Seems a fair review! Yes I'm an Android fan, but heck there's no denying the issues mentioned here. That loose backing- WTF? And couldn't believe how long it took to rotate from portrait to landscape. At least the positives were mentioned too, and hey- not one mention of iPad- bonus!
***** the only thing holding this tablet back is the pathetic hardware and the Developer support for the k1 chip. Heck I could even deal with a pathetic hardware if they had the correct developer support for that chip
Michael, you are - hands down - the best reviewer I have ever seen / listened to. Not only do you have such a calm and yet lively intonation, which is extremely easy and pleasant to listen to, but also the way you phrase your reviews is nothing but superb. I rarely see people put language to such good use. One immediately understands what you mean, because of the way you structure and connect your thoughts. Outstanding job, please keep going like this!
We have to remember that just because HTC makes the device, it doesn't mean they can design it the way THEY want to. They had to follow Google's specific hardware design guidelines for the Nexus 9, thus, the familiar Nexus 5 like material. However, this doesn't excuse the fact that HTC did a poor job. LG made a solid device in the Nexus 5 with pretty much the same material. Maybe Google shoulda hit up Samsung again.
i love your honest review! you show case the flows of the device were are other reviewers they praise the device like its the top dog and is the device to get. this is the reason why i subscribe to you cause your straight up honest and not hiding the flows like other reviewers. keep up the good work!
Good on you for listing the actual storage sizes Micheal, hopefully you'll be starting a trend among reviewers this way, and then hopefully manufacturers as a result.
Solid and true review. Well done. Bottom line is not worth the money. There is a good reason Google took the N7 off of the store. Because nobody would buy the N9.
No matter what the drawbacks are, this is still one of the best Android tablets out there. Stereo speakers, direct updates from Google, nice screen and amazing battery life. I think this is a win. If you want to oooh and aaah on the design of the hardware, then go for iPad, for the rest of us who want to use a tablet instead of looking at its hardware, this is the one to get.
I will be enjoying the freedom which Android brings while you will be looking for ways to Jailbreak your ipad or waiting for iOS 9 to bring the features which are already included in Andoird since 2010. :)
but WHY couldn't it be ooh & ahhh" on the outside AND great on the inside as well? They could EASILY have designed this to be BOTH... Why didn't they? A "win/win" vs a "win/yawn" if you will...Just another example of Google being "out of touch" with what the public wants. BTC
A very honest review Michael.I have been wanting to buy this device when it comes out in our area. Your review made me understand the compromises I'm getting and with all that being said, it makes me really wanna buy the Nexus 9 more but just like you said, I'll wait for prices to go down a little before diving in for a purchase. Thanks.
***** Jailbreaking or not isn't the issue here. iOS as an operating system is the problem. The original poster is probably one of those folks that checks out any video related to Android to tell people he's using an iCrappy device and how it's better. As evident by his name. The iPad build quality may be better than the N9 but that's about it IMO.
Absolutely great review, I have finally seen you review a tablet and it was a phenomenal review. Now that I have seen a review of both the nexus 9 and the iPad air I think I'm best suited for the iPad air. Thank you for brining everything to the table again because I had seen other reviews and no one mentioned some of the bad things you mentioned.
Glad I didn't watch this video before buying mine else I wouldn't have sampled the delights of the nexus 9. I have zero flex on the back of mine and it's been faultless in operation and is really solidly built. Smoothest tablet I've used when it comes to scrolling etc. I'm absolutely loving it and I'm fussy with tech. Here in the UK I played the equivalent of 630 US dollars so can't understand why Americans are complaining of the price either!
I was so excited for this tablet... HTC, Boomsound, K1 and Android Lollipop. I hoped it'd be the best Android tablet, I was wrong. HTC could've done way better. It has less RAM than the Nexus 6, it doesn't have SD-card expansion (I watch movies on my tablet... A lot of people do), I can see the screen bleeding on the edges and it lags (Could be fixed in a software-update). And the battery isn't the best either. Now those wouldn't be huge problems if they didn't charge $500 for it. I think a lot of people can agree that this is partially a missed oppertunity for HTC as well as for Google.
Great review. of all your problems with it the storage one hurts the most. having 64gb option on the N6 and 32gb on the N9 is just a huge disappointment especially in a cloud services deprived country like mine.
What William Shropshire said. Honestly, I just put Lollipop on my Nexus 5 and the OS is fast and smooth. Lag seems to just be an issue with the Nexus 9.
It's a shame that Google did poorly with the quality control of the Nexus 9. Thankfully, my Nexus 9 has no hardware issues presented in this video review besides the heating part. Also my device seems very fluid and smooth. I do agree that the price for the Nexus 9 price point is a bit too high. Nice review just like always!
It annoys me that even with all the power that chipset has and the new engine in Android 5.0 it still doesn't perform as well as my ipad air and the performance is inconsiste t aswell. How long time is it going to take for Android devices to get the same oerformance as iOS and WP. And they need to improve the tablet app selection insanely much. And it sucks when you buy a tablet that has a chipset that's made to perform in games, a lot if them can't even run because of the hardware fragmentation on Android.
Agree with your comment. The problem was Android L is built to work with 64 bit. With only Nvidia having a powerful 64 bit processor at the moment, it because the choice of Google to use their chip to showcase a 64 bit android device. The problem is, Tegra processor is not fully optimized to work with android 64 bit. Heck Tegra k1 Denver one is twice as fast as the one in nexus 7 and I have yet to see lag on my nexus 7. Nvidia shield uses Tegra k1 as well, but is a completely different processor than nexus 9. You don't see lag on nvidia shield either.
I'd say the Nexus handset has passed ios, in combination from it's improvements and ios' continuous downfall since Jobs passed away. I used to love the iphone but now it's laggy and the os is ugly, Android seems to be improving every time.
stretch90 I use a an iPad air and a galaxy s4 daily and my mom has an iPhone 6. iPhone 6 and galaxy s4 are pretty similar in performance although the iPhone 6 seems a tad more responsive. After having had two Android tablets and trying my dad's galaxy tab s, I switched to iPad and I don't regret it for a second. Android tablets still don't have that instant response and they still slow down over time. And iPad is also the only one that has a good enough amount of actual tablet apps, which is kind of important on a... well... tablet. I have used both platforms and in my experince iOS still performs better especially on tablets.
***** I should specify that it's more about the responsiveness in the iphone that bothers me. ios 6 was great but ios 7 just screwed things up with how it switches between apps, has dead time when closing an app and other similar issues. I think the overall performance hasn't changed much but the little things bother me a lot.
Lollipop on my nexus 7 2013 feels very smooth and I have no rotate issues.. I think google will put out a update to nexus 9 soon and maybe even fix the hollow bad cover because the design is great I think but the hollow back sucks .. I think there should be a follow up review when its all fixed
Time travel to 2020 and you can pick up a Nexus 9 for $60 or so. It's not bad at all for a tiny investment. A great screen, processor and front facing speakers makes it a fun toy for budget minded buyers.
Thanks for the honesty, *****. I expected a lot more from *****, but maybe they will update the hardware to take out the flex in the back. That's a deal breaker, unfortunately.
I wouldn't say the nexus 7 2013 is quicker because it's obvious that the Tegra K1 is much faster than the Snagdragon S4 pro, but it is not a problem for me as my Nexus 7 2013 is not for gaming. Besides, I don't really love the 4:3 ratio.
Great review Mike !!! my thoughts are right on par with what you said about the tablet. My thoughts are is that they were wanting to keep the hardware designed to look and feel like the Nexus line from earlier release I think that's what they were aiming for in my opinion. Maybe to keep the continuity in line with the rest of the devices. Maybe the next iteration will be more high-end let's hope
very honest review...... i hope ***** also points the disappointing "things" seen in this tablet rather than telling how "wow" this tablet from google is in his review........
Michael Fischer could you give me some tips about the NEXUS 9? I´m planing to get one to replace my ultrabook. My everyday deeds are only for internet, i have a PS4. I dont need a big ultrabook. DO you think its OK to get a NEXUS 9 with the keyboard folio to replace an ultrabook?
Awesome review as always! I agree that the hardware of the nexus 9 is a let down, not the worst but definitely could be better and the big thing is Android 5.0 lollipop! Just because the nexus 9 is the first tablet to come out pre-loaded with lollipop makes me want to get it but I'm not blown away with the hardware as I am with the software. So I'll wait. Cheers.
Hmm, I hope we can get a look at Android 5.0 on the slightly older Nexus 7 Mk II & 10 soon. I have a 7 and was looking at a 10 as a bigger tablet since the price has come down quite a bit.
Personally, I think I'll be waiting for the N9 competitor tablets, particularly HTC. My only fear with a Sense 6 HTC tablet would be a metal body, so I won't exactly be getting my hopes up... though I kinda am.
I'd love the body of an iPad air 2. It is VERY thin and the built quality is great. The body is probably the biggest leap from the first air. (I don't really care about the fingerprint scanner). If I had that in android lollipop that would do me for a tablet.
Well, when the N5 came out there were some slight problems too, I'm sure they will release a few updates to fix the N9 very soon. No need to judge things so quickly and all.
Was so excited about this tablet, I have the nexus 7 2013 edition, which I love! but I feel so underwhelmed about this tablet, might go for the iPad air 2 as my first "large" tablet.
Emil Bozhilov My point was that it has smaller display to deal with and lower-res display, so it is natural for it to rotate faster. I didn't stated an opinon, but rather a fact. Sorry for any misunderstandings.
Nope u are not. After viewing tons of reviews, I just got an Ipad mini 2 (the first retina) 32 gb. I have a moto x as smartphone but I preferred spending 329 instead of 479 euro (I live in Europe) for the Nexus 32gb version. 150 bucks less and I can always sell the mini in the future if I change my mind; we all know how Apple products keep their value. But for now, the mini 2 is just perfect, considering it's the same of a mini 3 without the touch id but for a hundred less in price.
I am thinking the same right now. Am interested in the Tab S though from Samsung, but Best Buy will sell the iPad Air2 for $399...and that is a damn fine tablet as well.
I feel many issues with the nexus 9 will be solved in the next updates. But I think i'd still buy a Tab S because come on. Amoled on a tablet is amazing, it's still up do date, lightweight, pretty... I'd still go with that.
The apps that are not opening are because L 5.0 runs on the ART runtime and a lot of apps are not yet optimized for ART and are still built for DALVIK runtime.
I always wanted an android device, but never the phone. So I'm thinking getting a tablet, it's been like almost a year(?) since the Nexus 9 lunched, is it still worth to buy it now or should I just waiting for the pixel c tablet???? I just mainly use it for class and gaming etc.
I don't understand the hangups people have with the design. How far can you go when designing a tablet? But that flexing back is inexcusable. I own a nexus 7(2013) and it has the same soft matt finish back and its bloody beautiful to the touch and far more practical than aluminium. BTW, I don't think it was fair to do a review on this device straight after eating a pizza...I'm just assuming you did, as that's the only way I've gotten those kind of greasy smudge marks on my device.
How can you complain about a tablet you've never used...so what if an reviewer says its not worth it. Use it for yourself and come to your own conclusion
I'm going to just install lollipop on my nexus 7 instead. Thank God I got the 2013 edition and its still runs perfectly fine except some games do lag but I got my phone if I want to game.
They said that the desing of nexus 9 is going to be something new and cool but all I see is the Nexus 7 ( 2013 ) with bigger screen and HTC Logo nothing new at all ! To bad about this table because it could of been a very nice and cool tablet and I hopped that HTC would come with an incredible desing as they always do but nothing good ...
Very nice and fair review, though that brings sadness to me. Compared to Nexus 7 2014 or even Nexus 10 Google is going backwards with Nexus 9. Shit and here I wanted to buy it by any means, thank you pocket now for showing how really is it this little guy.
What a shame HTC dropped the ball on this. Fans of the original HTC Nexus One had been long calling for a return of Nexus to HTC. This was huge disappointment as Michael so well alluded to, as far as the hardware is concerned.
i think i made my choice the nvidia shield tab expandadble storage,no letter boxing,cheaper,smaller battery but more life 2ndays during stand by and 8-9 hours during regular usage 6 - 7 during hard usage
nexus series now has 6 inches, 7 inches and even 9 inches. still stock android does but very little to use the screen size....even worse they are going for a 4:3 aspect ratio. get your shit together Google..Well from lollipop, i expected more...
You forgot about the nexus 10. The 4:3 aspect ratio also allows for a higher resolution display at less of a cost. Its like cameras, they take 4:3 photos by default and if you want to convert it to 16:9 you lose a few megapixels.
Do u know if all the Google Services work on iPads like Google Photos, G+, Hangouts ,Keep, Drive, Gmail, Calander, & can u share stuff between these services just like on Android, thanks.
***** Yeah that's what I was thinking but the important part for me is that all the Google Services that I mentioned actually work on the Mini just like they do on Android. I have a N7, well had both of them, the size is great 4me, I'm not diggin' the N9 too much.
SheninMKA yes it is. Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Lollipop has nice colors which are pleasing to The eye-and what samsung did-Put neon colors that hurts your eyes and put some pretty bad color combinations(blue and orange, i mean come on!?!?!). Performance is nothing to scream about. Same as before. Bloat will maybe dissapear in s6 touchwiz, but we shall see that.
iPad air, basic square plain construction = Beautiful and elegant. Nexus 9, basic square plain construction = Forgettable and nondescript. Seriously, could this be any MORE biased?
Whilst I still use my first gen nexus 7 I have found the battery to be be poor. I think the market is moving so fast that I am going to wait another year. Android 5 seems too little too late for me.
I love the minimalist design like its Nexus 5 betheren; I would never knock on that front. It's tasteful without being gaudy. I don't want or need to be carrying around any gold or bronze trim jewelry pieces like you see on some devices (ipad and Galaxy tab s). Build quality however is suspect. Flexible back and panel gaps is somewhat worrying but it aint no thang really compared to backlight bleeding issue i've seen on mine since that actually affects usage. Also, I was less impressed with the sound. It really just sounds like 2 average sounding phone speakers in stereo.
Well I am glad I am still happy with my Nexus 10. I can wait for the price to come out for maybe I'll just go for the Samsung's next tablet down the line.
Im starting to think that google just doesnt care about the hardware build quality of devices.. I recently bought a nexus 7 (2013) for my mother and the screen is horrid. By that I mean its touch responsiveness. It is a nice display but if you google search something like "Nexus 7 (2013) display grounding and sensitivity issues" there wil be TONS OF PROBLEMS. I have this problem and it pisses me off that google and asus have done literally NOTHING to address this issue. most people dont notice it but apparently on the majority of devices when placed on a glass or wooden surface occasionally touch will not respond. If you have it try it you will be disappointed like I am. I am never getting a nexus tablet again. im going either ipad or samsung. and sorry I really just wanted to vent...
I just decided to buy the Nexus 9 and thought it would have been awesome.But Yes, Google had mistaken for giving a chance for designing their very brilliant going Nexus series Tab , Which Asus probably might have done much much better. It costs me $ 379 as of now for Black but it is a Fingerprint magnet. And after all this , what the main fact is I expected that Nexus 9 would have been much better than this! #Facepalm HTC , Thumbs up Google (For Android 5.o of coarse) THANKS POCKET NEXT FOR SHOWING THE BEST REVIEW OF VERY NEXUS 9 EVER!
Seems a fair review! Yes I'm an Android fan, but heck there's no denying the issues mentioned here. That loose backing- WTF? And couldn't believe how long it took to rotate from portrait to landscape. At least the positives were mentioned too, and hey- not one mention of iPad- bonus!
That crazy loose back though. Makes me cringe
Bedjam Rivera I couldn't believe it when I saw that. No tablet should be released in such a state
Barry Ward I knew it had that problem from watching another review but that was just terrible
Lol it's a sad day for android when Samsung tablets appear to offer you more for your money then a nexus tablet.
***** the only thing holding this tablet back is the pathetic hardware and the Developer support for the k1 chip. Heck I could even deal with a pathetic hardware if they had the correct developer support for that chip
Thanks for your patience, folks; our full Nexus 9 review is now available at Pocketnow! pocketnow.com/2014/11/14/google-nexus-9-review ^M
Michael, you are - hands down - the best reviewer I have ever seen / listened to. Not only do you have such a calm and yet lively intonation, which is extremely easy and pleasant to listen to, but also the way you phrase your reviews is nothing but superb. I rarely see people put language to such good use. One immediately understands what you mean, because of the way you structure and connect your thoughts. Outstanding job, please keep going like this!
We have to remember that just because HTC makes the device, it doesn't mean they can design it the way THEY want to. They had to follow Google's specific hardware design guidelines for the Nexus 9, thus, the familiar Nexus 5 like material. However, this doesn't excuse the fact that HTC did a poor job. LG made a solid device in the Nexus 5 with pretty much the same material. Maybe Google shoulda hit up Samsung again.
Just cop a Nexus 10. Still has front facing speakers, 10" 2560x1600 display,
update to Lollipop, BAM. There ya go.
Agreed. I'm sticking with my nexus 10 .
***** Tether with a phone
EzTech231 Agreed. That Nexus 10 is still sweet. WTF was HTC thinking?!
***** They weren't.
demanding games aren't great on that tablet...
i love your honest review! you show case the flows of the device were are other reviewers they praise the device like its the top dog and is the device to get. this is the reason why i subscribe to you cause your straight up honest and not hiding the flows like other reviewers. keep up the good work!
Good on you for listing the actual storage sizes Micheal, hopefully you'll be starting a trend among reviewers this way, and then hopefully manufacturers as a result.
you can always count on michael fisher to review techs
The most honest and #1 reviewer in youtube. i hate fake ass reviewers claiming this device is the best tablet of now. BS!
Solid and true review. Well done. Bottom line is not worth the money. There is a good reason Google took the N7 off of the store. Because nobody would buy the N9.
Read your comment as he said its worth the buy lol
No matter what the drawbacks are, this is still one of the best Android tablets out there. Stereo speakers, direct updates from Google, nice screen and amazing battery life. I think this is a win. If you want to oooh and aaah on the design of the hardware, then go for iPad, for the rest of us who want to use a tablet instead of looking at its hardware, this is the one to get.
Yes, I will continue to stare at my iPad and not use its superior, optimized tablet apps. Good one :D
I will be enjoying the freedom which Android brings while you will be looking for ways to Jailbreak your ipad or waiting for iOS 9 to bring the features which are already included in Andoird since 2010. :)
zorkor my thoughts exactly.
but WHY couldn't it be ooh & ahhh" on the outside AND great on the inside as well? They could EASILY have designed this to be BOTH... Why didn't they? A "win/win" vs a "win/yawn" if you will...Just another example of Google being "out of touch" with what the public wants. BTC
So out of touch that Android makes up majority smartphone sells.
A very honest review Michael.I have been wanting to buy this device when it comes out in our area. Your review made me understand the compromises I'm getting and with all that being said, it makes me really wanna buy the Nexus 9 more but just like you said, I'll wait for prices to go down a little before diving in for a purchase. Thanks.
Great video Michael! I really don't think that the price is justified with this product's quality. I think I'm gonna hold on to my nexus 7 2013.
Same here, or might get the Nvidia Shield Tablet which from rumors sounds like that tablet will get software updates as fast as Nexus devices.
RegBeta whats wrong with the nexus 7 2013 though?
Love the in depth reviews as always Michael.
Guess I'll buy an iPad Air 2 ✅
Yeah but you'll have to use iOS so that would suck.
***** There are launchers, ya know?
I love the iPad but the OS sucks.
ladyvee7110 just jailbreak it and there you go ^^
*****
Jailbreaking or not isn't the issue here. iOS as an operating system is the problem. The original poster is probably one of those folks that checks out any video related to Android to tell people he's using an iCrappy device and how it's better. As evident by his name. The iPad build quality may be better than the N9 but that's about it IMO.
Absolutely great review, I have finally seen you review a tablet and it was a phenomenal review. Now that I have seen a review of both the nexus 9 and the iPad air I think I'm best suited for the iPad air. Thank you for brining everything to the table again because I had seen other reviews and no one mentioned some of the bad things you mentioned.
thank you for your review. that lag on Nexus 9 just comfort me and i am happy with my windows tablet
Glad I didn't watch this video before buying mine else I wouldn't have sampled the delights of the nexus 9. I have zero flex on the back of mine and it's been faultless in operation and is really solidly built. Smoothest tablet I've used when it comes to scrolling etc. I'm absolutely loving it and I'm fussy with tech. Here in the UK I played the equivalent of 630 US dollars so can't understand why Americans are complaining of the price either!
I was so excited for this tablet... HTC, Boomsound, K1 and Android Lollipop.
I hoped it'd be the best Android tablet, I was wrong. HTC could've done way better.
It has less RAM than the Nexus 6, it doesn't have SD-card expansion (I watch movies on my tablet... A lot of people do), I can see the screen bleeding on the edges and it lags (Could be fixed in a software-update). And the battery isn't the best either. Now those wouldn't be huge problems if they didn't charge $500 for it. I think a lot of people can agree that this is partially a missed oppertunity for HTC as well as for Google.
Just had a chrome update on my nexus 9 and this thing is now so fast !
LOL, firing in the quote. Brilliant. Excellent review Michael, thanks. Just not tickled by the Nexus lineup this year. Note 4 and TabPro 12.2 instead.
Great Review. Thanks for your work. You're my favorite reviewer at Pocket Now.
I agree on almost everything Michael said. This tablet isn't as tempting as the Nexus 7 2013 was. I just don't feel I should upgrade from the N7 2013.
Great review. of all your problems with it the storage one hurts the most. having 64gb option on the N6 and 32gb on the N9 is just a huge disappointment especially in a cloud services deprived country like mine.
Well im sorry, this 'stock android' seems to lag more than the now smooth touchwiz...
Only on the nexus 9.
What William Shropshire said. Honestly, I just put Lollipop on my Nexus 5 and the OS is fast and smooth. Lag seems to just be an issue with the Nexus 9.
William Shropshire Аnd nexus 6.
Brane Petkoski really? Heard it performed pretty well on nexus 6
William Shropshire Nope, it's slower than on nexus 5 . Apparently problem is encryption which can't be turned off on nexus 6 and nexus 9.
I'm definitely sticking to my Nexus 7, it almost seems to run smoother than the 9...how is that possible?
"with a design best described as non-descript" ;) informative, entertaining and succinct video. i look forward to a review of the gear s.
You are one of the best reviewers on TH-cam :)
Jump to 5:38 to see all the game titles he demoed in the review :)
Very thorough and honest review!
Long time no see, Michael! 🙂
Thank you so much for this brutally honest look at this tech while others are just blowing it silly. Keep giving us these great videos!
I have an LG G3 and iPad Air. Rooted and jail broken, never been happier
It's a shame that Google did poorly with the quality control of the Nexus 9. Thankfully, my Nexus 9 has no hardware issues presented in this video review besides the heating part. Also my device seems very fluid and smooth. I do agree that the price for the Nexus 9 price point is a bit too high. Nice review just like always!
It annoys me that even with all the power that chipset has and the new engine in Android 5.0 it still doesn't perform as well as my ipad air and the performance is inconsiste t aswell. How long time is it going to take for Android devices to get the same oerformance as iOS and WP. And they need to improve the tablet app selection insanely much. And it sucks when you buy a tablet that has a chipset that's made to perform in games, a lot if them can't even run because of the hardware fragmentation on Android.
Agree with your comment. The problem was Android L is built to work with 64 bit. With only Nvidia having a powerful 64 bit processor at the moment, it because the choice of Google to use their chip to showcase a 64 bit android device. The problem is, Tegra processor is not fully optimized to work with android 64 bit. Heck Tegra k1 Denver one is twice as fast as the one in nexus 7 and I have yet to see lag on my nexus 7. Nvidia shield uses Tegra k1 as well, but is a completely different processor than nexus 9. You don't see lag on nvidia shield either.
I'd say the Nexus handset has passed ios, in combination from it's improvements and ios' continuous downfall since Jobs passed away. I used to love the iphone but now it's laggy and the os is ugly, Android seems to be improving every time.
stretch90 I use a an iPad air and a galaxy s4 daily and my mom has an iPhone 6. iPhone 6 and galaxy s4 are pretty similar in performance although the iPhone 6 seems a tad more responsive. After having had two Android tablets and trying my dad's galaxy tab s, I switched to iPad and I don't regret it for a second. Android tablets still don't have that instant response and they still slow down over time. And iPad is also the only one that has a good enough amount of actual tablet apps, which is kind of important on a... well... tablet. I have used both platforms and in my experince iOS still performs better especially on tablets.
*****
I should specify that it's more about the responsiveness in the iphone that bothers me. ios 6 was great but ios 7 just screwed things up with how it switches between apps, has dead time when closing an app and other similar issues. I think the overall performance hasn't changed much but the little things bother me a lot.
Lollipop on my nexus 7 2013 feels very smooth and I have no rotate issues.. I think google will put out a update to nexus 9 soon and maybe even fix the hollow bad cover because the design is great I think but the hollow back sucks .. I think there should be a follow up review when its all fixed
Most of the issues you mentioned can be fixed with a software update,when they fix them it will be one of the best tablets this year
Time travel to 2020 and you can pick up a Nexus 9 for $60 or so. It's not bad at all for a tiny investment. A great screen, processor and front facing speakers makes it a fun toy for budget minded buyers.
its a good tablet.....can it work with a stylus???
Thanks for the honesty, *****. I expected a lot more from *****, but maybe they will update the hardware to take out the flex in the back. That's a deal breaker, unfortunately.
I'll just stick to my N7 2013 for another year until they make a better one
I know right
Same here. So true
It's half the price, quicker, and it's light yet it can still take a beating. Weird how last year's nexus lineup is better than this one.
I wouldn't say the nexus 7 2013 is quicker because it's obvious that the Tegra K1 is much faster than the Snagdragon S4 pro, but it is not a problem for me as my Nexus 7 2013 is not for gaming.
Besides, I don't really love the 4:3 ratio.
Ayy Lmao Well last year's Nexii OEMs were the same ones as the year before that so they had time to refine and upgrade, especially the Nexus 7.
Great review Mike !!! my thoughts are right on par with what you said about the tablet.
My thoughts are is that they were wanting to keep the hardware designed to look and feel like the Nexus line from earlier release I think that's what they were aiming for in my opinion.
Maybe to keep the continuity in line with the rest of the devices.
Maybe the next iteration will be more high-end let's hope
very honest review......
i hope ***** also points the disappointing "things" seen in this tablet rather than telling how "wow" this tablet from google is in his review........
Michael Fischer could you give me some tips about the NEXUS 9? I´m planing to get one to replace my ultrabook. My everyday deeds are only for internet, i have a PS4. I dont need a big ultrabook. DO you think its OK to get a NEXUS 9 with the keyboard folio to replace an ultrabook?
Some apps may not work or have issues because Android went from Dalvik to ART.
Awesome review as always! I agree that the hardware of the nexus 9 is a let down, not the worst but definitely could be better and the big thing is Android 5.0 lollipop! Just because the nexus 9 is the first tablet to come out pre-loaded with lollipop makes me want to get it but I'm not blown away with the hardware as I am with the software. So I'll wait. Cheers.
Hmm, I hope we can get a look at Android 5.0 on the slightly older Nexus 7 Mk II & 10 soon. I have a 7 and was looking at a 10 as a bigger tablet since the price has come down quite a bit.
I love watching movies on my tablet and that 4:3. just... No I can't handle having the majority of the screen not displaying anything
This guy (Michael Fisher) is, without a doubt, the best reviewer on the net.
Personally, I think I'll be waiting for the N9 competitor tablets, particularly HTC. My only fear with a Sense 6 HTC tablet would be a metal body, so I won't exactly be getting my hopes up... though I kinda am.
If they put aluminum on it. Might cost more. But idk. I liked the Nexus 5 build. Looks like a large N5. But.. I think I'd prefer the Shield
I'd love the body of an iPad air 2. It is VERY thin and the built quality is great. The body is probably the biggest leap from the first air. (I don't really care about the fingerprint scanner). If I had that in android lollipop that would do me for a tablet.
Well, when the N5 came out there were some slight problems too, I'm sure they will release a few updates to fix the N9 very soon. No need to judge things so quickly and all.
get the shield x1 it has 1 teraflops under the hood enough to run a ue demo if that ain't powerful enough I don't know wat is
Was so excited about this tablet, I have the nexus 7 2013 edition, which I love! but I feel so underwhelmed about this tablet, might go for the iPad air 2 as my first "large" tablet.
Thank you Michael, as always, very helpful!
Pocketnow Michael is that a Samsung Gear S at 5:13? Or am I seeing things?
A lot of the other reviews says the plastic used on the white version screams quality a bit better
Seems nice, but I still can't get over the iPad style 4:3 display. Looks like I'll get hanging onto my Nexus 10 for a few more years.
Awesome review bro
Ipad Air 2's Hardware + Nexus 9's Software = My Life 😍😍
whats with the slow rotation from portrait to landscape?
widgets
the nexus 7 2013 rotates instantly.
Emil Bozhilov it has a smaller display.
GeeKraft HD dont care really. if i wanted a bigger display i'd get a laptop. 10000x more functionality.
Emil Bozhilov
My point was that it has smaller display to deal with and lower-res display, so it is natural for it to rotate faster. I didn't stated an opinon, but rather a fact. Sorry for any misunderstandings.
Am I the only one here who uses an iPad for a tablet and Android for a phone?
That is definitely the way to go
Nope u are not. After viewing tons of reviews, I just got an Ipad mini 2 (the first retina) 32 gb. I have a moto x as smartphone but I preferred spending 329 instead of 479 euro (I live in Europe) for the Nexus 32gb version. 150 bucks less and I can always sell the mini in the future if I change my mind; we all know how Apple products keep their value. But for now, the mini 2 is just perfect, considering it's the same of a mini 3 without the touch id but for a hundred less in price.
I am thinking the same right now. Am interested in the Tab S though from Samsung, but Best Buy will sell the iPad Air2 for $399...and that is a damn fine tablet as well.
No :) same here
JtsONNF a538s5 me too :) Air 2 and Nexus 5
I feel many issues with the nexus 9 will be solved in the next updates. But I think i'd still buy a Tab S because come on. Amoled on a tablet is amazing, it's still up do date, lightweight, pretty... I'd still go with that.
The apps that are not opening are because L 5.0 runs on the ART runtime and a lot of apps are not yet optimized for ART and are still built for DALVIK runtime.
Michael when are you reviewing that gear s you had strapped to your wrist? :)
I always wanted an android device, but never the phone. So I'm thinking getting a tablet, it's been like almost a year(?) since the Nexus 9 lunched, is it still worth to buy it now or should I just waiting for the pixel c tablet???? I just mainly use it for class and gaming etc.
buy the pixel-c with the keyboard when it comes out. better.
buy the pixel-c with the keyboard when it comes out. better.
+Arsalan Nawazish cool, thanks
+Luke L get the nexus 9. It's almost just as powerful as the pixel C for less than half the price
But, it has faults. I have the nexus 9
honest review, good coverage!
What builder would you suggest
did you download the last lolllipop build from google...?
I don't understand the hangups people have with the design. How far can you go when designing a tablet? But that flexing back is inexcusable. I own a nexus 7(2013) and it has the same soft matt finish back and its bloody beautiful to the touch and far more practical than aluminium. BTW, I don't think it was fair to do a review on this device straight after eating a pizza...I'm just assuming you did, as that's the only way I've gotten those kind of greasy smudge marks on my device.
Not ready for the compromise. Seriously, with my Surface negating the need of a laptop and a tab, I wonder why anyone would go for this.
Michael Fisher for the WIN!
How can you complain about a tablet you've never used...so what if an reviewer says its not worth it. Use it for yourself and come to your own conclusion
I'm going to just install lollipop on my nexus 7 instead. Thank God I got the 2013 edition and its still runs perfectly fine except some games do lag but I got my phone if I want to game.
They said that the desing of nexus 9 is going to be something new and cool but all I see is the Nexus 7 ( 2013 ) with bigger screen and HTC Logo nothing new at all ! To bad about this table because it could of been a very nice and cool tablet and I hopped that HTC would come with an incredible desing as they always do but nothing good ...
Very nice and fair review, though that brings sadness to me. Compared to Nexus 7 2014 or even Nexus 10 Google is going backwards with Nexus 9. Shit and here I wanted to buy it by any means, thank you pocket now for showing how really is it this little guy.
What a shame HTC dropped the ball on this. Fans of the original HTC Nexus One had been long calling for a return of Nexus to HTC. This was huge disappointment as Michael so well alluded to, as far as the hardware is concerned.
Mooshi back panel = deal breaker! Thanks for the review ***** great work!
i think i made my choice the nvidia shield tab expandadble storage,no letter boxing,cheaper,smaller battery but more life 2ndays during stand by and 8-9 hours during regular usage 6 - 7 during hard usage
Is there a lollipop launcher app for the iPad mini 2?
nexus series now has 6 inches, 7 inches and even 9 inches. still stock android does but very little to use the screen size....even worse they are going for a 4:3 aspect ratio. get your shit together Google..Well from lollipop, i expected more...
You forgot about the nexus 10. The 4:3 aspect ratio also allows for a higher resolution display at less of a cost. Its like cameras, they take 4:3 photos by default and if you want to convert it to 16:9 you lose a few megapixels.
You can get the Nvidia Shield Tablet thats 8 inches with the 16:10 aspect ratio
No one ever mentions that stock android doesn't have features like multi window but complains that the iPad & iPhone 6 doesn't have it.
iPad Air 2 is MUCH BETTER than this crap. I'm sorry.
Do u know if all the Google Services work on iPads like Google Photos, G+, Hangouts ,Keep, Drive, Gmail, Calander, & can u share stuff between these services just like on Android, thanks.
sski66 yes
Justin Blancarte Thanks.
***** Yeah that's what I was thinking but the important part for me is that all the Google Services that I mentioned actually work on the Mini just like they do on Android. I have a N7, well had both of them, the size is great 4me, I'm not diggin' the N9 too much.
sski66 google services work better on androids I believe
Am i the only person who actually likes touchwiz better than stock android?
Yes.
I just dont understand what the problem is with it. Could someon explain why people hate touchwiz?
***** its not that bad now
SheninMKA yes it is. Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Lollipop has nice colors which are pleasing to The eye-and what samsung did-Put neon colors that hurts your eyes and put some pretty bad color combinations(blue and orange, i mean come on!?!?!). Performance is nothing to scream about. Same as before. Bloat will maybe dissapear in s6 touchwiz, but we shall see that.
64 bit processor but does the software support 64 bit processing. If not... when?
iPad air, basic square plain construction = Beautiful and elegant.
Nexus 9, basic square plain construction = Forgettable and nondescript.
Seriously, could this be any MORE biased?
There is a difference when the nexus 9 is cheap plastic and not a all aluminum body
Unbiased. best reviewer ever.
I'm pretty sure that htc didn't intend people to tap the back cover
nexus 9 for 200 bucks worth it?
yes.
Can you please do a galaxy tab s 8.4 vs nexxus 9 review? Thanks
I always thought Google and HTC should have redone this tablet in full metal with updated specs, keeping the same size and dimensions.
Might be coming soon.
do after the buzz review of nexus 9....
Agreed
Whilst I still use my first gen nexus 7 I have found the battery to be be poor. I think the market is moving so fast that I am going to wait another year. Android 5 seems too little too late for me.
Nice, can't wait to get my LTE version!
I love the minimalist design like its Nexus 5 betheren; I would never knock on that front. It's tasteful without being gaudy. I don't want or need to be carrying around any gold or bronze trim jewelry pieces like you see on some devices (ipad and Galaxy tab s). Build quality however is suspect. Flexible back and panel gaps is somewhat worrying but it aint no thang really compared to backlight bleeding issue i've seen on mine since that actually affects usage. Also, I was less impressed with the sound. It really just sounds like 2 average sounding phone speakers in stereo.
Noticed galaxy gear s when are we gonna see in boxing and or review of that?
Well I am glad I am still happy with my Nexus 10. I can wait for the price to come out for maybe I'll just go for the Samsung's next tablet down the line.
Im starting to think that google just doesnt care about the hardware build quality of devices.. I recently bought a nexus 7 (2013) for my mother and the screen is horrid. By that I mean its touch responsiveness. It is a nice display but if you google search something like "Nexus 7 (2013) display grounding and sensitivity issues" there wil be TONS OF PROBLEMS. I have this problem and it pisses me off that google and asus have done literally NOTHING to address this issue. most people dont notice it but apparently on the majority of devices when placed on a glass or wooden surface occasionally touch will not respond. If you have it try it you will be disappointed like I am. I am never getting a nexus tablet again. im going either ipad or samsung. and sorry I really just wanted to vent...
I just decided to buy the Nexus 9 and thought it would have been awesome.But Yes, Google had mistaken for giving a chance for designing their very brilliant going Nexus series Tab , Which Asus probably might have done much much better.
It costs me $ 379 as of now for Black but it is a Fingerprint magnet. And after all this , what the main fact is I expected that Nexus 9 would have been much better than this! #Facepalm HTC , Thumbs up Google (For Android 5.o of coarse)
THANKS POCKET NEXT FOR SHOWING THE BEST REVIEW OF VERY NEXUS 9 EVER!
What game was Michael Fisher playing?