The Nvidia Shield is a budget-focused device, powered by the Nvidia Tegra K1, built for basic everyday tasks, with a 5,400 mAh battery for solid all-day use (2014).
2014 · Lower-mid-range · Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
Overall
A+
Performance
B+
Display
A+
Battery
A+
Camera
B
Software
C+
ⓘ Grades compare this device against others in its own market segment (Budget), not against every device on the site.
⚡ Quick Specs
Size8" · 221 x 126 x 9.2 mm (8.70 x 4.96 x 0.36 in)
ChipsetNvidia Tegra K1
RAM2GB
Storage16GB
Main Camera5 MP · HDR
⚖️ Compare With
✓︎ Pros
✓Long 5,400 mAh battery, easily lasts a full day
✓8" IPS LCD display with accurate colours and wide viewing angles
✓3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio without adapters
⊗ Cons
✗Basic Nvidia Tegra K1 for simple tasks only
✗Only 2GB RAM — apps may reload frequently
✗5 MP main camera — basic quality, limited for photography enthusiasts
✗Heavy at 390g — noticeable in pocket over long periods
⚠️ Not ideal for
GamingMultitaskingMultitaskingPhotography
ℹ️ Overview
Status
Discontinued
Announced
2014, July. Released 2014, July
⚙️ Performance
Chipset
Nvidia Tegra K1
Entry-level — basic tasks only
CPU
Quad-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A15
GPU
ULP GeForce Kepler (192 cores)
OS
Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat)
RAM
2GB
Apps may reload frequently
Storage
16GB
Memory Card
microSDXC
💻 Display
Size
8"
Resolution
1920×1200
Sharpness
283 ppi
Adequate sharpness for daily use
Panel
IPS LCD
IPS: accurate colours, good brightness
📷 Camera
Main Camera
5 MP
Basic quality — limited flexibility
Main Video
Yes
Main Camera Features
HDR
Selfie
5 MP
Selfie Features
HDR
🔋 Battery
Capacity
5,400 mAh
Solid day-to-day battery life
Type
Li-Ion 5400 mAh, non-removable (19.75 Wh)
📱 Design & Build
Weight
390g
On the heavier side — noticeable in pocket
Dimensions
221 x 126 x 9.2 mm (8.70 x 4.96 x 0.36 in)
SIM
No
Colors
Black
Sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, compass
📶 Network
Technology
No cellular connectivity
📡 Connectivity
WiFi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band
Bluetooth
4.0, A2DP, LE
NFC
No
GPS
GPS
USB
microUSB 2.0
🔊 Sound
3.5mm Jack
Yes
Loudspeaker
Yes, with stereo speakers
Radio
No
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Nvidia Shield does not support 5G — it supports No cellular connectivity.
No, the Nvidia Shield does not have NFC.
Yes, the Nvidia Shield supports microSDXC expandable storage.
The Nvidia Shield SIM configuration: No.
Yes, the Nvidia Shield has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Yes, the Nvidia Shield has stereo speakers.
The Nvidia Shield ships with Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat).
The Nvidia Shield uses microUSB 2.0.
The Nvidia Shield supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band.
