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 4G (2GB + 32GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£350RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:8 inchesChipset:Nvidia Tegra K1

NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G (2GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 31 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G (2GB + 32GB)
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%

5.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

8.7

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 61% of tablets
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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 57% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–²Better than 57%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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 61% of models
Score components

22%

5.2

Performance

20%

5.3

Display

16%

6.9

Camera

14%

4.1

Battery

12%

6.4

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Software

5%

7.6

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 61%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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 93% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (31)
24 reviews: 10 with a printed score, 14 estimated from the review. 7 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 93%
?

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-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
  • nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
nvidia-shield-tablet-2gb-32gb-4g
Where to buy
    N/A~ £350
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 4G (2GB + 32GB)

Based on 24 · 7

Reviewers agree performance is fast and sound is good, but battery life is short and the controller and accessories disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G (2GB + 32GB)

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 4G (2GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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 61% of models
Score components:

22%

5.2

Performance

20%

5.3

Display

16%

6.9

Camera

14%

4.1

Battery

12%

6.4

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Software

5%

7.6

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

5.8
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.7
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
32 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 32 GB of internal storage, which is less than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 17.9% 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
What reviewers say
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
10 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
video playback
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
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% 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 4G (2GB + 32GB) 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
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • 21.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 93% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (31)
    24 reviews: 10 with a printed score, 14 estimated from the review. 7 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.
    8.5 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.
  • 188 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (192 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    192 vs 4
  • 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
  • 21.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 93% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (31)
    24 reviews: 10 with a printed score, 14 estimated from the review. 7 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.
    8.5 vs 7.0
  • 16.0% higher sentiment score
    8.7 vs 7.5
  • 188 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (192 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    192 vs 4
  • 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
  • 76 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (477 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    477 nits vs 401 nits
  • 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 LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 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
  • 34.6% more expensive
    NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G (2GB + 32GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£350 vs £260).
    £350 vs £260
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 50% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 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
  • 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
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • 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
  • 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
Armando Ferreira
≈ estimated
01/01/2015
Hands-on review · daily use, gaming and features
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G was the favorite product of the year and the most recommended tablet of 2014.
9.0
wwjoshdew
≈ estimated
16/10/2014
Full review · speakers, HDMI, controller and storage options
Verdict
NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G is very strong, and the 32GB LTE version is worth saving up for.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.7
notebookcheck.net
✓ explicit
11/10/2014
Lab test · LTE model
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet LTE suits gamers wanting mobile data and faster storage, though its SIM cover and headset port feel weak.
8.0
stuff.tv
✓ explicit
28/09/2014
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a fast, solid gaming tablet with loud speakers, but its screen shows grey blacks and is prone to glare outdoors.
9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
13/10/2014
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is the fastest tablet tested so far and a strong pick for gamers and HD Netflix viewers, though its power button feels flimsy.
9.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a mini gaming rig that also works as a good everyday tablet, but its battery drains fast during games.
9.0
kotaku.com
≈ estimated
06/08/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a very good everyday Android tablet that plays console-like games, but its floppy cover and sunlight glare let it down.
8.7
notebookcheck.com
✓ explicit
06/10/2014
Lab test · LTE model
Verdict
The LTE version of the NVIDIA Shield Tablet adds mobile data and faster 32GB storage, but its battery and build are only average.
8.0
pcwelt.de
✓ explicit
04/08/2014
Review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a top performer for games, with strong speakers and a console-style controller, but few Android games use its power yet.
8.0
pcgameshardware.de
≈ estimated
18/08/2014
Review · Streaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a fast tablet for streaming PC games at home, but its reflective screen and thick, sharp-edged body are drawbacks.
9.0
connect.de
≈ estimated
09/01/2015
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a bright, powerful tablet with good battery life, and its LTE model is worth the extra cost, though it is heavy.
6.0
gamezone.de
≈ estimated
12/01/2015
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet streams PC games but needs a fast 5GHz Wi-Fi network, and Grid cloud gaming is not yet offered in Germany.
7.2
01net.com
✓ explicit
06/01/2015
Lab test · 4G model
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a solid first 8-inch tablet, but its 4G model lasts less than the Wi-Fi version and doesn't include the controller.
6.0
frandroid.com
≈ estimated
01/07/2015
Lab test · 4G connection
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G suits frequent gamers who take their tablet everywhere, but its cloud games suffer too much delay for French players.
8.6
android-mt.ouest-france.fr
✓ explicit
02/12/2014
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet suits gamers and media users with its grippy body and strong performance, though gaming drains the battery fast.
9.0
tomshardware.fr
≈ estimated
22/10/2014
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a solid gaming tablet with a comfortable 16:10 screen, but its battery is smaller than rival 8-inch models.
9.0
es.gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
31/07/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a powerful Android gaming tablet with a strong controller, though its battery life falls short of NVIDIA's claims.
9.0
dday.it
≈ estimated
23/01/2015
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a fast, gaming-focused Android tablet with regular updates, but its battery lasts only about three hours with heavy games.
8.5
wired.it
✓ explicit
15/01/2015
Full review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a powerful, versatile 8-inch tablet for gamers, though its best gaming features need a strong PC or fast internet.
9.0
multiplayer.it
≈ estimated
21/11/2014
Hands-on review · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is an excellent Android gaming tablet with a precise wireless controller, TV console mode and clean cloud streaming.
8.0
it.ign.com
≈ estimated
19/11/2014
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is a capable 8-inch Android tablet for gaming and TV play, though its controller is only adequate.
9.0
hwupgrade.it
≈ estimated
03/10/2014
Hands-on test · Gaming tablet
Verdict
The NVIDIA Shield Tablet is the most powerful tablet tested and suits demanding gamers, though its controller works only with this tablet.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G (2GB + 32GB)

  • Exceptional graphics performance powered by the Tegra K1 processor
  • Smooth PC game streaming via NVIDIA GameStream and GRID cloud services
  • Vibrant 8-inch 1080p display with excellent viewing angles
  • High-quality front-facing stereo speakers with bass reflex ports
  • Useful integrated stylus with low-latency writing and 3D painting apps
  • Full LTE/4G connectivity and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD)
  • Clean, nearly vanilla Android interface with minimal bloatware

What customers don't like about NVIDIA Shield Tablet 4G (2GB + 32GB)

  • Significant battery drain, especially during high-end gaming sessions
  • Plastic chassis and buttons can feel 'cheap' or 'mushy'
  • Essential gaming accessories like the wireless controller and cover are sold separately
  • Heavier and thicker than many contemporary 8-inch tablets
  • Reported software stuttering and 'janky' performance in basic UI functions
  • Obsolete software; recent user feedback notes the device has become sluggish with age

Verdict

The Nvidia Shield Tablet 4G is a high-performance 8-inch Android gaming tablet powered by the quad-core Tegra K1 processor (2.2GHz) with a 192-core Kepler GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of expandable internal storage. Key characteristics include an 1920x1200 IPS display, dual front-facing stereo speakers with bass reflex ports, and integrated 4G LTE connectivity. Main pros include its exceptional gaming performance, mini-HDMI output for console mode, and unique features like PC game streaming via GameStream and a built-in passive stylus for drawing. Notable cons include its relatively heavy and thick build, a plastic chassis that can feel less premium than metal competitors, and mediocre battery life during intensive gaming sessions.

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