Tablets

LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play edition is official; pure Android tablet for $350

25

lg g pad 8-3 gpe

LG has just announced the G Pad 8.3 Google Play edition, an 8.3-inch tablet that is nearly identical to the LG G Pad 8.3 already circulating the market. The difference between that and this new Google Play edition is that this one will come with completely stock, pure Android, and should be in line to get all of the latest updates (like the newly-pushed Android 4.4.2 KitKat) ahead of pretty much everyone else.

The specs might not have changed, but here they are again if you aren’t in the know:

  • Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 600 Processor
  • Operating System: Android™ 4.4, KitKat
  • Display: 8.3-inch Full HD IPS WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels / 273 ppi)
  • Memory: 16GB eMMC
  • RAM: 2GB LPDDR2
  • Camera: Rear 5.0MP / Front 1.3MP
  • Battery: 4,600mAh
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Size: 216.8 x 126.5 x 8.3mm
  • Weight: 338g
  • Colors: Indigo Black

LG’s original advertising campaign for the device noted how they paid special, close attention to the ergonomics. Their goal was to deliver a device that was “just right” for you by striking a key balance between screen real estate and comfort. That brought us the uncommon 8.3-inch screen size you see above.

The G Pad 8.3 has been met with fairly warm reception, with most folks happy to have a no nonsense tablet that is well-built and chock full of features. There’s even less nonsense now that LG’s custom user interface won’t be getting in the way of regular Android updates.

You can find it for $350 in the Google Play Store right now.

 

Quentyn Kennemer
The "Google Phone" sounded too awesome to pass up, so I bought a G1. The rest is history. And yes, I know my name isn't Wilson.

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25 Comments

  1. Woah! I was just wondering the other day if there would ever be a GPE tablet! Hopefully this helps LG in the mobile market!

  2. First GPE tablet. Nice.

  3. Hmm, this is pretty interesting

  4. And now we get the N7 in white, like the N5?!? And, essentially a free chromecast with an N7 since you get $35 Google play cash! Hit this up folks!

    1. Try buying hardware with Google Play credit. It’s okay, I’ll wait…..

      1. I don’t think that’s what was said at all.

  5. Interesting, this seems like a much better tablet size than the 7″ Nexus which I always felt didn’t distinguish itself enough from pulling out a 4.7″ phone. Looking forward to reviews.

    1. Yeh I wish they’d bumped up the 2013 model’s size, with the Nexus 5 there’s barely any value in carrying a 7″ tablet as well. 8″ is perfect when it’s in a slim form factor like this.

      1. The iPad Mini is 7.9″ or this is 8.3″

  6. Samsung is trying to be the prodigal son, so Google is turning it’s attention to LG. Just watch thus is just the beginning, much more to come.

  7. Not available in your country….. woo!

    1. Yup……No love for Canada :(

  8. And here I was hoping for a Nexus 8 next year. I guess here it is!

    1. Pipo Pro-Series offers a Solid “Best Buy”

      Two new tablets with premium features are the Pipo M7 Pro ($255) 8.9 inch tablet and the Pipo M9 Pro ($284) full size 10.1″ tablet and both models also offer editions with 3G HSPA+ with built-in SIM slot for roughly $30 more – making these models great-deals for connection through GSM carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Straight Talk Wireless (now offering service through AT&T) —

      Plus the Pipo M9 Pro -3G edition now offers Voice Calling capability and works well with Bluetooth headsets for phone calls — All other major brand devices, including iPad and Nexus products, only feature Data Internet and do not offer Voice calling functionality.

      All Pipo M7 Pro and Pipo M9 Pro models feature 1900×1200 screen resolution (Samsung PLS display), Quad core performance (1.6 GHz) – 2GB, built-in GPS navigation, Dual Band WiFi (2.4/5.0 GHz), MicroSD slot, two MicroUSB ports, HDMI, Android 4.2.2 with an upgrade available soon for Android 4.4 Kit Kat, and an option to run standard Android O/S or a multimedia User Interface that makes the Android experience much more intuitive and easier to use.

      One U.S.source the Pipo Pro series is available through is — Tab l et Sp r i nt

      1. You might want to include a link with your spam.

  9. I suppose this is why NEWEGG has had the standard edition marked down to varying degrees the past two weeks.
    Still glad I pulled the trigger @ $259,guessing the GE ROM will be flashable sometime soon.
    Not really needed at this time,the tablet is nice just the way it is……..

    1. I got mine at $249 from newegg.

      1. I missed the 50% off Sale @ NEWEGG on 11/26/13 by one day.
        Mighta bought two at that price.
        Mine was from NEWEGG via e-Bay/tax-free/free shipping, so I have no complaints.

        IMHO, if you can get this tablet for under $300 out-the-door, it’s the best all-around bargain for a tablet in the 8″-ish category.
        Nothing touches the HISENSE SERO 7 PRO in the 7″ category for all-around value.

        1. That is super awesome! I’m going to see if I can grab one too, since it most definitely will be flashable!

  10. I sold my Xoom after picking up a Note 3 thinking I wouldn’t miss it since the Note 3 is so much faster. I do miss having a tablet. I was looking at the Nexus 7 and almost bought one on black friday, but had concerns that the screen size was too close to my Note 3. I began looking at the G Pad, but wasn’t sure how I’d like having a skinned tablet after years of having my Xoom. If the GPE rom becomes flashable to the regular G Pad that would be the ultimate scenario because I could pick one of those up pretty cheap.

    1. Pipo Pro-Series also offers a Solid “Best Buy”

      Two new tablets with premium features are the Pipo M7 Pro ($255) 8.9 inch tablet and the Pipo M9 Pro ($284) full size 10.1″ tablet and both models also offer editions with 3G HSPA+ with built-in SIM slot for roughly $30 more – making these models great-deals for connection through GSM carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Straight Talk Wireless (now offering service through AT&T) and can be easily added to any wireless plan.

      Plus the Pipo M9 Pro -3G edition also now offers Voice Calling capability and works well with Bluetooth headsets for phone calls — All other major brand devices with 3G/4G, including iPad and Nexus products, only feature Data Internet and none offer Voice calling functionality.

      All Pipo M7 Pro and Pipo M9 Pro models feature 1900×1200 screen resolution (Samsung PLS display), Quad core performance (1.6 GHz) – 2GB, built-in GPS navigation, Dual Band WiFi (2.4/5.0 GHz), MicroSD slot, two MicroUSB ports, HDMI, Android 4.2.2 with an upgrade available soon for Android 4.4 Kit Kat, and an option to run standard Android O/S or a multimedia User Interface that makes the Android experience much more intuitive and easier to use.

      One U.S.source the Pipo Pro series is available through is — Tab l et Sp r i nt

  11. Why not just get a nexus 7,don’t see justification over nexus 7

    1. Well to be fair the 7″ screen is pretty small. The 8.3″ seems a better fit for a tablet having about 40% more screen area.

  12. Just got mine! Definitely better than the Nexus 7 in my opinion. The only minor problem is that it isn’t as bright, but at least theres no touch issues & it has a bigger screen (Had 20 Nexus 7’s from different manufactured months with touch issues, 2012 & 2013).

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