Here's our breakdown of everything you need to know about Google Nexus 9.
Prices: Nexus 9 is priced at $399 (for 16GB), $479 (for 32GB) and $599 (for 32GB with built-in LTE support).
Deals: You can get $50 off the 16GB model on Amazon by going here, or take $50 off the 32GB version by clicking here.
Pros: Nexus 9, Google's latest flagship tablet, is manufactured by HTC and is the first to run on Android Lollipop. Lollipop is the biggest update Google's mobile platform has received in a while. It comes with a redesigned user interface called 'Material Design', improvements to the notifications which can now be accessed from the lock screen, internal changes to the platform with the Android Runtime (ART) officially replacing Dalvik for improved application performance and with changes intended to improve and optimize battery usage. Its 64-bit Tegra K1 processor is very powerful and gives amazing performance especially for gaming. It falls right in the middle of the tablet size scale. It has a great display and the dual front-facing stereo speakers provide a full-sound experience.
Cons: The 8 MP camera does not match up to what the competitors offer. The photographs are not sharp. They are bordered by bars on the sides of the screen and the autofocus is slightly slow. Some apps still need work and do not run smoothly. The model with the highest capacity offers 32 GB and there is no micro SD slot available.
Specs: Google Nexus 9 is the first tablet to run on Android 5.0 Lollipop. It has a powerful 64-bit Tegra K1 processor. It comes with an 8.9 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen and front-facing, stereo speakers. The battery is 6700 mAh and provides up to 720 h (3G) stand-by.
Talking Points: Android 5.1 Lollipop update will apparently start rolling out soon for all supported devices. Since this is a Maintenance Release, all the members of the Nexus family which received Lollipop support will get upgraded to Android 5.1.
If the reports are accurate, then the Android 5.1 update will not bring any new features as it is mostly aimed at bringing improvement in the overall system performance and fixing some bugs. It seems though that in Android 5.1, the WiFi and Bluetooth toggles in Quick Settings will behave differently.
Conclusion: Nexus 9 is a well-built tablet with a powerful processor. The first tablet to launch Android Lollipop, it will always be the first to get the latest Google OS updates. Although it isn't as good as the Apple iPad Air 2, it is a very strong alternative and is the best Android tablet available to buy right now.
