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Nexus 9 official: here's what you need to know
Replacing both the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 in one swoop, the new HTCNexus 9 has finally been officially unveiled by Google today. The Nexus 9 is the first Nexus device from HTCsince the original Nexus One and also marks the Taiwanese company’s return to the tablet market.
Although early rumors claimed that the tablet would offer a unibody metallic design that was somewhat akin to the HTCOne only in a tablet form, the final design is actually much closer to the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013). That means you get a device with a matte soft plastic feel and a vertical-aligned Nexus logo on the back. There is however a metallic edge, which is silver on the white version and matte black on the black one.
Bottom-line, if you liked the last-gen Nexus family’s looks, you’ll probably enjoy the new Nexus 9 as well. As for the hardware? The Nexus 9 sees a jump up to the world of 64-bit processing and offers high-end specs all the way around.
| CPU/GPU | Dual-core 2.3 GHz NVIDIA Tegra K1, 64 bit |
|---|---|
Display | 8.9 inches (2048 x 1536), 4:3 aspect ratio |
RAM | 2GB |
Memory | 16/32GB storage |
Battery | non-removable, li-po 6700 mAh |
Camera | 8MP rear cam, 1.6MP front cam |
Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS / GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.0 (LE) |
Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
OS | Android 5.0 Lollipop |
Dimensions and Weight | 8.9 x 6.05 x 0.31 inches, 425 grams (wifi model) |
The Nexus 9 is powered by a 64-bit Tegra K1 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM. The namesake display size is actually 8.9-inches, with a resolution of 2048 x 1536, in a 4:3 aspect ration. Some of the Nexus 9’s other specs include an 8MP rear camera with a f 2.4 lens, a 1.6MP front camera, NFC, 16 and 32GB storage options, optional LTE, and Android 5.0 Lollipop right out of the box.
The Nexus 9 easily one-ups past Nexus tablets and is without a doubt one of the most impressive tablets we’ve seen in 2014. It remains to be seen whether or not the 64-bit upgrade will make for a truly noticeable difference in terms of performance, but it’s nice to see Google pushing forward the 64-bit mobile revolution nonetheless.
Software features
The Nexus 9 will be the first tablet to ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop, and will also be the first Android tablet to be optimized for 64-bit both on the software and hardware level.
Many of us had the opportunity to get to know the Android L developer preview and so some of the functionality in Android 5.0 will be familiar, albeit it with several new coats of polish thrown on top.
Staple changes for Android 5.0 include 64-bit support, the new Material Design interface changes, notification improvements throughout the UI, improved security and business features, battery optimization software, and even minor tweaks like searchable settings and revised quick settings.
As for any Nexus 9-specific changes? As is to be expected from the Nexus series, you pretty much get a flat-out unedited Android experience here, but then again, that’s a large part of the appeal for pure Android fans.
Keyboard case accessory
We’ve known for a while that the Nexus 9 would have an optional Keyboard Folio, and now it’s official. The keyboard attaches to the N9 via magnets and pairs with NFC. The keyboard also includes its own battery that will last roughly five months between harges.
No word on exact pricing or availability for the keyboard just yet.
Price and availability
The Nexus 9 will be available in two color options, black and white, with 16GB or 32GB of storage (Wi-Fi version) or 32GB of storage only (LTE version). Here are the prices:
- 16GB WiFi – $399
- 32GB WiFi – $479
- 32GB LTE – $599
The Nexus 9 will ship from November 3, with pre-orders set to start Friday, October 17.
More Coverage
While the information above gives you a good idea of what to expect from the handset, we have more coverage related to Android 5.0, Nexus 6, new Nexus Player and more!