OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:16 GBScreen size:8 inchesChipset:Nvidia Tegra K1

NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 50 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB)
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

35%

5.6

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.7

Reviews score

10%

8.7

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 61% of tablets
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–²Better than 80%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

22%

5.1

Performance

20%

5.0

Display

16%

6.9

Camera

14%

3.9

Battery

12%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Software

5%

7.6

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 67%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (50)
33 reviews: 14 with a printed score, 19 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 98%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-16gb-wifi
Where to buy
    N/A~ £180
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB)

Based on 30 · 19

Reviewers praise the fast performance, strong speakers and clean software, but criticize the build and battery life; the controller divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB)

Based on 204 owners sharing their experience in online comments

53%positive15%mixed32%negative

Owners value its standout gaming power and versatile everyday use, while battery life and lag cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Several owners report battery failures, with some units replaced after the battery overheated or the battery life dropped quickly.37
  • Owners report slow performance, lag and app crashes, especially with everyday browsing, after updates or with heavy games.28
  • Owners report the glass, rubber trim and stickers coming loose, plus cracked corners and scratches on the back.11
  • Owners say the official case and extra accessories cost extra, and replacement parts such as the screen are hard to find.10
  • Owners report weak or unstable Wi-Fi, especially on 2.4 GHz, with connections dropping and the Wi-Fi turning off after sleep.7
  • Owners say the touchscreen registers phantom touches or is too sensitive, sometimes picking up palm contact on the edges.7
  • Owners say the tablet gets too hot to hold during demanding games, and some units overheat during heavy use.6
  • Owners report backlight bleed, uneven screen patches, and black line patterns visible at some angles in sunlight.5
  • Owners report slow charging, the tablet draining while plugged in, and a weak USB port that is not robust.5
  • Owners say the 16 GB internal storage fills quickly, and the 32 GB model is still too small for many users.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

22%

5.1

Performance

20%

5.0

Display

16%

6.9

Camera

14%

3.9

Battery

12%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Software

5%

7.6

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

5.6
Reviews score
8.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.0
RAM capacity
2 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 2 GB of RAM, which is less than 61.3% of tablets and equal to 15.5% of tablets.
Process node
28 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process, which is larger than 65.1% of tablets and equal to 17.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
16 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 16 GB of internal storage, which is less than 78.8% of tablets and equal to 14.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
Nvidia Tegra K1
This tablet runs on Nvidia Tegra K1, which is less advanced than 63.8% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1920×1200
This tablet has a 1920×1200 screen, which is sharper than 39.1% of tablets and equal to 18.8% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 283 ppi, which is higher than 84.4% of tablets and equal to 3% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is more durable than 45.4% of tablets and the same as 32.8% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 5 MP resolution, which is lower than 63.7% of tablets and equal to 26% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 5 MP resolution, which is higher than 48.6% of tablets and equal to 19.7% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.4
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.4, which is narrower than 70% of tablets and equal to 17.5% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,197 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 5,197 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 62.6% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 10 W, which is slower than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 33.3% of tablets.
Battery life
9.6 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 9.6 hours, which is shorter than that of 61.4% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.6% of tablets and equal to that of 32.4% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
?
Show more
What reviewers say
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
390 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 390 g, which is lighter than 75.7% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • 28.1% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (283 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 24.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 98% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (50)
    33 reviews: 14 with a printed score, 19 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.0
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Stylus included
    This tablet includes a stylus, while the average tablet does not. 17.2% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports manual ISO
    This tablet supports manual ISO, while the average tablet does not. 45.9% of tablets support manual ISO.
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Nvidia Tegra K1 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Nvidia Tegra K1 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Supports drawing
    This tablet is suitable for drawing, while the average tablet is not. 40% of tablets are suitable for drawing.
  • 20.4% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (390 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    390 g vs 490 g
  • 24.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 98% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (50)
    33 reviews: 14 with a printed score, 19 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.0
  • 16.0% higher sentiment score
    8.7 vs 7.5
  • 5.3% better value for money
    NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB) has better value for money than the average tablet (7.95 vs 7.6).
    7.95 vs 7.55
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Nvidia Tegra K1 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Nvidia Tegra K1 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 10% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More advanced memory type
    This tablet uses more advanced memory than the average tablet (DDR3L vs LPDDR3).
    DDR3L vs LPDDR3
  • 28.1% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (283 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Supports manual ISO
    This tablet supports manual ISO, while the average tablet does not. 45.9% of tablets support manual ISO.
  • Supports slow-motion video
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, while the average tablet does not. 37.3% of tablets support slow-motion recording.
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
  • Stylus included
    This tablet includes a stylus, while the average tablet does not. 17.2% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports drawing
    This tablet is suitable for drawing, while the average tablet is not. 40% of tablets are suitable for drawing.
  • 20.4% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (390 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    390 g vs 490 g
  • 49.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (126 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    126 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (ULP GeForce Kepler (192 cores) vs Mali-G51).
    ULP GeForce Kepler (192 cores) vs Mali-G51
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 3 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's front camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (ULP GeForce Kepler (192 cores) vs Mali-G51).
    ULP GeForce Kepler (192 cores) vs Mali-G51
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 75% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 5 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2014 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    July 2014
    2014 vs 2019
  • 2.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Less vivid contrast
    This tablet has less contrast than the average tablet (823:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    823:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 18 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (383 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    383 nits vs 401 nits
  • 10 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (390 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    390 nits vs 400 nits
  • 3 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (5 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    5 MP vs 8 MP
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's front camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • 21.3% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (5,197 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    5,197 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 0.4 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (9.6 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    9.6 hours vs 10 hours
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • 1.2 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (9.2 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    9.2 mm vs 8 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Android Authority
≈ estimated
24/08/2014
Hands-on review · design, software and gaming focus
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is one of the best tablet experiences ever, and its small flaws are easy to forgive given its gaming focus.
9.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
23/08/2014
Hands-on review · gaming, battery life and app tests
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is a very powerful gaming tablet that is easy to recommend at this price, especially for gamers.
9.2
Mrwhosetheboss
✓ explicit
21/08/2014
Full review · performance, build and gaming tests
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is called the best tablet you can buy, with very fast performance and a premium-feeling build.
9.0
Marques Brownlee
≈ estimated
21/08/2014
Hands-on review · everyday use and gaming features
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is a good Android tablet even without the gaming features, though it is not the lightest or most stylish.
8.0
Adam Savage’s Tested
≈ estimated
20/08/2014
Hands-on review · build, battery, streaming and stylus tests
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is a good Android tablet to buy over the Nexus 7, with battery life as the main concern.
9.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
15/08/2014
Gaming experience review · game tests, streaming and tablet comparison
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi has strong gaming performance overall, though cloud streaming input lag hurts competitive fighting games.
8.0
Lon.TV
≈ estimated
01/08/2014
First look · benchmarks, console mode and stylus
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is a very powerful gaming tablet, but few games use its power yet, and console mode is awkward.
9.0
Androidizen
≈ estimated
08/12/2014
Hands-on review · performance, Wi-Fi and storage tests
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi has strong performance and Wi-Fi, with only a minor storage slowdown during downloads.
9.0
MakeUseOf
≈ estimated
29/09/2014
Hands-on review · gaming, size, controller and stand
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is strongly recommended for gamers, though it is heavier and less portable than rivals.
3.0
seattle4truth
≈ estimated
19/08/2014
Hands-on test · Wi-Fi speed and antenna problem
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi's Wi-Fi drops badly when held normally, so the reviewer advises against buying it.
9.0
Jon Rettinger
✓ explicit
15/08/2014
Hands-on review · two weeks of use
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi is a strong tablet with capable hardware and features, and it is fairly affordable for what it offers.
8.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
11/08/2014
First look · first impressions and early gaming
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi performs smoothly with strong speakers so far, but its display is standard and battery drain was noticeable.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.3
cnet.com
✓ explicit
29/08/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Shield Tablet is one of the most versatile high-performance 8-inch Android tablets; it streams PC games well, though few games use its power and its plastic body feels cheap.
9.0
gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
29/07/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Shield Tablet is a powerful gaming machine that is also a solid everyday Android tablet, with a glossy screen and short battery life.
8.0
itpro.com
✓ explicit
28/05/2015
Hands-on review · Android tablet
Verdict
The Shield Tablet is a fast 8-inch Android tablet with a bright screen and useful stylus, but laggy touch response and an awkward grip hold it back.
9.0
mobiletechreview.com
≈ estimated
29/08/2014
Hands-on review · Android gaming tablet
Verdict
The Shield Tablet is a very fast, clean Android tablet with a sharp Full HD screen, but it is heavy and its PC game streaming needs an Nvidia GTX card.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
13/05/2016
Updated review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is a powerful Android gaming tablet that can stream PC games, but its 16GB model leaves little room for big games.
9.0
engadget.com
≈ estimated
14/08/2014
Full review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is a sturdy 8-inch tablet for gamers, with a good screen and a stylus that reads messy handwriting well, but its speakers are only average.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
18/09/2014
Full review · Android gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is an extremely powerful, attractive gaming tablet with a near-stock Android feel, though its interface needs work and the gamepad costs extra.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
22/07/2014
Review · Android gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is a great gaming tablet and solid all-round Android device, though its screen isn't bright enough for dark films.
9.0
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
26/08/2014
Full review · PC game streaming
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is the tablet to get if you own a GeForce gaming PC, streaming games to its screen or TV, though the controller's trackpad is poor.
9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
13/10/2014
Benchmark review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is the fastest tablet tested so far, with smooth everyday performance, though its power button feels flimsy.
10
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
03/11/2014
Weeks of use · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is a powerful gaming tablet that also works well for everyday Android use, but the controller and cover are needed to play at its best.
8.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is a powerful gaming tablet that also handles everyday tasks well, but its battery drains quickly when playing games.
D
digitalfoundry.net
07/08/2014
≈ estimated
8.0
Summary of the review
Nvidia Shield Tablet review - Digital Foundry
U
ubergizmo.com
10/11/2014
✓ explicit
9.0
Summary of the review
Ubergizmo: NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet Review Do you also need information on the Shield Wireless Controller that launched alongside this WiFi tablet?
T
techcrunch.com
09/10/2014
≈ estimated
9.0
Summary of the review
Nvidia Shield Tablet Review: A Great Android Tablet, With Big Gaming Ambitions
8.6
android-mt.ouest-france.fr
✓ explicit
10/12/2014
Full review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is a compact, fast gaming tablet with good value, though buying the accessories adds up.
9.0
tomshardware.fr
≈ estimated
22/10/2014
Hands-on analysis · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is designed to be a very good tablet first and a gaming platform second, with a smaller battery than most 8-inch rivals.
7.0
01net.com
✓ explicit
05/08/2014
Full test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet offers top performance for games and everyday use, but the controller and cover needed to get the most from it are sold separately.
9.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
14/08/2014
Full review · Tegra K1 tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is powerful and fun with its controller on a TV, but its 8-inch screen is too small for games played alone.
9.0
es.gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
31/07/2014
Full review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The Nvidia Shield Tablet is the most powerful Android tablet for games and a good everyday tablet, but its battery lasts well short of Nvidia's claims.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB)

  • Exceptional graphics and processing power powered by the Tegra K1 chip.
  • Unique gaming capabilities including PC game streaming and NVIDIA Grid cloud gaming.
  • High-quality 8-inch Full HD (1920x1200) display with accurate, natural colors.
  • Expandable storage via microSD card slot and Mini-HDMI output for TV connectivity.
  • Clean, near-stock Android software experience with minimal bloatware.
  • Included pressure-sensitive stylus and front-facing stereo speakers.
  • Versatile 'Console Mode' for using the tablet as a home gaming system.

What customers don't like about NVIDIA Shield Tablet WiFi (2GB + 16GB)

  • Poor battery life, especially during intensive gaming sessions where it may drain faster than it charges.
  • Reported build quality issues, including cracks developing on the plastic chassis and 'mushy' buttons.
  • Inconsistent WiFi performance, particularly on 5GHz networks and following some software updates.
  • The tablet is relatively heavy and thick compared to other 8-inch competitors.
  • Software 'jank' or lag during standard navigation despite high benchmark scores.
  • Essential accessories like the wireless game controller and magnetic cover are sold separately.
  • Limited library of Android games specifically optimized to take full advantage of the K1 processor.

Verdict

The Nvidia Shield Tablet WiFi is a gaming-focused 8-inch Android slate featuring a 1920 x 1200 Full HD display and the powerful Nvidia Tegra K1 quad-core 2.2 GHz processor with a 192-core Kepler GPU. Equipped with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, it includes a microSD slot for expansion, front-facing stereo speakers, a Mini-HDMI port, and dual 5MP cameras. Its main advantages are its exceptional graphical performance for gaming, support for GeForce NOW cloud streaming, and a high-quality display and audio system for its price point. However, notable drawbacks include limited onboard storage, a plastic chassis that some find cheap, and the fact that its dedicated wireless controller is typically sold separately.

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