Reviews of The Nexus 9

[Gatman]

Google brought an update; LRX21Q. Without getting too technical, there were some changes to the kernel which greatly improved performance. I manually flashed the images this morning and have not seen any of the lag issues so far that I had previously seen.

I'm pretty excited about this because part of the joy of this tablet for me is the development aspect. I would have missed that greatly. I'm so glad an update was able to improve performance so greatly! Nexus 9, you're back in the game!!

Well, I only have about 8 days to decide if I'm going to keep it, so I just unlocked my bootloader so I could load this update. It's restoring apps now. I've only rooted one phone before, and that was done with Chainfire's one-click root (IIRC). I followed a video from Rootjunky.com and it went fine. I'm off to find instructions for loading the update now so I can try it out.

Wish me luck.

~Gary

 

[Brian706]

Well, I only have about 8 days to decide if I'm going to keep it, so I just unlocked my bootloader so I could load this update. It's restoring apps now. I've only rooted one phone before, and that was done with Chainfire's one-click root (IIRC). I followed a video from Rootjunky.com and it went fine. I'm off to find instructions for loading the update now so I can try it out.

Wish me luck.

~Gary

Good luck!!

You can follow this guide to flash the factory images: http://androidforums.com/android-sy...e-how-flash-nexus-factory-image-manually.html

If you decide to go through with the rooting, make sure you use cf-autoroot.
http://download.chainfire.eu/595/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-flounder-volantis-nexus9.zip

This will root the updated kernel. If you use the manual method, you will be on the old kernel.
I need to update my guide.

 

[Gatman]

Good luck!!

All done. I definitely see a bit of improvement in the performance.

I installed the DashClock widget, and I see it will report the temperature of the battery. I sent ahead and streamed Netflix for about 30 minutes and then checked the temp - 84.4F. Then I streamed TV for about 30 minutes and checked the temp again - 105.1F. Not as hot as I thought it felt. I installed Asphalt 8, but then I unlocked the bootloader so I could load the update and didn't get a chance to test that.

If anyone has any graphics intensive games they'd suggest let me know. I've see reports of it getting hotter than what I saw in my two brief tests. I want to put it through the paces for the next few days.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Brian706]

So I've discovered more about my charging caveat... I thought I was on to something thinking the tablet would only charge while turned on. If I turn it off and plug it in over night, it says it's charging but it's in the same place in the morning when I turn it on.

So last night I left it on. It was at 86% and I left it on but plugged in over night thinking it would be fully charged in the morning. Well it wasn't. It was at about 62% so it actually went down.

It was then I realized it charges every time I'm using it. So I tested today and sure enough, it will charge as long as the display is on. Mind you, any time it's plugged in, whether powered off or with the display off, it shows as charging. But for whatever reason, it only actually gains percentage while the display is on.

Obviously this isn't right, but I find it interesting nonetheless... Anyone have any thoughts as to why/how this could be possible???

 

[dequelo]

Doesn't seem to be any Nexus 9 Black Friday deals. Samsung has the larger Tab S 10.5 for $399.

I have been waiting for 2 years for a Nexus 10 successor and not considered anything else. Now that the 10.5" is same price as N9, I'm debating. I've also heard complaints about quality build on the N9, but not enough official reviews to confirm.

Thoughts?

Probably be good to keep the 10 for one more year. No reason to upgrade, unless you play hardcore games.

 

[marctronixx]

B,

maybe factory reset? try a different usb cable AND wall charger, charge on a different computer.

are you rooted?

what firmware version are you on?

 

[Brian706]

Hey Marc!! I have used the factory images and two charge cables. Both charge cables work on my nexus 5 and have the same results on my nexus 9.

I am rooted and that's the one thing I haven't tried yet. Planning on using the images to update again to the latest and seeing how it charges stock. The only thing about that is that most n9 users are rooted and none of them have the same issues that I've seen.

I'm thinking there may just be something wrong with my unit, but it's weird to me that it charges while the display is on. If the charging is functional, it doesn't make sense to me that it works in one specific scenario consistently and won't charge in any other circumstance.

 

[marctronixx]

yeah i agree there maybe something wrong internally that beyond a factory reset.

i dont guess you were able to test this PRIOR to rooting no?

sad to see you are not able to enjoy this tab to its fullest. im just giggly with this and the nex 6...

 

[Brian706]

Correct, I didn't test prior to rooting. I'm thinking of getting a replacement and seeing how that one handles.

I've seen that when people relock the boot loader it brands the boot screen with a message. I'm hoping I don't have any issues returning it. Starting to wish I ordered directly from Google because I know they don't care. Though I wonder for a hardware issue if I could deal directly with google anyway? Manufacturers warranty??

 

[marctronixx]

you are not satisfied of its performance. return it for replacement. dont sweat the small stuff.

 

[reisb]

What about battery life? I REALLY want to like this and buy this, but the lack of official reviews (after a month) and bad reviews on build quality and battery are really scaring me. I'm still tempted on the Tab S 10.5" black friday deal or just waiting another year (currently borrowing family's old N7 2012, which has drastically slowed down)

My wife has an older Galaxy tab 4 7.0" and after a day of constantly ereading, her battery is usually 80%. People talk about N9 having 1-2 days if your lucky with normal use.

 

[Brian706]

What about battery life?

Battery life seems decent to me so far.



4 hours of screen on time with approximately 4 left. That was with pretty heavy usage. Playing some games and being on Android Forums a lot.

 

[sikclown]

Coming from a Nexus 10 I thought the smaller screen was going to be an issue but so far I have loved my Nexus 9. It does get warm in the upper left hand corner when in landscape mode and I can imagine it getting uncomfortably hot when really taxing the processor. I have had no lag issues (It updated to the latest as soon as I set it up) and none of the Chrome reboot issues that I continually have with my Nexus 10. I am going to keep running it through its paces but the 9 will be my daily tablet. Either going to sell my 10 or relegate it to my Kitchen or Bathroom tablet.

 

[reisb]

I bought one yesterday from amazon for $50 off and $50 Google play credit. I have till Jan 31st to return it. Hopefully no issues...

 

[dequelo]

I played with a Nexus 9 at Best Buy, it seems very fast, but I couldn't test any demanding apps due to not having access to the play store. I really wish they would have expandable storage, but I guess that will always be a choice/sacrifice, performance and space.

I'm considering a Galaxy Tab S, I think that's probably the best between performance and storage. But Touchwiz will always be an obstacle for Galaxy users. I keep saying if Windows would get some decent apps in their store, I'd get a Surface 3.

 

[Brian706]

I haven't seen what kind of development is happening for the Galaxy Tab S, but if rooting is an option, you might be able to get the best of both worlds.

IE: use of the Samsung, but ditch touchwhiz and use a more vanilla android rom, closer to what the nexus uses.

 

[Hook]

I know tablets have a much smaller market than phones, but still it is awfully quiet in here.. Of course, compared to the Galaxy Tab S forum, this is Grand Central Station.

How is life with the Nexus 9?

(And, yes, I am happy with my Tab S, but *OH*MY*GOD it is not a Nexus).

CF-Autoroot seems to support the Tab S.

 

[marctronixx]

the nexus 9 is a fabulous tablet. coming from a lunch day moto xoom its light years ahead.

i now have the LTE model and i am just as happy as a clam.

 

[systemofadown]

I got mine in yesterday evening - plugged her in & proceeded to setup while it charged to full. These are my thoughts so far. First off I've had the 2012 n7 for over two years & really enjoyed it. Sometimes my phone is just too small & breaking out my laptop is to much - a tablet turned out to be the best of both worlds for me. I decided I'd give the n9 a shot as my second tablet so here I am. All in all I'm very happy. The size is almost perfect for couch browsing & its not too heavy. I kinda wish I had gotten the 32gb version being that I have a bit over 8gb's free, but I knew that would be the case so I can't gripe. I'm an app minimalist anyway. The build quality is pretty good in my opinion & the lunar white back is striking if I may say so .
Anyway, enough of my thoughts. How do you guys like yours?

 

[reisb]

I got mine about 2 weeks ago. 32GB white. I agree, the white back looks great with Nexus text. Unfortunately, I can't see it anymore with my case, but...

I haven't had any issues to date. Need to decide if I want to keep it by Jan 31st. So far only thing that annoys me a little is the almost flush power/volume buttons. I heard the news ones should be more pronounced. Not sure if that's all they fixed. Not sure that's enough to make me send back and get another.

So far, no lagging for me. Very light bleed on top, but only noticeable when screen it completely black. Battery could be better. Getting about 2-3 days on it with average use. Just use chrome, FB, news republic, yahoo sports mainly. Best battery life was when I read a book on kindle app. I'm guessing all the reading apps really extend life cause not using processor.

Brian706, you decided to keep or send back yet?

 

[Bryan Johnson]

My review isn't too technical, its just based on my observations thus far.

I have had my black 32gb nexus 9 for over a week now. It is my first tablet. Overall, I would give this beast an 8.5 / 10.

Review:

• I don't know why people are upset about the build quality.. I love the matte black back plate style, the glossy black trim, and how thin the nexus 9 is. Great job Google & HTC!
• I've played a somewhat graphics intense game (COD Heroes) and yes, this tablet does get hot after 30ish minutes of constant playtime. Its kind of like a heating pad, not too hot, but can become annoying overtime.
• As for the lag, I have experienced a slight lag every now and then, but again, nothing too alarming.
• There is a slight light bleed in the corners when watching shows, but it is hard to notice unless you are paying attention to the bleed instead of the show.
• The buttons can become a little annoying at times due to their location, but hey, we can't have a perfect device right? There's always going to be cons to great devices (IMO)!

Pro's:

• Build quality
• Graphics
• Speed
• Battery life

Con's:

• Slight light bleed in the corners
• Gets hot rather quickly
• The power and volume buttons

 

[MartinS]

Mine gets warm when playing games but I have no complaints about the tablet.

Compared to my Nexus 5 which is a mess with Lollipop, the Nexus 9 flies.

 

[bjacks12]

I've had mine since Sunday, but i love it so far.

Feels very nice in the hand, almost no light bleed, very snappy, just the right size.