Today we are going to make you a comparison between the Nexus 7 from 2013 and the iPad 4. We know that this exercise is easy to criticize since it could be considered somewhat unfocused to make a comparison between a 10-inch tablet and a 7-inch tablet, since they respond to different needs. The format, the features and even the platforms provide a differentiated service in various aspects that an informed buyer must assess.
However, for many consumers, when they are about to buy a tablet, more than size and other specific factors, they consider buy the best for those common functions: browsing, social networks, mail and games. These types of consumers usually decide on an Apple tablet. However, since Google also thought about making hardware, for some the thing is not so clear. Especially in the relation quality price there is much to value. The second generation of Mountain View 7-inch tablet sets towering standards again for an affordable device for most pockets.
We cannot deny that since the appearance of Nexus 7 (2012) things have changed in the tablet market. Do not detract from the vast work of Amazon with Kindle Fire to gain a foothold in the empire of the apple or Samsung with its Galaxy Tab. However, this model has not only had great sales, but has forced other manufacturers to give more quality for less money or directly to create very affordable models. This great offer has meant that in less than two years Android has gone from being a beginner in this market to dominating it by far, achieving 67% of sales in the second quarter of 2013. This data includes the iPad mini, which was launched to stop the bleeding by having an affordable and small alternative, two characteristics that consumers also look for.
The question is: will this New Nexus 7 get even deeper into the belief that there is a quality alternative to the iPad?
We will approach each of the aspects but, rather, we will talk about the general impression of the product for a new buyer.
Design, size and weight
At first the consumer will look at the two products and see that from the outside they are very similar but different. Beyond the larger size of the iPad screen, we would highlight its very particular aspect ratio. This is a very good format for browsing and reading. However, videos and photos are usually better suited to 16: 9 than to three quarters.
Screen
The Retina concept emerged as a quality differentiator in the market. The truth is that this standard has been exceeded by several manufacturers in different equipment. The Nexus 7 2013 pixel density is noticeably higher that of his rival, despite the fact that it has more resolution.
Performance
We still have to let the Google tablet roll a little more to know its real potential. At first glance, it seems that it will have nothing to envy the iPad 4 and it will be more a matter of taste. Its processor is more powerful, it has more RAM and fewer pixels to handle. In other words, it potentially has the upper hand. From iOS 7 many good things are expected and with good reason, but the criticism of Android as an unstable environment has less and less foundation.
Storage
En Apple offer more storage options than Google on your devices, doubling and quadrupling its larger version. There are two questions in this regard. The first is whether we really need that much space with today's wonderful cloud storage systems. The second is if we want to pay that amount of money for these performance improvements: 100 euros for each step we climb.
Connectivity
They are on par when it comes to WiFi and mobile networks. While with other devices the Nexus 7 2013 comes out ahead. First of all, the USB is more universal than Lightning and it does not require expensive adaptation. Second, NFC gives you options for the future.
Cameras and sound
In terms of numbers they are on par, but we will have to see how the new Google behaves. Beyond the hardware, the camera application of both platforms has recently been revamped and you have to take time to see its potential.
As for the sound, the standards of the iPad 4 are very high, but the sound of the first installment of the 7-inch was already more than remarkable thanks to Asus technology. We do not doubt that the result will be as good or better.
Battery
The energy expenditure in the two devices is very different. But a priori, the iPad 4 will be with us for a while longer without charging. As an extravagance, its rival has support for wireless charging thanks to Qi technology.
Prices and conclusions
Except for the lucky few, price really does matter. Many Apple lovers are waiting for the fifth generation to give more value to their investment. Today, with the 7 Nexus 2013 about to hit stores, the price we have to pay for a device from the block seems even higher. Regardless of whether we prefer one size or the other, with Google we have a current team, with a lot of experience and that surpasses its rival in several aspects.
The Mountain Viewers have done it again. Its price policy, accompanied by high quality, makes the consumer doubt that he is looking for the excellent without dogmas or fanaticism.
In our opinion, the fourth generation is out of the picture and therefore the iPad 5 must improve a lot in order to maintain those prices and that they are reasonable.
| Tablet | iPad 4 | Nexus 7 2013 |
| Size | 241,2 x 185,7 x 9,4 mm | 200 x 114 x 8,7 mm |
| Screen | 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCDm, IPS, Retina | 7 inch LCD, LED backlit, IPS
Corning Glass Crystal |
| Decision | 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi) | 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi) |
| Thickness | 9,4 mm | 8,7 mm |
| Weight : | 652 or 662 grams | 290 grams (WiFi) / 299 grams (WiFi + LTE) |
| Operating system | iOS 6
iOS 7 on the go |
4.3 Android Jelly Bean |
| Processor | A6X
CPU: dual core @1, 5 GHz GPU: PowerVR SGX544 Quad-core |
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro
CPU: Quad Core Krait @ 1,5 GHz GPU: Adreno 320 |
| RAM | 1 GB | 2GB |
| Conference proceedings | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB / 128GB | 16 GB / 32 GB |
| Extension | —– | - |
| Connectivity | Dual Band WiFi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0 | Dual Band WiFi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC |
| Ports | Lightning, 3.5 mm Jack | USB 2.0, 3,5 mm Jack |
| Sound | Rear speakers | Rear speakers |
| Camera | Front Facetime HD 2 MPX (720p) / Rear iSight 5 MPX (1080p video) | Front 1,9 MPX / Rear 5 MPX |
| Embedded | GPS, accelerometer, light sensor, gyroscope, compass | GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity |
| Battery | 11.560 mAh / 10 hours | 3.950 mAh / Qi wireless charging / 9,5 hours |
| Price | Wi-Fi: €499 (16GB) / €599 (32GB) / €699 (64GB) / €799 (128GB)
WiFi + LTE: €629 (16 GB) / €729 (32 GB) / €829 (64 GB) / €929 (128 GB) |
Wi-Fi: €229 (16GB) / €269 (32GB)
Wi-Fi + LTE: 349 euros (32 GB) |