iPad mini, Nexus 7 and Galaxy Note 8 are three of the best small tablets available in the market today. Those who are unwilling to wait for product upgrades (iPad mini 2 and new Nexus 7) arriving later in the year can make a shopping decision now based on five basic factors.

iPad Mini vs Nexus 7 vs Galaxy Note 8: Which small tablet is best for you?

5. Camera and Photo Viewing. Apple iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 both have a 5MP rear camera. Users inclined to take photos of mundane scenes would be impressed by the mini's iSight camera. Google Nexus 7, in contrast, does not provide this feature. It only has a front-facing 1MP camera for web conferences. In addition, photo browsing experience seems great with iPad mini for its good contrast level.

4. Functionality, Features. Gamers of power-demanding apps tend to favour the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Note 8. But eBook readers and light to moderate media consumers do not mind the 512MB RAM of iPad mini. People-on-the go, those who are always busy taking notes, would be happy to use the savvy S Pen that rests neatly on the Note 8. However, if the user wants to test and try as many quality apps as possible, the mini's iOS gives the much wider selection.

3. Design. Apple receives the most praise for its sophisticated metal body. Adding to the beauty is its very slim bezel and maximized screen display. The Note 8 does not really look elegant, but the Nexus 7 looks like it was built for the pragmatic gadget pros.

2. Performance. iPad mini beats the Nexus 7 in battery lifespan, according to many reviews. The Note 8 is competing well, but not drawing as much praise as the mini. All three tablets, despite the difference in specs, respond to touch and queries quickly. The difference is typically observed when it comes to playing heavy games.

1. Value for Money. The Nexus 7 32GB WiFi only costs $299 on MobiCity. The 3G-enabled variant costs $369. Apple iPad mini 32 GB WiFi only costs $519, and $679 for the 4G variant. Take note that both these tablets do not allow storage expansion. Among the 3 tablets, only the Samsung Note 8 has a dedicated pen and an expandable storage up to 64GB. The N8 price tag reads $549 for the 16 GB WiFi only unit, $619 for the 3G variant.

Your tablet shopping decision hinges heavily on the factors that matter most to you. If you put a premium on design and solid reputation, choose Apple iPad mini. If your budget is limited, however, the Nexus 7 is not a terrible choice. One, shooting photos using a tablet is not ideal. Two, 32GB of storage is typically enough for light to moderate users. The Note 8 holds its own in the other factors mentioned above. Scroll down to watch some videos that could help you make up your mind.

VIDEO: Galaxy Note 8.0 vs iPad Mini (PocketNow)

VIDEO: iPad Mini vs. Nexus 7 (CNETTV)

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