We love the Nexus 7. It’s a great device, and it has tempted many people into joining the tablet revolution and entering the world of Android. The original Nexus 7 has been retired, and Google’s Nexus 7 (2013) is a worthy successor. We’ve offered up some handy Nexus 7 tips, and we’ve taken a look at the dark side with Nexus 7 problems. Now it is time to highlight some top class protection with the best Nexus 7 cases we could find. We’ll start off with cases for the current Nexus 7 (2013) and we’ll take a look at protection for the original tablet on page two (many of them are also available for the new version).
Updated on 5-28-2014 by Simon Hill: Added cases from Chil, Incipio, Minisuit, Portenzo, and Moko.
Nexus 7 (2013) cases
All of these cases should offer versions to fit an old 2012 Nexus 7 as well, but we recommend checking before you buy.
Chil Notchbook Case ($35)
The hinge on folio cases can be problematic; it’s often the first place to wear and can make it uncomfortable to hold the tablet. With Chil’s Notchbook you can slide your hand in because a small section folds out of the way, making it very comfortable to hold one-handed. The outside is padded leather, available in six colors, and the inside is soft microsuede. It also folds back to act as a stand, has a camera cut-out, and supports the automatic sleep/wake function via the magnetic closure.
Incipio Lexington Case ($40)
Your Nexus 7 (2013) slots into a hard shell and there’s a fake leather cover with microsuede lining on the inside. This folio case offers good all-round protection from accidents. The closure is a tab that slots into a loop, and you can bend the cover back to put your tablet in a good landscape position for viewing or angle it further for typing comfortably. Cut-outs are precise, so there’s nothing to interfere with you using the tablet with the case on.
Minisuit Keyboard Case ($25)
If you need to get productive then this Bluetooth keyboard case might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a lightweight Nexus 7 (2013) docking station with an impressively slim profile, considering it’s a full QWERTY keyboard. You can angle your tablet for typing and fold it down for stowing away, just like a mini-laptop. Once fully charged, the keyboard should run for days, they estimate 60 days standby, which is 55 hours of use. The discounted price makes this worth checking out.
Portenzo Alano Case ($100)
A price tag like this will be too much of a stretch for many, but these hand-made book-style cases are gorgeous. Bound in premium leather, your Nexus 7 sits within a hand-sanded maple frame. There’s a camera cut-out on the back and an elastic closure to keep the case shut. You can get different notebook styles, but we think these old world leather-bound book cases are the best looking. If you are prepared to pay extra, you can get an adjustable stand, a stylus compartment, and personalized embossing.
Moko Slim Case ($13)
You won’t find premium quality at this price, but the Moko offering is very slim and it fits the tablet perfectly. It’s a typical combination of hard plastic shell with a polyurethane cover that has a soft microfiber lining on the inside. You can fold the cover back to prop your Nexus 7 up in landscape or angle it for typing. The magnetic closure also supports the automatic sleep/wake function. It comes in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Cruzerlite Androidified A2 Cover ($18)
Simplicity itself with a cheerful Andy the Android emblazoned on the back. This TPU case is easy to fit and it can absorb minor shocks and keep your Nexus 7 ticking. It’s durable, scratch-resistant, and it has a lip to protect the exposed screen. Buttons are covered, but they still work just fine, and cut-outs give access to ports and the camera. This one comes in all the colors of the rainbow.
Everything Tablet 360 Rotating Case ($33)
You can snap your Nexus 7 (2013) into the plastic shell inside this case and it’s held firmly in place. As the name suggests, a circular hinge allows you to rotate it to whatever angle you like and stand it up in portrait or landscape view. The inner cover is soft microfiber to prevent any scratches. It automatically wakes your Nexus 7 when you open it and sends it off to sleep when you close the cover. There’s also a cut-out for the camera and an elastic closure to ensure that it doesn’t flap open. It feels durable and comes in an orange leather effect, or in a black carbon finish, which is a touch more stylish.
Seidio Dilex Case ($35)
Dual layer protection is offered by this lightweight case. There’s a standard durable, rubbery inner and a tough shell that provides some contrasting color. Seidio makes it sound cool by calling it an arachnid exoskeleton. The inner is always black, but you can opt for red, purple, or blue shells. It’s a good design that will offer solid protection from bumps and falls, but there are also plenty of good cut-outs for ventilation and easy operation.
Waterfield Tablet Ultimate Sleeve Case ($60)
Here’s a practical sleeve that’s great for travel. It’s made from neoprene with a tough nylon shell and there’s a special layer of padding to protect your display. The inside is lined with ultrasuede, so it protects against scratches and keeps your Nexus 7 looking sparkling and clean. You could use this as a standalone case, but it probably works best as a protective layer before you chuck the tablet into a bigger bag. It has a Velcro closure and there are a couple of pockets for your charger or other accessories. You can get brown leather trim for an extra $6 and the rings and straps are also optional extras.
Devicewear Ridge Case ($40)
Vegan leather sounds so much more enticing than fake leather, but this slim case from Devicewear has a lot going for it. Slot your Nexus 7 into a standard hard plastic shell with all the cut-outs you need. The hinged leather cover is securely attached to the back. There’s an elastic closure, it supports the sleep/wake function, and there are multiple positions for the landscape stand. The addition of a ridge that slots into the grooves is a smart idea, but it’s the svelte profile that really makes this a winner.
DodoCase Hardcover Solid ($40)
How can you resist the handmade charms of DodoCase’s wares? This example makes your Nexus 7 (2013) feel like a hard-bound book. It’s even produced in San Francisco, using traditional bookbinding techniques. There’s an elastic closure, magnets to activate automatic sleep/wake when you open and close it, and you can fold it to create a couple of stand positions. You can get similar cases with different finishes, and for an extra $10 you can have it personalized with embossed initials.
Poetic Slimline Case ($6)
They don’t get much cheaper than this currently discounted case from Poetic. It has a svelte form factor, it’s made from flexible polyurethane, and it has a microfiber lining on the inside. It has recessed buttons, cut-outs for ports, and a smart cover for auto sleep/wake. It also folds back to offer a couple of landscape viewing angles, and it comes in eight different colors. This is a great budget option for light protection that looks pretty good.
i-Blason Slim Folio Case ($10)
This is another cheap leather-effect case that’s actually made from polyurethane. It’s easy to pop the Nexus 7 (2013) in and out of the hard back, and the microfiber-lined cover supports the auto sleep/wake function. There are a couple of grooves in the cover to give you landscape viewing positions. Added extras include an elastic hand strap and a stylus strap, although the latter is not ideally placed.
Asus Official Travel Cover ($19)
Any official case is usually worth a look, especially since choices are limited soon after the release of a new device, but it’s not unusual for them to be overpriced, and this is no exception. This cover from Asus is malleable, and the button covers and cut-outs are perfectly placed. It’s also amazingly plain, which a lot of people will like, and it offers basic, low profile protection in your choice of five colors. The big disappointment is the lack of a latch closure or magnetic function on the cover, so it’s prone to flapping open.
Amzer Silicone Skin Jelly Case ($20)
With pure silicone cases like this one, your Nexus 7 is safe from impact. The flexible material will absorb shock and distribute it evenly to prevent cracks or breakage, and it’s easy to fit as well. The design of this features all the cut-outs you need, and textured sides for improved grip. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get it in baby pink, there are nine alternative color options.
Next Page: Cases for the original Nexus 7 (2012)
Nexus 7 (2012) cases
OtterBox Defender Series Case ($70)
This triple layer protection from OtterBox will render your Nexus 7 (2012) completely child-proof and it will safeguard against drops, bumps, and scratches. The tablet is completely covered by an inner polycarbonate layer, surrounded by silicone, and featuring a built-in screen protector. There’s also a screen shield that you put on for throwing your Nexus 7 into a bag, and it doubles up as a kickstand for different angles if you fix it on the back instead. It’s heavy, bulky, and expensive, but it will protect your tablet.
Speck FitFolio Case ($35)
Here’s a simple, synthetic leather folio case that’s padded and lined with micro-suede. There’s a hard shell cradle inside which holds your Nexus 7 (2012) in place, and you can adjust the cover to work as a stand that offers four different angles. There’s a plastic clasp that snaps shut, and support for the auto sleep/wake function, so your tablet jumps into life when you open it. It comes in black, pink, or blue.
Trident Aegis Case ($45)
It sounds like a naval warship, but the Trident Aegis for the Nexus 7 (2012) is actually a rugged case, though it does boast military standards for vibration and drop tests. Tough polycarbonate encases a malleable TPE lining, and there’s a screen protector and plugs for all your ports. This case will take good care of your tablet and it’s manufactured in the USA. You can choose from a variety of highlight colors to offset the black.
BoxWave BodySuit Case ($12)
You’ll get basic protection with this TPU case which slots onto the back of your Nexus 7 (2012). It has a textured back for extra grip, and there’s a raised edge on the front which will prevent the screen from being damaged if you lay it face down. It’s slim and light, and it doesn’t hinder full access to all the functions. It won’t guard against major drops or damage direct to the screen, but it’s a reasonable option for the price.
Gumdrop Drop Tech Case ($50)
You’ll get real rugged protection with Gumdrop’s Drop Tech case. The reinforced, thick rubber corners are perfect for guarding against damage from falls, and the design features a hard shell and shock absorption combo. There’s a screen cover integrated into the case, and all of your ports and buttons have rubber covers for complete protection. The textured backing provides extra grip. You can get this in black, green, or red and black.
That’s all of our Nexus 7 cases and covers. Post a comment if you’d like to recommend a top pick of your own.
