The Google Nexus 9 Review
by Joshua Ho & Ryan Smith on February 4, 2015 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Tablets
- HTC
- Project Denver
- Android
- Mobile
- NVIDIA
- Nexus 9
- Lollipop
- Android 5.0
WiFi Performance
On most tablets, WiFi performance is perhaps one of the most crucial parts of the experience as WiFi is often the primary method of connectivity. Without working WiFi, a tablet is basically useless as the only alternative is either cellular (which is quite rare on most tablets) or Ethernet over USB-OTG, which destroys most of the value of a mobile device.
In the case of the Nexus 9, we see that HTC has fitted this device with a BCM4354 WiFi module to enable two spatial stream 802.11ac. Interestingly, there is some evidence to suggest that HTC has also adopted Cypress Semiconductor’s CapSense controller to enable antenna tuning for the WiFi antennas. However, it’s probable that this solution is only for HTC devices without a Qualcomm Gobi modem as we’ve seen the use of the QFE15xx antenna tuner in previous HTC products. In order to test how the Nexus 9’s WiFi solution performs, we turn to iperf on Android to test throughput across the network, and utilize Asus’ RT-AC68U router to ensure that the device under test will be able to reach maximum performance.
The Nexus 9's WiFi solution performs about as well as one might expect from a BCM4354 solution. For the most part I haven't noticed any reception issues, even when touching/detuning the WiFi antennas.
GNSS
While most of the GNSS solutions that we’ve looked at this year use Qualcomm’s GPSOne/IZat due to the presence of a Qualcomm Gobi Modem, the same isn’t true for the Nexus 9. Instead, Broadcom’s BCM4752 is used here. While this shouldn’t have a massive impact on the speed with which first lock is acquired, in practice Qualcomm’s solution is noticeably faster here as the modem can often provide data to make for a hot fix. At any rate, the Nexus 9 does perform acceptably in this regard. I don’t see any major issues with location performance, although it does seem that the GPS tends to report lower accuracy levels than the Qualcomm solutions that I'm used to. Other than this, the GNSS solution is quite usable.
Misc
While we don't have a proper audio quality test yet, it's clear that the audio codec used is the same Realtek RT5677 codec that we saw in the SHIELD Tablet. Outside of the code, we also see an RT5506 2.55V amp on the 3.5mm jack, along with two NXP TFA9895 amps on the speakers, which are quite good due to their front-facing placement. In practice I don't really see much issue with loudness or quality here, as the speakers can get even louder than the M8 in some situations. We also see a Broadcom BCM2079x NFC chip, which means HCE is fully supported out of the box. Interestingly, the VCM controller is exposed to the OS and is said to be a Texas Instruments DRV201 chip.
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UtilityMax - Sunday, February 15, 2015 - link
I don't fully understand you comment about the SoC? You think web browser is using the hardware somewhat differently from the dedicated apps?My comment is about the fact that there is not point to have most of the dedicated apps when you have a tablet with a screen the size of a small laptop or netbook. Just fire up the web browser and use whatever web site you need. Most dedicated mobile apps exist because the screen size of a cell phone is pretty small, which can make for an awkward experience even when you pull a mobile web site though a web browser.
UtilityMax - Sunday, February 8, 2015 - link
It's not entirely true that there isn't much in the tablet space, besides Nexus 9 and Galaxy Tab S. If your pockets are deep enough, you could always get the Apple iPad Air 2. Apple gives you a well balanced tablet with great build quality, fine screen, CPU/GPU performance, and battery life. The only thing that's missing is an SD card slot, but at least there is an option a 64 or 128GB model. Personally, I ended buying a Tab S 10.5 because it was truly difficult to resist it at only $400 sale price, plus $35 for a 64GB SD card. Despite all the disappointing benchmarks, Tab S provides a pretty smooth and fluid android experience with a great screen. Battery life is the only thing that's getting on the way. Five hours of web browsing or standby is pretty disappointing.wintermute000 - Monday, February 9, 2015 - link
Sony Xperia Tablet Z2. SoC is one gen behind but if you can get it for a good price, you're laughing. Fantastic build, clean stock software, lag free.sunil5228 - Sunday, February 8, 2015 - link
Brilliant ! Esp loved the segway into the Denver CPU and dual vs quad arcitechture comparisons,very eye opening. thankyou sirbdiddytampa - Wednesday, February 11, 2015 - link
Picked one of these up a couple weeks ago and love it. It performs phenomenally well, and looks great. It's a bit heavy for its size and the thin bezel on the sides makes it difficult to hold with one hand without touching the screen, but overall its a fantastic tablet. Highly recommend it.Ozo - Monday, February 16, 2015 - link
Thanks for the lucid explanation of Denver.Any insight into why Google/HTC dropped the ball on "wireless" Qi charging? Especially when it was finally added to the Nexus phone!?!
I was set to upgrade from my Nexus 7 (2013), but no Qi = no sale. :(
Fardreit - Monday, February 23, 2015 - link
I'll be honest: I don't understand 80% of what the reviewer wrote. But the 20% that I do understand is enough for me to appreciate the conclusions drawn. I value the informed reviews here much more than those at the 'fan' websites. At Anandtech, people really know what they're talking about, even if I don't.When I'm able to follow the high-tech insults you guys sling at each other, then I know I've made progress.
flashbacck - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - link
Does the Shield Tablet use a similar DCO? I have noticed during it has performance issues during regular use. I wonder if it's this DCO that still needs work.ahcox - Thursday, February 25, 2016 - link
What is the accuracy of the image labelled "K1-64 Die Shot Mock-up"? Is it a colorized and enhanced version of a real die photograph or is it a pure invention? That 16 * 12 array dominating the picture seems a little off to me: surely there should be structures common to each 16*2 group forming an SMX? Kepler is not a simple tiled sea of cores.