New Nexus 7 vs iPad Mini 2: Can the New iPad Beat Google’s Tablet?

The New Nexus 7 has been released and reviewed and the general consensus is that the new Nexus 7 is one of the best 7-inch tablets available. Gizmodo noted that there have already been a few benchmark tests done for the Nexus 7:

The new Nexus 7 managed a very credible 2650 over all, which to put it in perspective is just 108 points behind the scorching HTC One. It’s also 545 points higher than the Nexus 4, which uses the same chip, and a massive 1,177 points higher than the previous generation Nexus 7 from 2012.

But, what about the highly-rumored iPad Mini 2? While the sequel to the iPad Mini, which was released in October 2012, hasn’t been announced, it’s pretty much a certainty that Apple is already developing an iPad Mini 2. In a past conference call, CEO Tim Cook said to expect new products “in the fall of 2013 and the first half of 2014.” Since the one year anniversary of the iPad Mini is approaching, it makes sense that Apple is planning on refreshing their best-selling tablet.

But, what new specs and features will the iPad Mini 2 have? We can most certainly expect iOS 7, the completely-revamped operating system update Apple announced back at WWDC 2012.

We can also expect a better processor, though it’s hard to tell which processor will be in the iPad Mini 2. My guess is that the iPad Mini 2 will have the A6 processor, similar to the iPhone 5. This will help keep the device’s production costs down while still boosting the processor from its’ predecessor.

The iPad Mini 2 could also have a Retina screen, as long as Apple manages to keep the production costs down so that the company can maintain their profit margin. Wall Street analysts have been lukewarm on Apple recently since the company has been posting diminishing profit margins, which means Apple makes less and less on their products. Actually, the reason the iPad Mini was somewhat light on specs and features was because Apple wanted to increase the profit them made from an iPad Mini sale.

So, while the new Nexus 7 may be the leader in the congested market of small tablets, the iPad Mini 2 may be packed with impressive specs and features. iOS 7, a faster processor, and a Retina screen may be all that it takes for the iPad Mini 2 to surpass the new Nexus 7, but it all depends on how little Apple is willing to make off of the device.