iPad mini 2 will reportedly be released in October, in time for the fall launch rumours that have been making the rounds on tech blogs. New 7-inch tablet buyers could be wondering whether the small Apple tablet is the right gadget for them. But how does it compare to other 7-inch tablets, like the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and Google Nexus 7?

iPad mini 2 vs Kindle Fire HD vs Nexus 7: Looking for the right 7-inch tablet for you? (Image: Amazon.com)

iPad mini 2, Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 offer different specifications for different kinds of users. New buyers must consider what they'd be frequently doing with their tablet before making a choice. Here is a quick look to the specs of these small tablets.

Both the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire have Cortex A-9 CPU, only the former has a more robust quad-core brain. iPad mini 2 operates with the dual-core Apple A5, which is said to be competitive with the Nexus 7 CPU.

VIDEO: iPad mini vs Nexus 7 (PocketNowVideo on YouTube)

Apple iPad mini features a slightly bigger 7.9-inch screen display compared to the 7-inch screens of Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7. Rumours suggest a better resolution with iPad mini 2, but this could affect its weight. Many iPad mini users enjoy their light weight experience with their device. At 308 g (Wi-Fi only), it is the lightest of the three. Nexus 7 weighs 340 g, while the small Kindle Fire HD, weighs 395 g. iPad mini 2 is also the skinniest, only 7.2 mm compared to 10.56 mm and 10.3mm of the Nexus and Kindle, respectively. In terms of pixel density, iPad mini has only 163 ppi against the 216 ppi of the two others. Some users barely notice the difference, though.

Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD run on Android, but the Google device has the more updated Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean over the latter's Android 4.0. The iPad mini runs on iOS 6.1, the latest OS from Apple. It will be good for new tablet users to try both Android and iOS on their friends' devices to find out which works better for them.

Of the three devices, only the iPad mini can boast of a 5 MP rear-facing camera. Of course it is also the only one that can breezily communicate with other Apple gadgets. Those who are not inclined to take photos with a 7-inch device might not deem this important. Users who do not own any Apple gadyet yet might also want to look more closely into the Android gadgets. Note that iPad mini starts at $329, while the other two start at $199.

Mobile tech could be intimidating for new gadget users, but tech enthusiasts find it annoying to have to jailbreak their gadget for better experience. Many Android users are tech savvy individuals who prefer more control of their device.

VIDEO: Amazon Kindle Fire HD (SlashGear)

The Kindle Fire HD is an Amazon device. If your primary reason for buying a new tablet is video/film watching or e-book reading, this is the device that will take you to the Amazon store to shop for entertainment stuff very quickly. However, you have to consider the gadget's weight. If you would be holding it up in your bed, say, with one hand, the heavier gadget might be a bummer.

So, have you determined your main reason for getting a 7-inch tablet? You're the best person to decide which is the best small tablet for you.

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