Apple has been the predominant force in the ever-growing tablet market. Its numerous iterations of iPads have continued to succeed and suck up market-share.
Trying to expand their already large market-share, Apple has decided to come out with a new version that has a smaller screen. The iPad mini was announced Tuesday at Apple's press event -- the new 8-inch tablet that offers a smaller option for consumers.
Upon the announcement, it became apparent that the iPad mini is Apple's answer to Google's Nexus 7, an Android-based device that debuted over the summer. So now that the iPad mini has been unveiled and some of the dust has settled, how do these tablets match up?
Product
|
iPad Mini
|
Nexus 7
|
Maker
|
Apple
|
Google
|
Display Size
|
7.9-inch
|
7-inch
|
Display Resolution
|
1,024 x 768
|
1,280 x 800
|
Operating System
|
iOS 6
|
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
|
Processor
|
Apple A5 (dual-core)
|
NVIDIA Tegra 3 (quad-core)
|
RAM
|
NA
|
1GB
|
Storage
|
16/32/64 GB on-board storage, non-expandable
|
8/16GB on-board, non-expandable
|
Battery Life
|
10 hours web, 10 hours video
|
10. hours web, 9 hours video
|
Camera
|
5-megapixel rear, 1080 HD video, 1.2-megapixel front, 720 HD video
|
1.2-mega pixel front-facing
|
Weight
|
0.68 lbs.
|
0.75 lbs.
|
Thickness
|
7.2mm
|
10.5mm
|
Connectivity
|
Wi-Fi, 4G LTE
|
Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G HSPA+
|
Ports
|
Lightning
|
Micro-USB
|
Pricing
|
Wi-Fi: (16GB) $330, (32GB ) $430, (64GB ) $530 Cellular: (16GB) $460, (32GB) $560, (64GB) $660
|
Wi-Fi: $200 (16GB), $250 (32GB) Cellular: $300 (32GB)
|
The Verdict:
The iPad mini and the Nexus 7 actually make for an interesting matchup. Neither is necessarily the clear winner; choosing one of the two will depend on more on what the consumer is after.
The first glaring difference between the two devices is the drastic cost difference. The Nexus 7 is far more wallet-friendly than the iPad mini which, at its cheapest option, still costs $30 more than the most expensive option of the Nexus 7. That being said, consumers should be expected to make some concessions when choosing the Nexus 7 over the more expensive iPad mini.
The iPad mini 7.9-inch screen is almost a full inch larger than Nexus 7. The larger screen is a nice addition, especially for users who want to view media or browse the Web, but the larger screen does not necessarily lead to a better viewing experience. Despite the larger screen size, the iPad mini supports a lower screen resolution (1024 x 768) than the Nexus 7 (1280 x 800). Thus, while the iPad mini boasts the larger display, the Nexus 7 offers the clearer image.
Another area where the iPad mini manages to separate itself from the Nexus 7 is its thin portable frame. Both devices are compact, but the iPad mini takes the cake measuring at only 0.28-inches thick and weighing in at 0.68 pounds. The Nexus is not bulky, but it is not nearly as sleek as the iPad mini, measuring at 0.41-inches thick and weighing 0.75 pounds. However, despite the iPad mini's slim design is actually wider than the Nexus 7, with the devices measuring at 5.3-inches and 4.72-inches respectively. This may not be a huge concern to all consumers, but the slightly wider design of the iPad mini may make it difficult to use comfortably with one hand.
Surprisingly enough, the Nexus 7 actually appears to edge out the iPad mini in terms of processor performance. The Nexus 7 houses a Tegra 3 quad-core processor, while the iPad mini is rocking the A5 dual-core that was seen in the iPad 2 back in 2011. It should be noted, however, that neither of these processors are lacking in performance and both should be easily capable meeting consumers needs.The Nexus 7 has the edge when it comes to effective RAM. The Nexus 7 sports 1GB of RAM, while the iPad mini offers 512MB (aligning with the iPad 2's specs).
Unfortunately, neither device offers expandable memory. When it comes to on-board memory, the iPad offers both a greater breadth of options and larger storage options, with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models compared to the 16GB and 32GB models offered for the Nexus 7.
The Nexus 7 offers Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G HSPA+models, while the iPad Mini supports Wi-Fi and 4G LTE. While the iPad mini does offer cellular support, to gain this capability consumers will have to pay an extra $130, while it only cost consumers an additional $50 on the Nexus 7.
Considering how much more expensive the iPad mini is the Nexus 7, its surprising the two of them compare so well on paper. Given that the iPad mini does not blow the Nexus 7 away, some may be wondering: how could you possibly justify the iPad minis' price tag? Some consumers will opt for the iPad mini simply because of the Apple App Store. It's established, people know how to use it, and it offers almost every app that a consumer could desire. The App Store is probably the biggest strength of the iPad mini (aside from the Apple brand), and it is what truly sets this device apart from its competitors.
For those who may be willing to venture off of the App Store, Google Play still offers a sizable app market where consumers will be able to find most of the applications that they want. Not to mention that the app store is still rapidly growing.
Conclusion
As I said previously the choice between these devices ultimately comes down to consumer preference. Those who want the sleekest device and a wide selection of Apps will be best served with the iPad mini, granted they are willing to part with a few extra dollars.
On the other hand if consumers are looking for an affordable option that provides strong performance specs the Nexus 7 would be a better option, albeit it is a bit heavier and does not offer the same robust ecosystem.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment