Google Nexus 9 WiFi (2GB + 32GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Nexus 9, a premium-priced tablet featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio and the Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, delivers top-tier performance and 64-bit architecture, yet it is marred by inconsistent build quality. While offering a fast, smooth Android 5.0 Lollipop experience and excellent BoomSound speakers, the device suffers from a "hollow" back panel, noticeable light bleed, and unpolished, non-tactile buttons. Despite solid, all-day battery life and powerful gaming capabilities, the Nexus 9 falls short of its high-end branding due to subpar construction and a mediocre camera, making it a good, but not great, option primarily for pure Android enthusiasts.

The HTC-built Google Nexus 9 acts as the Android 5.0 Lollipop flagship, featuring a powerful Nvidia Tegra K1 processor for exceptional gaming performance and a high-resolution 8.9-inch 4:3 screen. Pros include its "pure" Android experience, premium build with a "soft-touch" back, and front-facing stereo speakers. However, significant cons include poor-performing cameras, noted software lag at launch, lack of expandable storage, and a higher price point. While battery life is acceptable for media consumption, the device lacks fast-charging. For a full analysis of the pros and cons, read the PCMag review at PCMag UK.

The New Atlas review characterizes the Nexus 9 as a premium 8.9-inch tablet adopting an "iPad-like" 4:3 aspect ratio and utilizing the high-performance Nvidia Tegra K1 processor. Key strengths include rapid multitasking, a capable 8MP rear camera with flash, and the clean, pure Android software experience. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, specifically noting that the build quality does not fully justify its high price point compared to competitors, along with only average battery life. Ultimately, the review concludes that while the $400, 16GB/32GB device offers strong performance, it lacks a compelling value proposition and struggles to match the overall polish of the iPad Air 2.

The Guardian's review describes the Google Nexus 9 as a "mixed bag" that fails to match the premium quality of competitors like Apple and Samsung. While featuring a sharp 8.9-inch display and loud, clear front-facing speakers, the tablet is plagued by performance issues, including significant lag, stuttering, and slow app loading despite its powerful processor. The build quality is also criticized, with a plastic back that feels "cheap" and flexes, which is considered a step down from HTC’s usual standards. Pros of the device include a lightweight design—lighter than the iPad Air 2—and solid battery life lasting roughly a full day of use. However, notable cons, such as the lack of expandable storage, a mediocre camera, and a high price tag relative to its performance, undermine its value proposition. Ultimately, the review concludes the Nexus 9 falls short of providing a polished experience, making it difficult to recommend over the competition.

The Stuff.tv review highlights the Google Nexus 9 as a powerful, 4:3 aspect ratio tablet featuring an excellent 8.9-inch IPS display and a high-performance Nvidia Tegra K1 processor. Key advantages include its loud front-facing stereo speakers and a faster, more productive Android experience compared to predecessors. However, the review notes drawbacks, including a build quality that feels less premium than competitors, noticeable backlight bleed, and the absence of a microSD card slot. Additionally, the 8MP rear camera is considered underwhelming due to slow autofocus, and the device faced early software performance issues with Android 5.0. Ultimately, while lauded as a significant step for Android hardware, the device's higher price point puts it in direct competition with premium tablets, marking a shift from the Nexus line's budget focus.

The Google Nexus 9, built by HTC, features a high-end 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor and a 4:3 aspect ratio screen, offering a fluid, "pure" Android 5.0 Lollipop experience. While the device delivers strong performance and front-facing BoomSound speakers, it is marred by build inconsistencies, including a spongy back panel, light bleed, and a lack of expandable storage. Despite excellent multitasking capabilities, the premium-priced tablet is hindered by an app ecosystem still lagging behind iPad optimization.

The KitGuru review highlights the HTC Google Nexus 9 as a performance-focused device featuring a "beastly" Nvidia Tegra K1 processor that excels at gaming and multitasking. However, the review critiques the physical design, noting that the matte plastic back feels cheap and lacks the premium quality expected of a flagship, especially when compared to competitors like the iPad Air. While the 8.9-inch display provides excellent viewing angles and sharpness, it suffers from high reflectivity and slightly washed-out colors. Pros include front-facing stereo speakers that deliver an immersive audio experience, along with reliable, multi-day battery life for moderate use. The 8MP rear camera is deemed capable, though it can struggle with exposure in bright conditions. Ultimately, the Nexus 9 is positioned as an "Android king" for power users, though its build quality and display drawbacks prevent it from feeling like a top-tier premium device.

The SlashGear review positions the Nexus 9 as a high-end "iPad-killer" that shifts the line from budget to premium, serving as a primary showcase for Android 5.0 Lollipop. Key advantages include robust performance from the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, excellent battery life, and a sharp 8.9-inch 4:3 display, along with high-quality front-facing speakers. However, the device is criticized for a mid-level design with noticeable backlight bleeding, an average camera, and a higher price point that challenges its market position.

The Tech Advisor review positions the Google Nexus 9 as a premium-priced tablet that struggles to compete with rivals, despite serving as a clean, flagship Android 5.0 Lollipop experience. Pros highlighted include impressive front-facing stereo speakers, solid 6,700mAh battery life, and a 4:3 screen ratio suited for media consumption and browsing. However, the device is hindered by significant cons, such as a lack of expandable storage, backlight bleed, a mediocre camera, and reported build quality issues like rear panel flex. Tech Advisor

The Google Nexus 9, a premium 8.9-inch tablet built by HTC, features a sharp, 4:3 aspect ratio display ideal for web browsing and is powered by the fast 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor. Key highlights include loud front-facing BoomSound speakers and a strong 12-hour video playback battery life, though it suffers from slight build quality issues, specifically a flexing plastic back and difficult-to-press buttons. Major drawbacks include the lack of a microSD card slot and a mediocre 8-megapixel rear camera with slow autofocus.

In a 2014 review, Time characterized the HTC-manufactured Google Nexus 9 as a solid, functional tablet that introduced Android 5.0 Lollipop's "Material Design" and featured a productive 4:3 aspect ratio. While praising its excellent battery life and high-quality front-facing BoomSound speakers, the review noted that the plastic construction felt less premium than competitors. Despite holding a powerful 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, the device was held back by inconsistent performance and the absence of expandable storage. Time Magazine

What Hi-Fi? describes the Google Nexus 9 as an ambitious yet underwhelming tablet, struggling to justify its premium price against competitors like the iPad Air 2. While Android 5.0 Lollipop and the 8.9-inch screen are initial positives, the device is ultimately outclassed in key areas, including audio quality and build, which feels less premium than its metal-rimmed edges suggest. Key criticisms, or "cons," include the disappointing 8MP camera with slow autofocus, distorted audio at high volumes, and a lack of microSD storage. What Hi-Fi?

The IGN review of the Google Nexus 9 highlights its powerful, top-tier performance powered by the Nvidia Tegra K1 chipset and the clean Android 5.0 Lollipop experience, making it a strong contender for gaming. The device also impresses with its front-facing stereo speakers that deliver loud, clear audio, though the 8-megapixel rear camera is merely average. Despite its speed, the tablet suffers from subpar build quality, featuring difficult-to-locate, flush-mounted side buttons. Additionally, while the 4:3 screen ratio is ideal for reading, it causes significant letterboxing during video playback. A major drawback noted is the lack of expandable storage and the scarcity of optimized Android tablet apps, forcing many to use stretched phone applications. Ultimately, the review finds that while it excels in software, the hardware drawbacks prevent it from being a perfect, premium device.

The PCMag review highlights the Google Nexus 9 as a high-performance tablet, powered by a 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor that excels in gaming and benchmarks. It serves as a flagship for Android 5.0 Lollipop, offering a "pure" software experience and immediate updates, making it ideal for developers and enthusiasts. While the HTC-manufactured hardware features a sharp 2,048-by-1,536-pixel display, it falls short of competitors in brightness and color saturation. Significant drawbacks include the lack of microSD storage expansion, a sealed battery, and the omission of physical HDMI/SlimPort outputs, limiting media options. Furthermore, the camera quality is poor, producing noisy images compared to rivals like the iPad Air 2. Despite solid, front-facing stereo speakers, the device's physical design lacks the premium feel found in some competitors. Ultimately, the Nexus 9 received a "Good" (3.5/5) rating, failing to secure the top spot in the tablet market. The review suggests alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S for superior screen quality or the Nvidia Shield for better connectivity and value.

The Liliputing review characterizes the Google Nexus 9 as a high-performance tablet featuring a fast 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor and a quality 8.9-inch 4:3 display, making it excellent for gaming and media. Pros include the rapid performance and clear front-facing "BoomSound" speakers. However, cons involve its higher $399 price point compared to previous models, the absence of a microSD card slot, and mediocre camera quality. The review concludes that while the device offers strong, future-proofed performance for power users, the premium price and lack of storage expansion might make it less appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

The Nexus 9, featuring a 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor and a 4:3 display, delivers top-tier performance and a premium build with excellent BoomSound speakers. While the software experience is fluid, the device suffers from inconsistent hardware quality, including difficult-to-press buttons and display light bleed. Ultimately, despite its speed, the tablet is limited by a lack of tablet-optimized Android apps and a premium price point that does not fully match its fit-and-finish.

The Google Nexus 9, an 8.9-inch tablet manufactured by HTC, features a 4:3 aspect ratio display, the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, and loud front-facing BoomSound speakers, marking a shift toward premium, iPad-like design. While the tablet runs the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop and excels in graphics, it is criticized for a somewhat plain soft-touch plastic back, significant screen light bleed, and tiny, difficult-to-press physical buttons. Ultimately deemed a strong choice for Android purists seeking early software updates and high-end performance, it is noted for its capable, though not premium-feeling, hardware and excellent 4:3 screen for productivity.

The HTC-manufactured Google Nexus 9 features a high-performance 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, Android 5.0 Lollipop, and a bright 8.9-inch 2048x1536 display, though it suffers from significant build quality issues like a creaking, flexible back cover. Performance is top-tier with fast storage and strong BoomSound audio, but the display exhibits noticeable screen bleeding, and the camera lacks advanced features. While offering a smooth software experience, the device lacks a microSD card slot and, despite its power, faces challenges due to a higher price point and hardware imperfections compared to competitors.

The Economic Times review by Karan Bajaj positions the HTC-manufactured Google Nexus 9 as a premium, high-performance 8.9-inch tablet shifting away from Google's budget-friendly strategy. Featuring an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, the device delivers top-tier performance and debuts Android 5.0 Lollipop with a 4:3 ratio display, boasting excellent build quality with a metal frame and loud, front-facing BoomSound speakers. Despite solid battery life, the review notes significant cons, including a steep starting price, lack of expandable storage, and limited low-light camera capabilities.

The Google Nexus 9 is identified as a powerful 8.9-inch tablet featuring Android 5.0 Lollipop and an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, offering a premium, pure Android experience. Key advantages include a bright 4:3 IPS display suitable for productivity, loud HTC BoomSound speakers, and competitive battery life lasting over 9 hours. However, significant drawbacks include a plastic back panel that feels less premium, the lack of microSD storage, and slow, inconsistent camera performance. Additionally, users noted the device can run warm and takes over three hours to charge fully.