Google Nexus 10

Bottom Line

A jaw-dropping 2,560-by-1,600-pixel ultra-high resolution display paired with a powerful new Samsung Exynos processor makes the Google Nexus 10 the most compelling Android alternative to the fourth-generation Apple iPad (*Est. $500 and up). However, the lack of tablet-optimized Android apps hurts.

Breaking It Down

Performance

Powerful and pretty. The Samsung Exynos 5 Dual processor powering the Nexus 10 and its display provides punchy and responsive performance, although the ultra-high resolution can cause the most cutting-edge of 3D games to hiccup a bit as they struggle to fill all those pixels. Everyday performance screams along just fine, and reviewers say the audio is loud and excellent. On the downside, battery life is just average and the micro-USB charger fills the battery slowly.

Features

Android's latest software. Aside from the stunning display, the Nexus 10's biggest claim to fame is the inclusion of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the latest build of Google's operating system. This upgrade adds a 360-degree panoramic photo mode with the 5-megapixel rear camera, multi-user login capabilities, enhanced security features, a much-improved virtual keyboard and support for the Miracast streaming wireless display standard. As a flagship Nexus device, the 10 should also receive timely operating system updates.

Reviewers' two biggest criticisms are a complete lack of expandable storage or cellular data capabilities and the poor state of the Google Play Store from a tablet perspective. Simply put, developers simply haven't created many tablet-optimized Android apps, much less any capable of admirably taking advantage of the Nexus 10's plentiful pixels. The iPad holds a big advantage in app selection.

Ease of use

A mote in the high-resolution eye. Navigation is simple most of the time, but the Retina-beating display has one weakness: poor viewing at off-center angles. Experts say the Nexus 10's lightweight and thin build makes it easy to hold for hours on end, but if you're looking for something a bit more portable, they point to the 7-inch, quad-core processor-powered Google Nexus 7 (*Est. $200 and up) as an alternative. It's also available in a cellular data-equipped version (*Est. $300).

Value

Great for a 10-inch Android tablet. The Nexus 10's high-quality overall package makes it an enticing proposition at $400, which is $100 less than the fourth-generation iPad and many premium 10-inch Android slates. Just be sure you're happy with the Android app selection before spurning Apple's tablet.