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Apple iPad Mini vs New Google Nexus 7 2: Specs, Price and Features Discussed

July 26, 2013 By David Crozier 1 Comment

Google has finally taken the veils off its tablet computer, the Nexus 7 2, which is all set to compete with Apple’s iPad Mini. As opposed to the previously launched tablet, the Nexus 7, the latest version comes with a much improved display packing in far more pixels per square inches than ever before. An added feature of the new Nexus 7 2 is its back facing camera which will ensure photography enthusiasts will have something to play around with. Google made the all-important announcement on Wednesday. Also, it’s Asus that continues to be Google’s manufacturing partner for the new Nexus 7 device as well.

New Neux 7 2 Specs

When it comes to processors, Tegra processors have been done away with. Instead, the latest processor to find its place inside the Google Nexus 7 2 is the LTE enabled 1.5 Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad core chip mated to a 2 GB RAM. What this means is that Verizon, AT&T as well as T Mobile’s LTE can be the possible carriers of Google Nexus in the US while delivering scintillating peformance. The device can well run on Wi Fi too with its Wi Fi dual band. Needless to say, the Nexus 7 2 will also be shipping with Android Jelly Bean version 4.3.

Apple iPad Mini Processor

In comparison, the iPad Mini too is available in LTE and Wi-Fi models. The iPad Mini is powered by Apple’s 1 Ghz dual core chip, A5 that also does duty on the iPad 2. This might make the chip seem a bit older though this should not let anyone into believing the iPad Mini to being a slouch. This, in spite of the fact that the iPad Mini comes with only 512 MB of RAM. As for its operating system, the Apple tablet runs iOS 6 but will soon be upgraded to iOS 7 when the latter is launched in September.

Display of iPad Mini and New Nexus 7

Coming to the display, Google have both upped the ante here so that the new Nexus 7 now comes with a 7 inch display having a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Compare that to the 1024 x 768 pixels that lights up bigger 7.9 inch display of the iPad Mini and you know who is the winner here. With 323 pixels per inch for the Nexus 7, the iPad Mini offers half of that at 163 ppi.

Storage

Google has bid adieu to the 8 GB model, while sticking only to 16 GB and 32 GB versions along with cloud storage support for the additional storage. Customers can also store various other cloud storage apps in it as well. The iPad Mini is available in 16, 32 as well as a 64 GB model though both the competing tablet devices does not include micro SD card support.

Battery Consumption of Both the Tablets

On the issue of power consumption, Google has promised 10 hours of browsing and 9 hours of watching full HD videos. The iPad Mini can be considered to be a step ahead as it offers 10 hours of browsing as well as video playback time.

Nexus 7 Camera Compared to iPad Mini

On the issue of built-in camera, both the Nexus 7 2 as well as the iPad Mini are equally poised. Both feature a front and rear 1.2 mp and 5 mp camera setup. Both the tablet devices are capable of video recording in 1080p and 720p format via its rear and front camera respectively. As such, shooting Instagram photos and recording Vine videos is a lot more easier.

New Nexus 7 Price

Meanwhile, the Google Nexus 7 2 is also cheaper compared to Apple iPad Mini. The Nexus 7 is priced at $229 for the 16 GB version while the 32 GB version comes for $269. The iPad Mini is priced at $329 and $429 for the 16 GB 32 GB versions respectively. The Nexus 7 is expected to be out in the US from July 30th.

Apple iPad Mini 2 Release Date: How it is Likely to Differ From Current iPad Mini

July 25, 2013 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

Apple had taken the tech work by storm when it had launched the iPad Mini back in November 2012. However, we are fast approaching the first anniversary of the launch, which means there is a new version in the making and should be ready for prime time action soon. Also, the immense popularity that the first gen iPad Mini enjoyed has only led to the hype surrounding the second gen device to reach almost frenzied proportions.

It’s the talk of the tech town, which coupled with the complete secrecy that the device is shrouded in right now has only meant we can be at our speculative best to ascertain what to expect in the next couple of months from Apple. That it would be a significant improvement over the current version is all too well known, though all the curiosity is centered on by what margin. The iPad Mini is already an excellent device, (not for nothing did it go on to outsell its own stable mate, the iPad) and we all are eager to know how much better the next generation iPad Mini 2 will be.

Mentioned here are some of the key aspects of the iPad Mini and what we can expect from the iPad Mini 2.

Display

One of the biggest debates currently centered on the iPad Mini is whether or not the iPad Mini 2 will sport a Retina display. There are a lot of factors which makes us believe there is no reason why the next gen iPad Mini won’t have such a display. After all, the lack of a retina display is considered one of the biggest flaws (if it can be considered a flaw in the first place) of the mini iPad and the biggest improvement Apple can implement with its next generation is to incorporate the high resolution displays. It can be considered a glaring omission given how obsessed Apple is with high resolution panels which it calls retina displays. The regular 9.7 inch sized iPads (4^th generation onwards) all come with such displays, including many of the Macbook versions as well.

Another point in favor of Apple going for a retina display is the new font that is a bit narrower being used in the iOS 7. Apple has announced the new platform in early June. With this being the operating system for all future mobile devices from the company, it would be a compromise on something as vital as reading experience as the slightly lower resolution displays (1,024 x 768) of the iPad Mini could prove the thinner fonts a bit less appealing.

However, with that being the general expectation, those with their ears to the ground have however picked up a different trend. That Apple might skip on such displays for the new iPad Mini and the reason is being attributed to there being a lack of the said displays in adequate numbers. These rumor sources are claiming Apple will launch a new iPad Mini soon but it won’t have the Retina display, something that we got to wait till next year to see becoming a reality. Surely it is hard to believe the new iPad Mini will be missing out on Retina displays one more time, though it is only time and Apple that can tell what it has in store for us.

Design

One of the biggest USPs of the iPad Mini has been its looks. Its light and thin, which combined with its even thinner bezels along the sides, has ensured the device is nothing short of a stunner. This combined with its 7.9 inch display ensured the iPad Mini is just right as far as portability and ease of use is concerned. It marked a complete departure from the iPad design which has remained more or less consistent ever since it was launched back in 2010. In comparison, the iPad Mini might look somewhat like an enlarged iPhone though there is nothing wrong in it being so. The sales figure is ample proof of that.

Now coming to the iPad Mini 2, expert opinion on this has generally been varying from an even thinner bezel to the bezel being completely non-existent. Also, the two usual qualities that gets further impetus with the new version of the devices, thinner and lighter, is also likely to be applicable to the iPad Mini 2 as well. However, it’s here that things can get a bit tricky for Apple as incorporating a Retina display will call for a bigger battery unit to ensure the tablet can stick to the 10+ hours of charge it is capable of. However, a radical new design should not be expected.

Processor

Apart from sharing the same resolution display as the iPad 2, the iPad Mini is also powered by the same Apple A5 dual core chip. That Apple will up the ante on this front is almost a certainty, more so if a higher resolution display is used since the latter will call for a more efficient graphics processor. Meanwhile, the iPad 4 equipped with retina display is powered by the faster Apple A6X processor and chances are that the same could also find its way into the iPad Mini 2 as well. Or even if it’s the same low resolution display is continued on the new iPad Mini, the A6 will no doubt do a world of good to its processing capabilities.

Meanwhile, Apple is also working on an even faster A7 chip as well and it shouldn’t be surprising if the same end up at the core of the new iPad Mini 2 as well. This will ensure Apple has the same chip in use across all its iPad range.

Storage Option

Currently, the iPad Mini is available in the 16, 32 and 64 GB storage options and that Apple will stick to the same with the new iPad Mini 2 is all too evident. However, a surprise addition could be a new version that comes with 128 GB of storage. Apple already offers an iPad with that much of storage, which means it perhaps won’t be too way off to assume an equivalent iPad Mini 2 variant might also be in the offing.

Release Date

Rumor mongers have been really wild on this one though the one schedule that perhaps makes the most sense is a launch during the October November period. For not only does this make almost a year after the first gen version was launched, this period also goes well with what Tim Cook had announced that they have new exciting products to be launched after September. Further, Apple has also stated their new iOS 7 platform will be available in all its glory only in autumn.

Meanwhile, another school of thought had been maintaining that Apple will launch a non Retina panel equipped iPad Mini 2 this fall and will come up with a new iPad Mini complete with a Retina panel early next. This seems least likely as Apple surely won’t risk pissing off its fan base by launching a new variant of the iPad Mini so soon. Also, sales generally tend to drop off a bit right after the holiday season, a period that major manufacturers generally tend to skip launching any new product.

Price

Apple has never adopted the low initial price bait to lure in consumers. What this means is that a price cut for the new iPad Mini 2 as is being rumored in some quarters seems least likely. Instead, the new iPad Mini will slot into the same price range as its ancestor. The price range starts at $330 for the base Wi-Fi only version of the tablet with 16 GB onboard, going all the way up to $659 for the top of the line LTE version of the Apple tablet with 64 GB of storage.

Also of course, the coming of the iPad Mini 2 should not be considered as the end of the road for the first gen version. Instead, Apple could well use the same as a weapon of choice to decimate the challenge posed by the budget Android tablets, including the new Nexus 7 2 which is expected to hit streets sporting a price tag of $230. A $100 discount is all that is needed to pitch the iPad Mini bang in the Nexus 7 2 territory. After all, the first gen iPad Mni is still going strong enough and continues to sell in numbers higher than its bigger cousin, the iPad. If that be the case, then both the two generation of the iPad Mini devices could be seen ruling the roost in the low to mid end smaller tablet segment.

Apple iPad mini vs iPad mini 2 Before its Release Date – Design, Display, Price, Features

May 10, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

The iPad mini was the fifth notable model in the iPad series, with an exceptional 7.9 inches display replacing the usual 9.7 inches display-dimension of its larger predecessors. iPad mini was released in October 2012. With iPad mini being a success, Apple is set to launch the iPad mini 2 this year. It was supposed to release earlier this year, but Apple has reported some development issues that led to postponement of iPad mini 2’s release date to the latter half of this year.

iPad mini Vs the iPad mini 2

Design

The iPad mini featured similar specs as that of iPad 2. iPad mini 2 is being reported to possess a silver and thicker casing with a sky blue Apple logo on its hind portion.

Display

The iPad mini featured a display screen of 7.9 inches with a screen resolution of 768*1024 pixels and a density of 162 ppi. The iPad mini 2 will possess a Retina display of 2048*1536 resolution and a pixel density of 324 ppi. This is going to be a remarkable improvement in the iPad mini 2.

The low screen resolution of its predecessor was quite disappointing, which probably the successor would quench. iPad mini was protected with oleophobic coating. iPad mini 2 may be featuring a scratch resistant glass alongside Oleophobic coating. Reportedly, iPad mini 2’s screen-work is being taken care of by AU Optronics.

Processor

iPad mini operated on iOS 6, which was upgradable to iOS 6.1.3. It was powered by 1GHz Cortex A9 Dual Core processor. Probably the Apple A5 chipset of iPad mini would be augmented to Apple A6X in its successor, the iPad mini 2. As display resolution in the iPad mini 2 would be higher, a supportable processor would be required to accommodate the HD screen. The PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU of iPad mini may be upgraded in iPad mini 2 as well. However, Apple is focusing on A7 for iPads and it may decide to insert the same into iPad minis.

Storage

Alike other Apple gadgets, the iPad mini had no card slots and was released in three different models of 64, 32 and 16GB. It had an internal storage capacity of about 512 MB. Apple is likely to enhance the internal storage capacity to 1GB in iPad mini 2. iPad has recently brought out the iPad 4 128GB model. Whether, it is going to incorporate the same with the forthcoming iPad mini is doubtful, but it’s a possibility as Apple has already manufactured the giant chipset but it needs to be capacitated and made compatible according to the core features of iPad mini 2.

Wireless Charging

Rumors suggest that the iPad mini may feature a circuitry for wireless charging alongside individual battery cells. This spec resides on a rumored base but its genuineness may be incorporated by Apple in its iPad 5 and iPad mini 2.

Camera

The iPad mini possessed a 5 MP camera of 2592*1944 resolution with auto focus, geo tagging, face detection and touch focus. Rumors direct to the fact that iPad mini 2 may possess an 8MP camera with simultaneous image and video recording facility. But no confirmation is available over the camera specs on iPad mini 2.

Price

The Apple iPad mini 2 may be priced similarly to that of its predecessor. Likely, the 16GB version, 32GB version and 64GB version would be priced at £269, £349, £429 respectively. You may have to pay a £100 extra for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.

Apple iPad mini 2 will probably hit the shelves after fall this year and is expected to carry better specs than its predecessor, close to the upcoming larger iPad 5.

iPad mini vs Google Nexus 7 – Features, Specs Comparison

March 5, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

Apple and Google have been going head-to-head for a long time now. Their range of technological gadgets has always taken the market by storm. The present competitors in the market are iPad mini and Nexus 7. The apps and features offered by both are considered easy to understand and put to use. Learning about the features will help you understand that these two gadgets are far more superior to their predecessors.

iPad mini represents Apple Inc. whereas Nexus 7 represents Google with Asus being its manufacturer. Launched on November 2, 2012 and July 13, 2012 respectively, these two technological inventions are the most sought-after ones in the present day. Since these two have been fighting each other for gaining the dominant spot, this might not be a bad opportunity to compare their features and figure out which can be called the best investment.

iPad mini

iPad mini is a tablet computer that has been designed by Apple. Functioning on iOS 6.0.1, the latest version of the iOS, the device also acts as a hotspot with some networks such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. Some of the pre-installed applications include mail, photos, App Store, Phone Booth and contacts, to name a few. With a screen size of 7.9 inches, iPad mini is a tad bigger than its competitor Nexus 7.

Nexus 7

Although Nexus 7 has a smaller screen size than iPad mini, it is slightly thicker and heavier in comparison. Another advantage of this tablet is that it is reasonably priced than most of its earlier versions, making it the best choice for people who fancy owning a small tablet. As the manufacturers of the device say, users can always encounter a pure Android experience with Nexus 7. It runs on Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean), and it is the first device shipped with this version of Android.

DESIGN

With the goal of creating the smallest possible iPad that deliver the full iPad experience, Apple succeeded in creating iPad mini. As the manufacturers claim it to be, the carrier is 23% thinner and 53% lighter. When it comes to display, no other iPad comes close to this one. It has the perfect screen size of 7.9 inches for enhancing the viewing experience. On the other hand, Nexus 7 is designed with more focus on portability, with its 7-inch display screen and up to 10 hours of battery life. If you are a constant commuter, Nexus 7 can be your perfect companion. People who have tried this device agree with Google in its claim that Nexus 7 is more powerful and portable than ever.

DISPLAY

When it comes to display, iPad mini has an advantage over Nexus 7, as it offers 7.9 inches of screen viewing in comparison to 7 inches by its competitor. The GPU performance seems to have advanced and is said to deliver the best possible advantage over other tablets. Nexus 7 on the other hand has the advantage of Tegra’a GeForce GPU installed in it. This makes it the perfect choice for playing games with high-quality graphics. Also, Nexus 7 can go the distance with its 9 hours of high definition video playback, 10 hours of web browsing and approximately about 300 hours of standby time.

CPU and GPU

The iPad mini is powered by 1 GHz A5 dual-core processor, and features a 512 MB RAM and 64 GB storage space. Its competitor Nexus 7 has a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex A-9 processor and ULP GeForce GPU. It goes without saying that it is much more powerful than iPad mini in terms of processing functionalities.

OPERATING SYSTEM

iPad mini is shipped with iOS 6.0.1 whereas Nexus 7 comes with Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. The former offers a hard disk space of 16 GB as well as 32 GB, based on customer preference. Nexus 7, on the other hand, offers hard disk space of 8 GB and 16 GB. So, when it comes to storage space, iPad mini is the clear winner and holds a great advantage over its Google competitor.

CAMERA

The iPad mini has a front-facing camera of 1.2MP and rear-facing camera of 5MP. Nexus 7 offers a 1.2MP front-facing camera with 720p HD resolution.

BATTERY

If you have kept a tag on the features of iPad mini, you will find people complaining that Apple has greatly reduced the battery life even though the device often goes unused on several occasions. This is a downside, and experts claim that it is a result of Apple trying to fix its bug related to Wi-Fi. The case with Nexus 7 is a tad similar as its owners have reported it as having a terrible battery life after installing the recent update. Conversely, some users claim that they get a battery life of 8-9 hours while using their Nexus 7 normally, and a little less than that while using it a few minutes every hour throughout the day. Even though its battery life is said to be disappointing, there are users who say Nexus 7 has an advantage over iPad mini when it comes to battery life.

CONCLUSION

Although Apple is a major brand in the world of technology, Google clearly defies the odds with its recent venture, the Nexus 7. Reasonably priced in comparison with iPad mini, Nexus 7 also holds an advantage when it comes to performance. Its high resolution display makes it an ideal option for people who wish to have a smaller tablet delivering high quality at a rational cost.

iPad Mini 2 Release Date Set Mid 2013 after iPhone 5S along with iPad 5 by Apple?

February 27, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste 1 Comment

There is no stopping the rumour mill when a whisper of a new Apple product is heard. We know that devices are coming, like the iPhone 5S for example, but we still can’t help but be excited and try to find every piece of information possible. The big tech secret that created a wave of anticipation last year was the iPad Mini, Apple’s small form iPad that became an instant success.

We know Apple will follow up the iPad Mini with the iPad Mini 2 eventually, but of course we do not know when. However, we may have just had some help with the when problem thanks to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, who told clients that the iPad Mini 2 is set to land in mid-2013, after the iPad 5.

Munster is claiming the Cupertino company will launch the iPad 5 in April, and that the tablet will feature a new design, one that apes the more curved nature of the iPad Mini. Munster also says the iPad 5 will feature a vastly superior screen to the one on the iPad 4, with quality boosted from 264 ppi to 324ppi.

The iPad Mini 2 will follow shortly after the iPad 5 according to Munster, and the new Mini will also have a screen quality update. One gripe about the original Mini was its lack of a Retina Display, so fans of the device will be happy to know that the iPad Mini 2 will feature a Retina Display.

However, there is a problem here. While Munster is for the most part correct about the design and screen updates, he is probably wrong about when the device will launch. Apple launched the Mini and the iPad 4 in October last year, and that was to bring all product launches under one date. The company is unlikely to release two iPad variations at two different times throughout the year, and what’s more, Apple is aiming to avoid 6 monthly releases in fear of irking its customers.

The upcoming iPhone 5S is slightly different, because that is merely an updated version of a current product. Expect Apple to launch the iPhone 6, iPad 5, and iPad Mini 2 around October this year; you heard it here first.

The release date of iPad Mini 2 is expected to be soon. It is expected to be launched alongside iPad 5 after the release of iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 somewhere in mid 2013.

iPad mini Vs. Kindle Fire HD Review, The War Between Best OS Android Or iOS

February 26, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

We’ve two recently launched gadgets in our hand to be reviewed – the iPad mini from Apple and the Kindle Fire HD from Amazon. At first glance, both gadgets look cool, and it is quite difficult to determine which one is the best without delving into their features.

The iPad is not unknown to the gadget lovers. The Kindle Fire HD may not feature in the most popular list of tablets, but it has its own niche. The most interesting thing about both the tablets is that they are not completely fresh products; rather they are the younger versions of their predecessors, namely the iPad and the Kindle Fire. The iPad mini is a smaller version of the iPad with many similar features. On the other hand, the Kindle Fire HD is nothing but the HD version of the existing Kindle Fire tablet.

Apple iPad mini

Launched in November 2012, the Apple iPad mini is the most talked about tablet last year. The iPad mini shares some common features with the original iPad. It comes with 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB storage capacity options, iOS 6.0.2 operating system, 5 MP rear camera and 1.3 MP front camera, a non-removable Li-Po battery (16.3 Wh), Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, Edge GPRS and many more. Other than the price, it is the size that makes it different from the iPad. The iPad mini comes with a handy 7.9 inch diagonal, backlit LED multi touch display.

Kindle Fire HD

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD was launched in September2012 and comes in two variants – one with a 7-inch display and the other one with an 8.9-inch display. The gadget has gained huge popularity in America and has started giving tough competition to the archrivals, the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy tab. Kindle Fire HD comes with 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB memory options. The 7-inch display variant runs on 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex A-9 processor, and the 8.9-inch display variant on 1.5 Ghz dual core ARM Cortex A-9 processor. It has our very own Google Android 4.0 operating system. With a unique feature of movie Xray, you can know the complete details of any movie you are watching by just tapping on the screen.

Design

With its black metal finish and sleek design, the iPad mini clearly steals the show. It truly represents the legacy of Apple. On the other hand, the Kindle Fire HD is not much impressive with its design. The metal finish is not flashy at all, and the wide thick edges make it look harder as compared to the iPad Mini.

Display

Both the iPad mini and the Kindle Fire HD offer a 7-inch display screen option. There is not much difference between the screen resolutions as the Kindle Fire HD offers 1280/800 screen resolution while the iPad mini offers 1024/768 screen resolution. But, the Kindle Fire HD has an edge over the iPad mini as it offers a pure HD resolution. So, you can watch your favorite movies and play games in true HD, which you will not enjoy in the iPad mini.

Camera

One of the most disappointing things in the Kindle Fire HD is the absence of rear camera. It has only a front 1.3 MP camera that supports video calling and video recording. On the other hand, iPad mini comes with a 5MP rear camera and a 1.3 MP front camera, with abundance of features like Autofocus, Face detection, Backside illumination, Five-element lens, Hybrid IR filter and many more.

Disk Space

Presence of a plethora of features without sufficient disk space makes any gadget nothing more than a toy, since you can’t use all the features. The good news is that both the iPad mini and the Kindle Fire HD offer a great storage space with 16GB, 34GB and 64GB options. It means you will never run out of space. Both the gadgets score well in this regard.

Operating System

When it comes to the operating system, it is the same long haul controversy: which one is better, Google or Apple? The Kindle Fire HD comes with 4.0 Android, which is one of the best Android-based operating systems these days and loved a lot by the users. With more than 250,000 apps, the Android really shines. On the other hand, the Apple’s very own iOS offers more than 300,000 apps to its users. So, it is really tough to determine which one is the best based on the OS.

Battery

The Kindle Fire HD comes with a battery that can provide up to 10hrs of power backup under standard use. The Apple iPad mini features a 16.3 Wh battery that also offers similar backup. Though, watching HD videos and playing HD games in the Kindle Fire HD may restrict the backup to some extent.

CPU & GPU

The heart of any gadget is its processor. The iPad mini comes with a fine 1 GHz Cortex A9 processor that is very efficient for multitasking. On the other hand, the Kindle Fire HD 7 comes with a dual core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor and a graphic processor of 384Mhz that makes viewing of HD movies as smooth as silk. User interface of the Kindle Fire HD is much better than that of the iPad mini.

Conclusion

All in all, we feel that the Kindle Fire HD is not a bad tablet to purchase, especially when we take the price into consideration. The Kindle Fire HD is 40% cheaper than the iPad Mini. Those who are already used to iPad might not like the Kindle Fire HD with a different interface and Android applications. If you are a first time buyer, you may definitely go for the Kindle Fire HD. Still, we would like to remind you that you will miss a rear camera in the Kindle Fire HD, but overall it will be a worthy purchase for you.