The Nexus 7 gets HSPA+ plus Android 4.2

Months after its original release, Google now offers a cellular version of the Nexus 7. But with increased competition in the small tablet space, is the Nexus 7 still a viable tablet option? I'm Eric Franklin and today we'll take and get another first look at the Nexus 7, this time with cellular. The 8-gigabyte version of the Nexus 7 has been replaced by the 16-gigabyte version for $199. $249 gets you the 32-gigabyte version and for $299, the 32-gigabyte version with HSPA plus seen here can be yours. There's still a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, a micro USB port, headphone jack, volume rocker, power button, speakers and that grippy texture back side that makes the Nexus 7 also comfortable to hold. With the HSPA plus version, you also get a SIM card slot on the left edge. This version comes unlocked and can be purchase with either in AT&T or T-mobile SIM card in the U.S. However, it is up to you to decide on the data plan. Thankfully, there are no mandatory contracts to sign. HSPA plus is like an over 3G or 4G like and the Nexus 7 performance reflects that. Where 4G LTE devices can sometimes rival Wi-Fi networks in speed, downloading a 225-megabyte app to twice as long on the Nexus 7 using HSPA plus compared to Wi-Fi. Your performance, however, will vary depending on location. All versions of the Nexus 7 now shipped with the latest innovation of Jelly Bean Android 4.2. Android 4.2 brings with the Swype-like gesture type, a new quicker way to access tablet settings, magnification support and a built-in interactive screen saver among others. Look for information on 2 other features, multi-screen and lock screen customization in my full written review. Thanks to its low price comfortable design and Android 4.2 support. The Nexus 7 is indeed still a viable tablet option and is currently the cheapest way you get the very best what Android has to offer. Once again, this is Eric Franklin and this has been a first look at the Nexus 7.