Google rumored to debut $99 Nexus tablet in Q4 as Android tablets aim for lower price points

This is not the first time we heard major Android vendors are aiming to hit lower price points in the months to come. With iPad mini expected to eat into a large chunk of the 7-inch tablet market, and recent price drops and refreshes to the Kindle lineups, it makes sense Google and other Android manufacturers are aiming to offer an even better value following its launch. Digitimes, despite not having the best track record, stated confidently in September, while citing its usual supply chain sources, that Google is planning a $99 Nexus 7 tablet. It also claimed an upgraded model would take over the $200 price point. This would seem to make sense with rumors of a 32GB Nexus 7 landing for under $250. Leaked retail inventory listings and even a unit that accidentally shipped have backed up those rumors.

Digitimes is once again claiming today that Google’s $99 Nexus tablet is real, adding that Taiwan-based manufacturers have confirmed it will launch in the fourth quarter of this year. Where this leaves the rest of the Nexus line is unclear. If the $99 tablet and 32GB Nexus for $250 are real, it could mean the $99 tablet comes with 8GB or 16 GB. There is also a chance Google keeps a tablet at the $199 price point. This would seem to point to a 8GB model at $99, 16GB model at $199, and 32GB model at $250. However, we are not quite buying the idea tht Google will offer an extra 16GB for only $50 more than a $199 16GB model…

Another tablet expected to compete with the low-priced Android tablets is a new 10-inch Insignia tablet that Best Buy is planning to release. While it is not the $199 price point of 7-inch tablets, Reuters reported it will debut for $239 to $259, making it more on the cheap-end for the 10-inch market. It is expected to hit stores on Nov. 11, but we would feel much better about its chances if it comes in under $199. One thing is for sure, if the rumored changes to Google’s Nexus line are legit, we could see many quality Android tablets aiming to get under $200 in the coming months.