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Samsung Google Nexus 10 tablet review
The purest, most affordable 10in Android yet
Store front
As an entertainment consumption device, the Nexus 10 is hard to beat, although a 7in screen tablet is easier to hold for a long time. But there are the strong video playback and efficient streaming services the Google Play Store offer – even seamlessly downgrading playback to standard definition if your broadband isn’t up to HD suddenly. That store is also good for music, and of course games, books and other apps.
Shaping up: Curvy lines and a rubber back conjure up a Marmite moment here
And while it may not have a consistently high-quality range of apps as Apple’s store, the range is impressive and numbers are high (over 700,000). But the extra screen size and rounded edges of the Nexus 10 also count against it, making it feel more unwieldy than the iPad, even if it is a touch lighter. Of course, there’s more to the Nexus 10 than movies and games, but it somehow never feels as complete as a work tool as the iPad – and has some way to go to become a comfortable, temporary substitute for a PC .
Even thinner than the iPad, apparently
Still, there are no complaints in terms of power. The dual-core chip at its heart is impressive, backed up by 2GB of RAM. No slowdown, no struggling, whatever you’re doing. Oh, and one more thing, as they say, Android 4.2 now comes with multiple user accounts. These are simple to set up and mean that family members can have their own tablet with customised wallpapers, their own apps and so on. Though only one person can use it at a time, obviously.
Multiple user accounts and a hi-res screen, what's not to like?
Verdict
This is a powerful, effective tablet, especially if you want it for media consumption. It’s great for watching movies, listening to music and playing games, with the screen resolution looking particularly smart and the front speakers beating other tablets easily. The fast processor and 2GB of RAM ensure the tablet rarely slows down either. Does it kill the iPad? Not really, due to Apple’s iOS ease of use and plentiful supply of high-quality apps... but it comes close. ®
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