Android’s been something of a damp squib when it comes to tablets, partly due to the massive success of the iPad and partly because we’ve been subjected to a deluge of Android devices which for various reasons have been a disappointment.

But with the arrival of Android’s Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich system updates matters have been improving, there’s an interface suited to tablet use and the hardware has gotten significantly better with superior displays and advanced features to set Android apart from Apple.

Since the beginning of 2012 a large number of new devices have hit the shelves, but if you’re looking to buy the sheer choice can be confusing. Wouldn’t it be easier if someone just told you the best Android tablet of the year? Well you’re in luck, because in our opinion the best tablet of 2012 is the…

Google Nexus 7

Google’s Nexus line is as close as Android gets to a reference device. They use a plain version of Android without any network or manufacturer additions and will therefore receive updates sooner. The Nexus 7 is the first tablet in the Nexus family and it’s a really impressive first go.

Powering the Nexus 7 is NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 CPU, a powerful quad core chipset which allows for amazing high-end gaming as well as high-definition video. It’s accompanied by 1GB RAM and also includes GPS, Bluetooth, compass and accelerometer plus NFC for short range data sharing.

None of those features are unique to the Nexus 7, but when it’s priced from around $199 USD then it becomes seriously interesting. Most other Tegra 3 or quad core tablets are double the price so the N7 offers real value for money as well as processing power.

The low price hasn’t resulted in hit in other areas either. Its 7-inch display uses IPS technology which ensures excellent image reproduction with wide viewing angles, and remains usable in sunlight unlike AMOLED screens.

Build quality is excellent too. While its shell is plastic, it’s a high quality material with grippy rubberised back cover and the front is covered in toughened Gorilla Glass to help prevent scratches and damage from falls.

When added together the Nexus 7 is an amazing Android tablet and will prove a tough act for others to follow. It’s got the power to handle games and HD video but its small size and low price makes it the perfect travelling companion as an alternative to an ebook reader.

Buy Google Nexus 7 Tablet (16 GB)

Also consider:

Asus Transformer Prime

The Asus Transformer Prime has a unique selling point in the form of its removable keyboard dock. When plugged into the keyboard the TFP becomes an ultra-thin netbook with a battery life in the double digits thanks to both the tablet and keyboard parts having a battery each.

The keyboard dock also includes a full size USB port and SD memory card slot to go with the microSD on the tablet, which means that with the 64GB internal memory and two memory cards you can have up to 128GB of storage.

The tablet itself is of the highest quality too. It’s built from brushed aluminium which feels as good as it looks and boasts an astoundingly bright IPS display, and is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset just like the Nexus 7.

Unlike Google’s tablet though the TFP is larger and more expensive. While still very portable its 10.1-inch screen is not as pocket-sized, and the price is more of a stumbling block. But it’s in the unusual position of managing to satisfy those that want both a tablet and an ultra-book laptop, so the higher cost can be justified.

Buy ASUS Transformer Prime

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

The Nexus 7 has the entry-level sown up and the Transfomer Prime occupies its own high-end niche, but if you’re simply after an equivalent of the iPad then the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is worth considering.

Priced somewhere between the other two tablets, the 10.1-inch Tab 2 offers a great mix of media consumption, portable web browsing and gaming and includes all the extras you’d expect in a modern touch-slate.

Its 1GHz dual core CPU and 1GB RAM power an Android Ice Cream Sandwich system that’s been customised by Samsung with some of its own UI touches and a wide variety of bundled apps, including media tools and various desktop widgets.

It’s kitted out with two cameras – one rear facing 3-megapixel snapper and a front-facing VGA sensor for video chat. And in addition to the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and wired USB connectivity some versions of the Galaxy Tab 2 include mobile data support for wireless net access anywhere, anytime.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

Author Bio: Matt Powell has written this article on behalf of Smartphone Genie, the information site for tablets and smartphones.

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