving the cheaper Venue another point for tempting buyers with better pricing.

Conclusion:

If you’ve been keeping count, then you’ll know by now that we think the Google Nexus 7 2013 is a better buy than the Dell Venue 8 based on the OS, processor and touchscreen. And it’s not much costlier than the Dell device.