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Apple iPad mini 2 with Retina specs comparison vs Nexus 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3

posted by Daniel P. / Nov 12, 2013, 3:29 AM

Apple iPad mini 2 with Retina specs comparison vs Nexus 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3

Apple's tiny tablet just received a second edition, if you haven't heard, and we have to pit it against the fearless rivals on the other side, the Nexus 7 and LG G Pad 8.3 to gauge how it stands against some Android competition.

At first look the Android tablets are flawless, with 1920x1200 pixels displays, which in the case of the G Pad 8.3 return slightly lower pixel density because of the larger diagonal, yet plenty for a small slate. The G Pad 8.3 is the thinner, more premium slab, with metal back cover and more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, which is reflected in the price, of course, as Google is not subsidizing this one - $350 vs $230 for the Nexus 7 munchkin.

So what's the iPad mini with Retina Display to offer against those two pretty boys, except the 400 000+ tablet-tailored apps that iOS has? Well, for starters, it is thinner than both the Nexus 7 and the G Pad 8.3. In fact, at 7.5mm, it is the third thinnest slate out there, period, behind only the first iPad mini and the Xperia Tablet Z. Now, we shouldn't forget that Apple achieved this with a body crafted out of aluminum, which makes it all the more impressive. As for power, well, there's plenty, since the mini with Retina is run by the first 64-bit mobile processor, Apple's venerable A7.

The kicker? That amazing 7.9" display carries the same resolution as the larger iPad. That's right, 2048x1356 pixels amounts to 326ppi pixel density, a record feat on a device that is basically all screen. Neither Nexus 7, nor the G Pad 8.3 can match this, but it's another question altogether if the premium design and the extra pixel density are worth the $399 starting price Apple is commanding for the iPad mini with Retina Display. Check out the specs comparison tablet below for the nitty-gritty and tell us what you think.

Apple iPad mini 2 vs Google Nexus 7 (2013) vs LG G Pad 8.3

Display

Display size

7.9 inches

7.0 inches

8.3 inches

Resolution

2048 x 1536 pixels

1920 x 1200 pixels

Pixel density

324 ppi

323 ppi

273 ppi

Technology

IPS LCD

Screen-to-body ratio

71.82 %

62.32 %

72.80 %

Peak brightness

300 cd/m2 (nit)

Camera

Rear

Single camera

Main camera

5 megapixels

Hardware Features

Autofocus, Back-illuminated sensor (BSI)

Autofocus

Autofocus, Back-illuminated sensor (BSI)

Specifications

Aperture size: F2.4; Focal length: 33 mm

Aperture size: F2.4

Aperture size: F2.6

Video recording

1920x1080 (Full HD) (30 fps)

1920x1080 (Full HD)

1920x1080 (Full HD) (30 fps)

Recording format

H.264, MOV

Features

Time-lapse video, Digital image stabilization, Video calling

Front

1.2 megapixels

1.3 megapixels

Video capture

1280x720 (HD)

Design

Dimensions

7.87 x 5.30 x 0.30 inches (200 x 134.7 x 7.5 mm)

7.87 x 4.49 x 0.34 inches (200 x 114 x 8.65 mm)

8.54 x 4.98 x 0.33 inches (216.8 x 126.5 x 8.3 mm)

Weight

12.03 oz (341 g)

10.55 oz (299 g)

11.92 oz (338 g)

Materials

Back: Aluminum

Hardware & Performance

System chip

Apple A7

Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064

Qualcomm Snapdragon 600

Processor

Dual-core, 1300 MHz, Cyclone, 64-bit

Quad-core, 1500 MHz, Krait

Quad-core, 1700 MHz

GPU

PowerVR G6430

Adreno 320

Yes

RAM

1 GB LPDDR3

2 GB

2 GB LPDDR2

OS

iOS (12.x, 11.x, 10.x, 9.x, 8.x, 7.x)

Android (5.0 Lollipop, 4.4.4, 4.4.3, 4.4.2, 4.4, 4.3)

Android (5.0 Lollipop, 4.2.2)

Battery

Capacity

6471 mAh

3950 mAh

4600 mAh

Stand-by time

29.5 days (708 hours)

Video playback

9.00 hours

Shopping information

MSRP price

$ 829

$ 350

FEATURED VIDEO

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39 Comments

1. PapaSmurf

Posts: 10457; Member since: May 14, 2012

I'd pick the N7 because of the price point. iPad Mini vs. G Pad? Mini hands down.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:37 PM 5

2. Sauce unregistered

And if prices hypothetically were the same, out of curiosity?

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:41 PM 0

7. taz89

Posts: 2014; Member since: May 03, 2011

if price was the same i would be hard choice really, im in the android eco so have alot on money spent on apps and like the sync between my tablet and phone but the mini still has more tablet apps. if i wasnt stuck in the android eco and the 2 were priced the same i would probably opt for the mini 2.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:48 PM 2

8. Doakie

Posts: 2478; Member since: May 06, 2009

If a Ferreri and a Corolla were the same price I'd take the Corolla. What a dumb question.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:52 PM 7

9. Sauce unregistered

What a dumb analogy lmao. -1

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:57 PM 3

11. Klamba92

Posts: 212; Member since: Jun 25, 2012

While I am impressed they put the a7 processor in the mini Not so much the retina as it was a necessity, the price is higher to the point you may as well get the iPad air! Still the nexus 7 is still one of the best tablets you can buy for the price and I love it!

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 3:02 PM 1

12. Sauce unregistered

Right on. I have yet to buy a nexus 7. Looking forward to it. Will be buying my girl the Air for christmas.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 3:04 PM 0

32. miket247

Posts: 81; Member since: Apr 16, 2013

But the is prices are NOT the same, so whats your point, Saucy? The prices are a everyday fact; you should try to live in the reality of life and not your fantasy island made up life!

posted on Nov 12, 2013, 11:38 AM 0

10. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

For 500$ i wouldnt spend that kind of money on tablet. Prefer NEXUS 7

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:58 PM 4

20. darkkjedii

Posts: 31328; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

The last time I check the nexus 7 was a tablet.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 8:57 PM 0

24. samalematina

Posts: 1; Member since: Oct 23, 2013

i think you're missing the point made by InpectorGadget80. He said he wouldn't spend 500$ on a tablet this size. He'd rather spend less and get tablet like N7.

posted on Oct 23, 2013, 8:24 PM 2

14. greathero1

Posts: 584; Member since: Jun 13, 2008

I like the N7 but I would spend the extra money and go with the Mini. The huge selection of tablet apps, design, reliability, and build quality would be worth the extra money IMO.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 3:15 PM 0

3. md227a

Posts: 229; Member since: Mar 20, 2012

Nor worth the extra price over the nexus, unless you have other apple products to use it with. Nexus 7 plus chrome cast best pairing!

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:42 PM 3

4. TechBizJP08

Posts: 495; Member since: Mar 25, 2013

Nah, LG GPAD for me. Specs Doesn't matter. Anyways why is the price not shown for the GPAD?

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:43 PM 3

5. Santi_Santi unregistered

Serious winner here. N7(2013)

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:44 PM 4

6. ocilfa

Posts: 334; Member since: Aug 03, 2012

G Pad here too. Micro-sd slot, premium build, right size. Nexus 7 is a close second, but its just too close to the size of my phone.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 2:46 PM 4

27. TechCrazyedBoy

Posts: 129; Member since: Nov 12, 2013

Maybe the price point is the winning factor?

posted on Nov 12, 2013, 3:55 AM 0

13. PhoneCritic

Posts: 1354; Member since: Oct 05, 2011

Wait, Did the reviewer just say "The kicker? That amazing 7.9" display carries the same resolution as the larger iPad. That's right, 2048 x1356 pixels amounts to 326ppi pixel density, a record feat on a device that is basically all screen. Neither Nexus 7, nor the G Pad 8.3 can match this, " using the same IPS screen tech the iPad min gives you 324 pixels ( as the chart shows) and The Nexus 7 323 pixels? Is the difference of 1 pixel clearly make the iPad mini the winner or would you take the price point as the winning factor? I don't want to start any flame war her but isn't the reviewer being a bit bias here.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 3:04 PM 8

15. ocilfa

Posts: 334; Member since: Aug 03, 2012

When its apple, yes.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 3:48 PM 1

16. PhoneCritic

Posts: 1354; Member since: Oct 05, 2011

Boggles the mind. I can't understand why such a statement would be said as it is misleading to a buyer because it seems that the reviewer is saying the pixel density on the mini blows away the Nexus 7 2013 when the spec sheets clearly show their even. Phone arena is being contradictory again. (now on the processor front that's a different story and the mini is the winner- even thought 1gb of ram won't help much in taking advantage of the 64 bit processor) IMO- the mini just caught up to the Nexus 7. its a good and expected upgrade.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 4:01 PM 0

28. TechCrazyedBoy

Posts: 129; Member since: Nov 12, 2013

Maybe the price point is the winning factor? srry up there...^_^

posted on Nov 12, 2013, 3:57 AM 0

33. miket247

Posts: 81; Member since: Apr 16, 2013

If you can see a 1 pixel difference, you should take off your suit and let everyone know your Superman! There is no difference in the PPI between the Mini and N7, other than the writers stupid statement, which is incredible to even read; how much did Apple PAY him to point out that really dumb insignificant difference! What a joke, a 1 PPI difference! Only an idiot would harp on a point like that; it shows what a knob the writer is! Both screens are great, period!

posted on Nov 12, 2013, 11:48 AM 0

35. Helion333

Posts: 2; Member since: Aug 14, 2013

ipad mini has a larger screen...so the ipadhas 326ppi on a 7.9 screen while the nexus has 324ppi on a 7 screen(lower ppi on a smaller screen that's a pretty huge difference)

posted on Nov 12, 2013, 5:20 PM 0

17. PhoneAddiction

Posts: 79; Member since: Nov 07, 2012

Just state the facts. This tablet is on par with the rest, nothing special or life-changing. The simple fact that you're bragging about the screen (Which is 3ppi better than the N7) and about the thinness (Then point out how it's 3rd) are clearly you being biased. I'm just not going to read any more articles. Just looking at the numbers from now on in your reviews. This site is way too much like Engadget. Even Phandroid is not biased and will give Apple its props where it is deserved (and it's an Android site). 1GB of RAM is not enough for a power user... Just saying.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 4:28 PM 2

18. downphoenix

Posts: 3165; Member since: Jun 19, 2010

and a power user isnt going to use a Tablet.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 6:44 PM 0

21. PhoneAddiction

Posts: 79; Member since: Nov 07, 2012

Are you be facetious or was this a serious statement?

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 10:09 PM 0

19. XiphiasGladius

Posts: 813; Member since: Aug 21, 2011

324 over 323 ppi pretty big difference huh? and then to be labelled as unmatched.

posted on Oct 22, 2013, 7:23 PM 2

22. LionStone

Posts: 1048; Member since: Dec 10, 2010

Amazing...haha! Meanwhile the Nexus 7 is a whole mm thicker, yet it has NFC and built-in wireless charging!

posted on Oct 23, 2013, 1:52 AM 0

23. Trex95

Posts: 2383; Member since: Mar 03, 2013

I own the Nexus 7 2013 yeah great tablet but still can't beat IPad mini 2 with superior hardware, better screen and better apps plus there's no big A"£$$ bezel.