4 Reasons to Buy Google Nexus 7 2 over iPad Mini 2 with Retina
In the coming few weeks, if reports proved true, there will be a major gadget debut in the form of the Jelly Bean 4.3-powered Nexus 7 2, the second iteration of Google's powerful but affordable tablet.
Nothing is final but it's highly likely that the release date will occur end of July and Google Play Store will start taking orders, with the most basic configuration requiring a cash setback of no more than $300.
The price hike is $100 from Nexus 7 and many would likely think twice before deciding on a purchase. Taking the plunge is actually supported by four solid reasons why the 7 2 is the better buy over the iPad Mini 2 from Apple and they are discussed briefly below.
Nexus 7 2 is coming real soon
This is the strongest argument working for the stock Android tablet as the long wait will soon be over. Even if the supposed July 31 release date turns out a dud, analysts are convinced the rollout will be no later than early August.
That would mean deliveries will follow shortly and the longest waiting-time should be 14 days. Afterwards, the first lucky recipients would be able to experience, first-hand, the freshly-baked Jelly Bean 4.3 world.
And this is hardly the case in iPad Mini 2. While Apple assures that iOS 7 is showing its wares come fall this year, the same cannot be said about the small iPad sibling. The final make remains a big question mark to date and the earliest it can get out is likely late October. Plus, there were hints too that the Mini 2 will have to skip Retina this year.
Nexus 7 2 is the clear hardware winner
Boasting of a quad-core Snapdragon CPU, a complete camera menu and Full HD LCD with 1080p resolution will allow the Nexus 7 2 to easily dwarf the second-gen iPad Mini. The Mini sequel, analysts said, will be packed with considerable component bump ups but not to the level programmed by Google for its flagship 7-inch tablet.
In fact, the chance is higher that Apple would opt to issue a cheaper iPad Mini 2 and the pricing alone points to specs that at best are in the mid-range bracket. This suggests that the Mini 2 will not sport most of the killer features contained in earlier forecasts provided by analysts.
The best explanation to this is the seeming deliberate efforts by Apple to refocus consumer attention to the redesigned, inside and out, iPad 5 following the dismal showing of its prequel, the iPad 4. Note that the giant leap displayed by the iPad Mini shortly after its debut almost shoved the bigger iOS to near niche-market position.
Nexus 7 2 is downright cheaper
As mentioned above, Nexus 7 version 2.0 could take on a price mark higher than the first edition. Speculation ranges from $220 to $300, which on initial look is quite a letdown. But when considering the specs, even when they remain unconfirmed, tablet shoppers are actually getting a bargain.
More so when the device is pitted against the Mini 2, which likely will sustain the first edition's starting price of $330. There are talks that Apple could shrink the tag price to as low as $250 but with too many pressures, especially from its investors, that the company is currently dealing with, it's hard to imagine that it will make a gambit that could impact on its already diminishing profit margins.
Android-clad Nexus 7 2 offers more flexibility
Having native Android and a bootloader that is not restricted make the Nexus 7 2 a haven both for power and average users of the mobile platform. Customising the tablet is limited only imagination (or by what can be found on official Android app stores and other providers). Another bonus is the assurance that updates will flow in freely and without delay, ensuring as well of stability and security for millions of users.
The same is not true for the iOS 7 on iPad Mini 2. The mobile OS like its previous builds is a close entity and the only way users can force their imprints on the device is to jailbreak. Exciting as it is, jailbreaking is not for the faint of hearts as it entails stability and battery challenges as among the issues to go with the adventure.