Nexus 7 or iPad Mini

[midwestfisherman]

I'm looking to purchase a smaller tablet. I am really leaning toward the Nexus 7 but the iPad Mini keeps getting my attention. My wife has the iPad full size and I like it so there comes the conflict. The reason I am leaning toward the N7 is the quad core processor, memory, and screen. Help me out guys, which way to go?

 

[Crow550]

You should wait for the iPad Mini 2nd gen. Snag a Nexus 7 now if you really want a smaller tablet and see how the 2nd gen Mini turns out. Or don't get a Nexus 7 and wait.

However $200 for the 16gb Nexus 7 is a good deal. Do you use a lot of Google services? Google Now is neat too.

 

[lopri]

From purely hardware point of view, I'd pick iPad Mini even though its resolution is lower. But at this point hardware is only half of the equation (less than half, I'd say) when choosing a tablet.

 

[thetechfreak]

The Nexus doesn't have a back camera so if you think its something important for the tablet then you should go for iPad Mini.

That said if you can, wait for some time for the iPad Mini 2 which supposedly has a better display. Current iPad in my opinion is nothing but a resized iPad 2.

 

[jpeyton]

The iPad Mini's display got low marks from DisplayMate: http://www.displaymate.com/iPad_mini_ShootOut_1.htm

Either wait for the Mini 2, or get a Nexus 7 for $199.

 

[Perknose]

You should wait for the iPad Mini 2nd gen. Snag a Nexus 7 now if you really want a smaller tablet and see how the 2nd gen Mini turns out. Or don't get a Nexus 7 and wait.

However $200 for the 16gb Nexus 7 is a good deal. Do you use a lot of Google services? Google Now is neat too.

In addition, there are a plethora of different deals out there on the newer 32GB one.

I just snagged one for $225 FS, no tax (after a combined 10% CB using my Discover Card and going through ShopDiscover), plus getting a $25 J&R credit which I'll use to get a good travel cover.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The 16GB has been discontinued, but there are a plethora of different deals out there on the newer 32GB one.

I just snagged one for $225 FS, no tax (after a combined 10% CB using my Discover Card and going through ShopDiscover), plus getting a $25 J&R credit which I'll use to get a good travel cover.

Correction -- the 8 GB Nexus was discontinued and the 16 GB model was moved down to the $199 price point. A 32 GB model was then introduced at $249.

 

[bearxor]

I'm looking to purchase a smaller tablet. I am really leaning toward the Nexus 7 but the iPad Mini keeps getting my attention. My wife has the iPad full size and I like it so there comes the conflict. The reason I am leaning toward the N7 is the quad core processor, memory, and screen. Help me out guys, which way to go?

Check out this link, and compare the Nexus 7 numbers to the iPad 2, since the Mini is identical to the iPad 2 processing-wise.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6054/google-nexus-7-mini-review

As you can see, the iPad 2 isn't a slouch compared to the N7.

If you like the iPad, then the Mini isn't a bad choice. I do think it's worth thinking about the iPad 2 in that case, as it's only $70 more for 2" of screen space.

But yes, the Mini will probably be refreshed next fall with iPhone 5-ish internals and hopefully a retina display. So if that's important to you, maybe you should wait.

 

[Perknose]

Correction -- the 8 GB Nexus was discontinued and the 16 GB model was moved down to the $199 price point. A 32 GB model was then introduced at $249.

<---- Me bows before my factually enabled better.

 

[MrX8503]

I'm looking to purchase a smaller tablet. I am really leaning toward the Nexus 7 but the iPad Mini keeps getting my attention. My wife has the iPad full size and I like it so there comes the conflict. The reason I am leaning toward the N7 is the quad core processor, memory, and screen. Help me out guys, which way to go?

The quad core processor translates to almost nothing in the real world. The iPad mini is quick.

The N7 has the price and screen. If those are important to you then get the N7.

Anand just posted the iPad mini review, you can check that out too.

 

[bearxor]

Anand just posted the iPad mini review, you can check that out too.

I'm just starting to check it out. It makes me want to go buy one.

I've been holding off because of the display, but everytime I think about it, I say to myself "Did I really hate the iPad 2 screen that much?" I've often wondered if I should switch back over to an iPad 2 for the weight savings. Would switching to an Mini be THAT bad? Obviously it's not Retina, but...

At this point I think the 512MB of RAM is holding me back. When I was using an iPad 2, I would often time have applications that I didn't start for a couple of days unload themselves from memory. It didn't really bother me until I got an iPad 3, where it was far more seamless because of the RAM bump.

I also disagree with the reviews opinion that I shouldn't hold my breath for a Retina iPad Mini next year. The argument is that Apple would have to use an X-class SoC to make that happen. I don't think so. I think that a new version of an A6 processor with a PowerVR 600 series GPU will be capable of driving the 2048x1536 display. The 6200 seems like it could easily match performance levels of the 554MP4. This would really only leave the battery as the primary concern in a Mini. I'm crossing my fingers that they'll come along enough with the backlighting in the next year to make this feasible.

Sorry for the slightly off-topic post. Should have probably made a new thread for the AT review, haha.

 

[ponyo]

It comes down to price and OS preference. It sounds like you like iOS and iPad experience so if you're OK with spending more, get the Mini.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

If specs are what you want then go for iPad mini not because it has better specs but because it uses its specs for a smoother, faster and better user experience.

 

[bigrash]

I love my Nexus 7, but if money's not an option, go with the ipad mini.

 

[Red Storm]

Depends on the usage. If you want to (for example) plug it into a computer and drag and drop stuff without worrying about file types or having to install programs then go Android. If you want to use iTunes then go Apple obviously.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

I would go with the Nexus 7. If you're looking for a smaller tablet that's not to small, then it's the right size. the iPad Mini is a little bit bigger and to me doesn't feel "right". Nexus has a better screen. Don't play the waiting game that some advocate. IF you do that, when the iPad mini2 comes out people will tell you to just wait until the NEW iPad Mini comes out.

I like my iPad 2, but it doesn't go with me everywhere. I bought my GF a 32GB Nexus 7 the day they came out and she loves it ( I had to wait and get her the 32GB to make up for my short comings). It goes everywhere she does and with 4.2 out you can now have profiles in Android so if you share the device, the other person can't screw anything up.

 

[midwestfisherman]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I went with the Mini 32GB. I sat and compared the N7 and Mini at the store for about 30 minutes. To me the Mini looks snappier. I compared several websites that I like to go to and the Mini just seemed like the better device.

 

[Subyman]

I've got both of them and the iPad Mini is the better made and more responsive device. It feels better in my hand and the screen is actually much larger and more usable (android keeps that black bar at the bottom for the back button and such.) The iPad Mini is noticeably lighter and thinner.

With that said, it really comes down to what ecosystem you want to intertwine yourself in. If you have an iPhone and Macs then the iPad Mini is the only option, but if you have a PC and an android phone then it is really up to you.

If I buying a personal tablet, then I would probably choose the Mini although the N7 is a very nice device.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

I'm looking to purchase a smaller tablet. I am really leaning toward the Nexus 7 but the iPad Mini keeps getting my attention. My wife has the iPad full size and I like it so there comes the conflict. The reason I am leaning toward the N7 is the quad core processor, memory, and screen. Help me out guys, which way to go?

i would get mini right now because i like the aspect ratio more than the n7, but youll feel really stupid in january when they release a retina version

 

[Mopetar]

You should wait for the iPad Mini 2nd gen. Snag a Nexus 7 now if you really want a smaller tablet and see how the 2nd gen Mini turns out.

This. The Nexus 7 is a lot cheaper, and the next iPad Mini will possibly have a retina display.

I haven't tried the Mini hands on yet, so my opinion could be subject to change, but if I were in the market for an iPad, I'd probably get the bigger model.

 

[ilkhan]

Nexus.

 

[TuxDave]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I went with the Mini 32GB. I sat and compared the N7 and Mini at the store for about 30 minutes. To me the Mini looks snappier. I compared several websites that I like to go to and the Mini just seemed like the better device.

Enjoy! I would've done the same thing as you.

 

[jiffylube1024]

It all depends on what you're going to do with it.

If you do a ton of web surfing, the iPad mini is better because the screen is bigger and wider. If you game a lot, then the iPad has the better app ecosystem.

However, if you use the tablet for lighter browsing loads and more as an e-reader (ie. books), light youtube use, etc, I'd recommend the Nexus 7 as it has a better, sharper screen and is less wide, which arguably makes it easier and more comfortable to hold. The back material is easier to grip too.

Finally, if price is a factor, the N7 is obviously considerably cheaper. If you need more than 16GB, then the N7 is MUCH cheaper: $249 vs $429.

 

[midwestfisherman]

i would get mini right now because i like the aspect ratio more than the n7, but youll feel really stupid in january when they release a retina version

Why would I feel stupid? I like what I decided to buy and that's what matter to me. I'm not going to run right out and buy one with a retina screen just because it's the latest and greatest. When this one has served it's purpose I'll move on. It's really very simple. People who chase the latest and greatest technology have at it, I am not in that category.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

Why would I feel stupid? I like what I decided to buy and that's what matter to me. I'm not going to run right out and buy one with a retina screen just because it's the latest and greatest. When this one has served it's purpose I'll move on. It's really very simple. People who chase the latest and greatest technology have at it, I am not in that category.

its only going to a month of two. retina, esp on a mini tab, will make a huge difference. i dont think they have 60 day return policies, lol. youre gonna have tablet envy a month from now, and everyone will know you have the old version...