Google has announced its Nexus 7 which will enter the tablet market next month.
We are fully aware that the Nexus 7 isn't necessarily a direct competitor with the iPad considering the price difference. Nevertheless, they are both tablets fighting for market share and you might want to know the difference between them, which is why we’ve put this article together. See also: is the Nexus 7 a good deal?
See also: Google Nexus 7 Android tablet (preview)
Google has just announced the Nexus 7 so this comparison review is based on the on-paper specifications. There will be no announcing a winner or such like.
See also: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean FAQ: What you need to know.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Price
As we've already mentioned, the two tablets have very different price points. The Google Nexus 7 starts at £159 for the 8GB while the iPad starts at £399 for the 16GB model.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Dimensions
The two tablets are quite different in size and weight. The Nexus 7 is smaller at 120 x 199mm compared to 186 x 241mm; however it is thicker at 10.5mm against 9.4mm.
Since the Nexus 7 is smaller than the iPad, it is unsurprisingly lighter. It weighs in at 340g and the iPad at 652g for the more featherweight Wi-Fi-only model.
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Google Nexus 7 video review
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Screen
Google's Nexus 7 is a smaller and lighter tablet because it has a 7in. The iPad's is a bit bigger at 9.7in. When it comes to resolution the iPad uses 1536 x 2048 pixels and the Nexus 7 uses 800 x 1280.
If you crunch the numbers it's clear the iPad's display is more detailed with Retina pixel density of 264ppi. The Nexus 7 has a still respectable pixel density of 216ppi.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Processor
The processor is an important part of a tablet. The iPad has an Apple A5X dual-core processor which is based on the ARM Cortex A9 architecture and has quad-core graphics.
Google has opted for an nVidia Tegra 3, a quad-core chip along with a 12-core GPU. Going by the numbers, the Nexus 7 is more competent but the software the processor has to run is key to the performance.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Storage
The iPad comes in three storage capacities, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB with no expansion available via card slots. Google has opted for only 8GB and 16GB models and also has no microSD card slot.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Cameras
Google's Nexus 7 tablet has just a front facing camera rated at 1.2Mp. Apple's iPad has both a 5Mp rear facing camera and a VGA quality front facing counterpart.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Connectivity
Connectivity on the Nexus 7 consists of Wi-Fib/g/n, Bluetooth (version unknown), microUSB, GPS, near-field communications (NFC) and a two-in-one 3.5mm audio jack.
Apple has fitted the iPad with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. As usual the only physical ports are the proprietary 30-pin dock connector and 3.5mm headphone jack.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Software
Software is an area where these tablet differ greatly, as you would expect. The iPad runs on Apple's own iOS while the Nexus 7 tablet runs Google's latest version of Android, 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Google Nexus 7 vs Apple iPad: Battery
The iPad has a 42.5Wh rated battery compared to 16Wh on the Nexus 7. This sounds dramatically different but both promise a 10 hour battery life when browsing the web over Wi-Fi.
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Comments
justmeblue5ft3 said: You can not use a memory stick with it via the microUSB port It seems that it also does not have an HDMI Port either
justmeblue5ft3 said: No it doesnt have a micro SD slot read above Google has opted for only 8GB and 16GB models and also has no microSD card slot
Millais said: The Nexus 7 would be perfect for something like this The size of it means its perfect to read in bed whereas the iPad is slightly too big IMO The Android software is extremely fast and easy to get used to and for the surfer like you it will handle Youtube with absolutely no problems its probably the perfect device as it handles the vast majority of webpages thrown at it
Benlane said: I think what Hennessyluke is trying to say is that the Nexus 7 allows the use of micro USB to female usb adapters to plug in USB memory sticks increasing the capacity albeit in a bulky way
Chris Martin said: Lets clear things up hereThere is NO microSD card slot and there IS a microUSB port Both of which I mentioned in the articleChris
Duke2010 said: Google have really pulled it off here A Tegra3 chip at this price is amazing I have seen reviews that run cross platform benchmarks and the Nexus7 is beating the new ipad on 3D graphics There are obviously things that theNexus7 falls short on compared to the ipad butwhen you throw price into the equation the Nexus7 wins hands down for meI think the choice just comes down to personal perference prefered screen size camera etc and also if you are already part of the Apple eco system or Android Thats where your choice lies
Duke2010 said: I ordered on on Google Play and on the specs it doesnt list a micro SD Its a pity I think they have done it on purpose to push people onto their cloud services but still at this price for a Tegra3I cant complain
Harryrae said: I am a surfer only is this device good enough for someone like me I dont do music downloading might watch the odd YouTube link but apart from that Im a old guy who just surfs
Jean-Claude Picard said: Nexus 7 has micro SD slot
Hennessyluke said: expert review missing the fact that Nexus7 does have USB for external devices