Why You Can Trust CNET Google unveils Nexus 9 tablet: 8.9-inch screen, 8-megapixel camera, and Android Lollipop (hands-on)
The 8.9-inch tablet is available for preorder and will hit stores on November 3.
Editors' Note: This piece has been updated on October 21, 2014 with additional hands-on impressions.
Just ahead of Apple's iPad event, Google has unveiled the Nexus 9, an 8.9-inch tablet that will be the first to run the Android Lollipop OS (Android 5.0). Preorders have started, with an in-store release date scheduled for November 3. The 16GB model of the tablet will cost $399, with the 32GB model starting at $479 and the LTE version of the 32GB model at a whopping $599. International pricing has yet to be announced, however Google confirmed that the tablet will be available in 29 countries over the coming weeks.
Shop for Google Nexus 9
See all pricesGoogle has partnered with HTC to manufacture the company's first 8.9-inch tablet, while Motorola will produce the 5.9-inch Nexus 6 smartphone. The Nexus 9 has a 2,048x1,536-pixel-resolution screen that is vivid with colors looking bright and punchy. Google also lets users wake up the device by double-tapping the display, similar to what we've seen in LG devices. The tablet is powered by a 64-bit 2.3GHz Nvidia K1 processor with Kepler GPU and 2GB of RAM.
The 8.9-incher features front-facing stereo speakers with HTC's promising BoomSound technology, NFC Bluetooth 4.1, and microphones on the top and bottom ends of the slate. Also on the tablet you'll find an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and a f/2.4 aperture -- for taking sharper and brighter photos in low-lighting -- as well as a 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera.
The Nexus 9 is skinny, at 0.31 inch (7.95mm), and easy to hold, weighing 0.94 pound (425g), but it would barely crack our thinnest and lightest tablets list. During an Android Lollipop demo held by Google, we were able to spend a short time with the tablet. The device's minimalistic aesthetic is chic and polished, and the tablet's smooth matte backing lends an element of high-end elegance.
Unlike previous Nexus tablets, the 9 has a 4:3 aspect ratio similar to the iPad. Google has said the ratio is fitting for media consumption as well as productivity tasks like drafting up messages and emails. Those who are keen on the more common 16:9 ratio may not like the new approach, but as far as we can tell, the frame didn't appear detrimental.
In addition, Google has added a self-service Guest Mode function, which comes with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. Users can temporarily "sign into" the tablet by adding themselves as a temporary guest. After usage, you can then remove your account and erase your pass activity off the tablet.
Connections on the slate are minimal, consisting of only a single Micro-USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm audio jack. It will come in three different colors, indigo black, lunar white and sand; however the sand-colored models, like the LTE model of the 32GB version, won't be available until later in 2014.
As far as accessories go, Google says it has designed a keyboard folio that "magnetically attaches to the Nexus 9, folds into two different angles and rests securely on your lap like a laptop." The Nexus 9's Keyboard Folio is sold separately, pairs by NFC and can charge via Micro-USB with a battery that can purportedly last five months between charges. No word on pricing but we should know soon.
The 8- to 9-inch tablet has become a popular size. Apple is expected to launch at least one new iPad at an event on Thursday, October 16, Amazon recently updated the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 with a faster processor and Samsung has its new Galaxy Tab S 8.4. We'll have to get our hands on the Nexus 9 to see how it compares with the current bigwigs.
Check back soon on CNET closer to the November 3 release date for new information on international availability. What do you think of Google's latest slate? Let us know in the comments section.