In order to stay competitive with Apple, Google appears to be making an upgrade to the popular Nexus 7. Just a week before the expected announcement of the iPad Mini,  reports of a 32 GB version of the Nexus 7 are appearing in the UK and the US.

The business website for US retailer, Staples is showing placeholders for the Nexus 7, with a $250 price tag for the 32 GB version of the tablet. This price is identical to the current price of the 16 GB version of the Nexus 7. The 32 GB Nexus 7, also made an appearance in the Christmas Gift Guide for major UK retailer Argos. Further confirming the release of a 32 GB Nexus 7 before Christmas.

In order to compete with the upcoming  iPad Mini, could Google be phasing out the 8GB version of its popular tablet?

See how the 32GB Nexus 7 compares to the upcoming iPad Mini on Sortable.