Apple iPad mini Retina vs. Google Nexus 7 (2013): Detailed Comparison

Since the release of the both the phablets, iPad mini Retina and Google Nexus 7 (2013), a number of buyers have been pondering over which device to buy for the upcoming holiday season.

Both the tablets prove to be an arch rival based on specifications and design, but the following comparisons between the two might clear the air of confusion.

Following is a comparison between the two devices based on their design, weight, build, software and all the possible under-the-hood specifications, which make them worth their price.

Size and dimensions

The only similarity between the two tablets are that both are 200mm (7.9in) tall. However, the thickness and the width differ.

While the Apple iPad mini Retina is just 7.5mm thick and 135mm broad with minimal bezel used, the Google Nexus 7 (2013) is much thicker with 8.7mm and is less broad with 114mm.

The Nexus device also uses a good amount of bezel on top and bottom giving a lead by one point to iPad mini Retina.

Weight

The Google nexus 7 (2013) balances the above given one point to iPad mini Retina when it comes to the weight section.

Nexus 7 (2013) Wi-Fi model weighs 290g as compared to iPad mini Retina's 331g Wi-Fi model. The Cellular version of Nexus weighs 299g as compared to its counterpart which weighs 341g, proving that Nexus device will feel lighter in the hands of a user.

Build

Apple again leads with its Aluminum material for iPad mini Retina giving the device a superior look while the Nexus 7 (2013) sports a plastic matte build. However, the grip on Google Nexus 7 (2013) is considered to be better than iPad mini Retina which balances the point.

Colours

Apple iPad mini Retina, unlike Nexus 7 (2013) comes in three colour variants - Space Gray, Black and silver white, while the Nexus device settles only for black. One point to iPad mini Retina.

Display

The screen size is a huge advantage for iPad mini Retina as it sports a 7.9in display with 2048 x 1536 resolution and 326ppi pixel density. The Nexus 7 (2013) sports a 7in display with a lower 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 323ppi pixel density which altogether gives just 74 percent as much display area as compared to iPad mini Retina's 100 percent.

Software

Both iOS and Android have their own fan following but the iPad app store is said have a much better bigger yet better selection of apps as compared to that of Android's. iPad mini Retina comes with the latest iOS 7, whereas Nexus comes with 4.3 Jelly Bean, which is upgradable to Android 4.4 Kitkat OS.

Storage

Apple yet again leads the way by offering four storage variants for iPad mini Retina as compared to Nexus 7 (2013) two storage options.

The iPad mini Retina comes in 16/32/64/128GB in-built storage variant whereas Nexus 7 (2013) only offers 16/32GB storage options.

Neither tablet includes an extra memory slot.

Wireless

Both the tablets fall under the same category as both come in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + LTE options.

Battery

A major difference is seen when it comes to battery life of both the devices. iPad mini Retina has a battery capacity of 6,471mAh, which is almost the double of Nexus' 3,950mAh.

Processor

Apple iPad mini Retina's processor is much superior to Google Nexus 7 (2013) as the former features a A7 dual-core 1.3GHz 64-bit processor and the latter features a 32-bit quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4. However, both the tablets are snappy and quick in their own ways.

RAM

Here Google Nexus 7 (2013) can perform better multi-tasking operations as it sports a 2GB RAM as compared to iPad mini Retina's 1GB.

Cameras

Both tablets balance here as both sport a 5 megapixel rear and 1.2 megapixel front facing cameras.

 Prices

Google Nexus 7 (2013) might turn some heads with the starting price being $230 as compared to iPad mini Retina's $400, reports Gizmag.

Wrap-Up

If it would not have been about the price tags, iPad mini retina would have won by strides as compared to Google. If users are willing to operate on much powerful, bigger screen, slim tablet and can shell out almost double the amount spent on Google Nexus 7 (2013), they should go for the Apple product. But if they can settle down for a tablet with almost equal power, smaller screen and a device which is slightly thicker than iPad mini retina, the Google Nexus 7 (2013) will be the obvious choice.