Nexvoo NexPad T530 Review: Video Conferencing Meets Android Tablet

Nexvoo NexPad T530 Review: Video Conferencing Meets Android Tablet

Who Is The Nexvoo NexPad For?

  • The Nexvoo NexPad is a simple way to run video conferences for one person or a room of people
  • The NexPad is compatible with just about every service out there, including Zoom, Teams, Slack and more
  • Audio comes through the speakers clearly, and the NexPad's microphones pick up audio perfectly
imageThe Nexvoo NexPad is an easy to use video conferencing solution

Video conferencing has exploded in popularity during the pandemic for obvious reasons. However, as we start to adjust to the new normal, video conferencing is likely to stick around. That means dedicated video conferencing tools are going to be very important as a way to improve a call's quality and efficiency. The Nexvoo NexPad T530 video conferencing tablet is capable of being an all-in-one conferencing device while being as easy to use as a basic tablet.

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A Fancy Android Tablet

Underneath its exterior, the Nexvoo NexPad is really just an Android-powered tablet with a speaker built around it. The NexPad allows access to the Google Play store, meaning any Android-supported app can be downloaded and installed like on any other Android-powered tablet or phone.

With Android support, the NexPad is capable of running just about any video conferencing app. This includes Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Skype and many more services. The NexPad can go beyond just video conferencing, as other apps like the Google Workspace suite and other productivity apps can be installed as well. It can even run games, though that might not be the most productive use of time for business calls.

It should be noted that the NexPad cannot run FaceTime. This isn't because of the NexPad itself, but because FaceTime is exclusive to Apple products. The only way to get FaceTime up and running is to use an iPhone, iPad, Macbook or other Apple computer.

imageThe NexPad may look like a standard Android tablet, but there's much more going on here

The NexPad also has a number of features that are expected for an Android tablet. These include WiFi support for both 2.4 and 5GHz bands, Bluetooth support to connect headsets or speakers and the ability to cast the screen via Chromecast.

Unfortunately, the NexPad uses Android 10. This is already an outdated version of Android, which normally isn't that big of a deal. However, the NexPad can often run a little laggy and isn't as responsive as other phones or tablets I've used. This isn't a major concern, as the NexPad isn't getting used for playing top-of-the-line games or running multiple apps at once, but can cause some frustration.

Solid Build With Nice Features

The Nexvoo NexPad is more than just an Android tablet. There are a number of features that are built right into the device itself, including dedicated volume buttons and a mute button that are easily accessible right next to the screen. This makes audio adjustments quick and easy, and the mute button being so close is great for not having to deal with any mute features in various apps.

The Nexvoo NexPad also has an HDMI port, allowing users to display their video call on larger screens like a TV or projector. This still requires those using the NexPad to sit in front of it to appear on camera, but it can certainly help a larger group of people all see the screen at once while boosting sound levels.

imageThe volume and mute buttons right on the screen means not having to deal with in-app settings

Though the NexPad has built-in WiFi support, there is a LAN port built into the back of the device for a more stable wired connection. The NexPad also doesn't have an internal battery, meaning it needs to be plugged into an outlet at all times to work. This isn't a portable device, though it is easy enough to carry from location to location, so long as there are accessible power outlets.

A nice touch with the NexPad is that it can work in either landscape or portrait mode. Portrait mode is more ideal for one-on-one calls, especially with those using a cell phone. Landscape is great for group calls with multiple video feeds or when talking to someone who is using a more traditional webcam or laptop setup.

Perhaps the nicest small feature is a camera blocker that is built into the NexPad's frame. With an easy flick of a switch a shutter drops down over the camera lens. This is great for privacy or for those who don't want to appear on video during a call.

Great Audio

There are two major aspects of any video call that really play a role in the quality of the experience. The first is the audio quality. I'm happy to report that the audio quality of calls with the Nexvoo NexPad is really solid. The speakers built into the NexPad are loud and clear, and Bluetooth speakers can be connected if the volume needs to be louder.

imageThe thin end is home to the HDMI port, power button and lens shutter switch

The NexPad has a few features built under the hood that also help boost audio quality. These include echo cancellation and background noise suppression. These features help filter out clutter from any background noises while also making sure that the NexPad doesn't accidentally hear itself and send that back, creating a loop of the same sound over and over again.

The microphone built into the NexPad is also great at picking up audio from all around it. This is ideal for group settings at a conference table or something similar, as it allows people to be clearly heard regardless of their position relative to the front of the NexPad.

Video Quality Is Just OK

The audio is only one half of a video call. The video fidelity also plays a major role in the quality of the call. The Nexvoo NexPad is said to support up to 4K video at 30 frames per second, but there are a number of caveats to remember with that figure. The first is that the screen can only display what it receives from another device. In other words, the NexPad can only work with what it is given, and many devices out there can't give a 4K video feed.

imageThe power cable plugs into the back of the NexPad, along with a LAN cable and security lock

Video quality is also greatly impacted by network connections on every end of a call. If one side doesn't have a good connection, they won't show up looking that clear. Similarly, if the NexPad's connection is weak, expect everyone to look a little rough.

Overall, I wasn't too impressed with the video quality from the NexPad. It's not like the NexPad looked bad or can't display anything at a high resolution, I just wasn't blown away by what I was seeing. Everything looked as fine as it does on a standard cell phone or laptop screen.

Odd Issues

The Nexvoo NexPad is pretty straightforward to use, but there are a few odd issues I've discovered. The strangest is with Facebook Messenger. No matter the orientation of the NexPad, my camera was always rotated 90 degrees from where it should have been. This happened both on my screen and the screen of the people I was talking to.

No matter where I looked in the settings for both Messenger and the NexPad itself, I could not find a way to rotate my camera. Thankfully, this camera rotation only seemed to be an issue with Messenger, as other apps all displayed the camera feed correctly.

imageThe NexPad has solid construction and grip pads on both the bottom and side for either alignment

The NexPad's camera also has an aggressive auto exposure. If there's a light behind a person when they're using the NexPad, the camera will have a hard time adjusting the image to get it to look right. This often resulted in the camera making my face very dark in contrast to the light behind me, or creating a sort of strobe effect as the camera kept dimming and lighting back up in response to the light in the room.

Final Thoughts

The Nexvoo NexPad conferencing tablet is a very simple device to use. Unlike more traditional conferencing devices, the NexPad doesn't require any dialing in or IT solutions. It acts just like any other Android device. If you can get a phone up and running, you are more than capable of using the NexPad.

It's Android roots also allow the NexPad to be compatible with just about any video conferencing app out there. This allows the NexPad to be incredibly flexible, and lets the device work for people, not requiring them to have to put in work for the device to function properly.

While the camera on the NexPad isn't as great as the rest of the device, it's still a very simple solution for video conferencing with one person or a whole group. Audio comes through great, so even if you aren't looking your best, you'll still be heard perfectly.

The Nexvoo NexPad is available exclusively through the Nexvoo website. It currently is on sale for $400, which is $100 less than its normal price.