Steve Jobs remained derisive about the downsized tablet market, but the new iPad is just that. Apple has just released the iPad Mini as an answer to the new generation of smaller tablet computers that have taken off rapidly.
Although its internal specs are the same as the iPad 2, there are still key differences that you may want to consider before you think, “I better sell my stuff and invest in the future”.
We’ve compared the new iPad with its main competitor, the Nexus 7, so you can make a better decision.
The screen
Although the iPad Mini shares the same resolution as its predecessor, it has a higher pixel density. It’s also a little larger than everyone anticipated, the screen being 7.9 inches, rather than 7.85.
The Nexus 7 screen, on the other hand, definitely surpasses its competitor in terms of screen quality. Its 1280 x 800 HD display not only trumps the iPad Mini, but most of its other peers too.
The camera
While Apple really brings the heat with the new camera on the iPad Mini, Google apparently hasn’t thought it necessary to arm themselves adequately. The new iPad has a 5 MP rear-facing camera that’s well-suited to low-light conditions. The camera at the front has been designed specifically for video chatting.
Google, on the other hand, opted to keep things simple with a 1.2 MP camera at the front instead, which should be just about adequate for Skype and other chatting.
Internet connectivity
Here, Apple definitely wins the game. The iPad Mini promises to have internet connectivity twice as fast as previous models. It’s equipped for 4G as well as Bluetooth 4.0.
The Nexus 7 unfortunately can’t lay claim to any victories with connectivity. Like its predecessors, it’s still only geared for normal Wi-Fi. Having said that, it’s still possible to use Bluetooth with it; rumours also have it that a 3G model will eventually hit the market.
Processing power
The Nexus 7 clearly wins the battle here; sure, the iPad Mini has the same dualcore processor as the iPad 2; however, this is no match for the powerhouse quadcore processor that the Nexus 7 is geared with. This might actually be something you’d decide to sell your iPad for.
The first of its kind to have a quadcore processor, Nexus 7 users will find that they’ll have access to, and the ability to play the latest games with the most advanced graphics.
Battery life
Of course, this ultimately depends on what you’re using your tablet for. Apple claims that the iPad Mini can provide up to ten hours of battery life; this is impressive, considering what the machine can do.
As for the Nexus 7, it promises nine hours if you’re watching HD video or playing games. On the other hand, users can expect to squeeze another hour out of the battery if they’re using content that doesn’t require a lot of processing power.