There are so many mini-tablets out there on the market, it can be hard choosing the one that’s right for you. Are they all even really that much different from one another? From far away, not really, but when you look close there are significant differences that could sway you towards a particular one. Google’s Nexus 7 is probably the best choice based on quality and price. So here are the top 10 facts you need to know about the Nexus 7 and how it compares its competition.
1. The Nexus 7 is Just One of Many Competing New Mini-Tablets
Mini-tablets are one of biggest current tech crazes. What started with the Kindle and Nook turned into a battle ground for the best e-reader among all platforms. Today, there are tons of competing mini-tablets including the Google Nexus 7, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Apple iPad Mini. All are great devices, but some shine more than others in specific categories.
2. Google Paired with Asus to Create the Nexus 7
The Nexus 7 isn’t actually manufactured by Google, it’s manufactured by Asus. As Google has done in the past with Samsung, HTC and Motorola, it paired with Asus, a Taiwanese multinational computer hardware and electronics company.
3. The Nexus 7 has a 7-Inch Screen
Both the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD come with a 7-inch screen, but the iPad mini beats them in size with a 7.9-inch. Though the iPad Mini is bigger in screen size, it’s rated lower than the Nexus and Kindle when it comes to screen resolution. The iPad Mini has 163 pixels per inch (ppi), while both the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD have 216 ppi.
4. It Costs $199 in the US
The Nexus 7 costs just $199, along with the Kindle HD Fire, while the iPad Mini is on the shelves for $329. That’s a big difference. The iPad mini has a bigger screen than its competitors, has more apps suitable for the tablet size and has a more durable build, but it doesn’t quite justify the large gap in prices. The iPad Mini does come with double the gigabytes at those prices, 16GB vs the 8GB Nexus 7, but the 32GB Nexus 7 is still even cheaper at $249. The 32GB version of the iPad Mini is $429.
5. It’s Not the Lightest of its Competitors
In fact, the iPad Mini is the lightest out of the mini-tablets, but the Nexus 7 is only .68 lbs heavier.
6. The Nexus 7 Does Not Have the Longest Battery Life
The Nexus 7 doesn’t have the longest battery life either, the iPad Mini wins in that category. But once again, the differences aren’t anything major. The iPad Mini lasts 11 hours and 53 minutes and the Nexus 7 lasts for 9 hours and 40 minutes. The Kindle Fire HD comes in last with a battery life of 9 hours and 23 minutes.
7. You Can Unlock the Nexus 7 With Your Smile
It’s called “face unlock.” The Nexus 7 takes advantage of its front camera to unlock the device using facial recognition. Typical unlocking methods use a code or a drawing pattern, but the new face unlock feature adds a cool and unique new security system.
8. It Operates on Android Jelly Bean
Android Jelly Bean 4.1 “is the fastest and smoothest version of Android yet,” according to the Android website. It has more reactive and uniform touch responses and uses a new “Gesture Mode.”
9. It Holds Up in a Blender Better Than its Competitors
Okay, it doesn’t exactly do better in a blender compared to the iPad Mini and Kindle Fire HD, but it’s the last to break under the pressure of the metal blades. In the end, they all turn out to be the same pile of plastic dust. Why does this matter? It doesn’t, but besides the fact that this man is destroying perfectly good tablets, it’s sure fun to watch.
10. Overall, the Nexus 7 is One of the Best Choices
The Nexus 7 definitely stands its ground on the battlefield of the war on the best mini-tablet. The iPad Mini is on the top of the list, but its more expensive price and lower quality screen costs it some points. The Kindle Fire HD is very similar to the Nexus 7, but in the end the Nexus 7 has more impressive specs. I’d say go with the Google Nexus 7 if you want the best value on a mini-tablet.