Nexus 9 vs. Apple iPad: comparison of the top tablets
With the Nexus 9, Google introduced a new competitor to Apple's iPads practically at the same time - how does it compare to the iOS tablets?
Specifications: Apple iPad vs. Google Nexus 9
- Design: After the inexpensive Nexus 7, Google is once again opting for premium in the new Nexus 9. Surrounded by an aluminum frame, you get a chic, solid device, whose soft touch back is also available in the three colors black, white and sand. Apple is known to go one step further and supply an aluminum unibody case for the iPad, which is also available in three colors: silver, gray and gold.
- Size & Weight: Google's Nexus 9 comes in one size - 228x154x8mm - with a 9-inch display and occupies exactly the size between the two iPads. The iPad Air 2 is slightly larger, but also thinner (240x170x6.1mm) with a 9.7-inch screen. The iPad Mini, on the other hand, is smaller with 200x135x7.5mm and a 7.9-inch screen. Nexus 9 and iPad Air weigh approximately the same at 450gr, the iPad Mini is 331 grams lighter.
- Display: Apple's iPads have set standards with their Retina displays, so the latest screens in iPad Mini 3 and iPad Air 2 are among the best and highest-resolution on the market. Google's Nexus 9 is in no way inferior to this and also installs a panel with 1536x2048 pixels, which guarantee a sharp image. Interestingly, the Google tablet also uses a 4: 3 format for the screen, which has been a special feature of Android tablets up to now.
- Processor: There is sufficient performance on both tablets. Even if the processors in iPads on paper are always weaker than Android competitors, in combination with the software they result in an absolutely smooth and fast experience. To guarantee this on his Nexus 9, too, a new Nvidia Tegra K1 is installed, which also brings a lot of power to the Android tablet.
- Battery: The iPad Air 2 is the leader with a 7340mAh battery. The Nexus 9 brings it to 6600mAh and the iPad Mini 2 to 6470mAh. You have to note that iPads are generally very battery-efficient and hardly need any power, especially in standby. It remains to be seen how the Nexus 9 performs with the new Android 5.0 "Lollipo".
- Camera: All tablets have two cameras - front and back. The Nexus 9 uses 8MP on the back and 1.7MP on the front. The iPad Air 2 also comes with the same arrangement and megapixel number, only the main camera of the iPad Mini only has a resolution of 5 megapixels.
- Storage and connectivity: Neither Google's nor Apple's tablets can be expanded via micro SD. It starts with 16GB of memory, over 32GB up to 128GB of internal memory for the iPad Air 2. All tablets are also available in the WiFi and 4G versions.
Software: iOS vs. Android
- Latest versions: Both Apple and Google ship their tablets with the latest OS versions. Apple's iOS 8 is a consequent further development of the redesign with iOS 7 with a focus on fitness and productivity. Google's operating system Android 5.0 "Lollipo" even celebrates its world premiere with the Nexus 9 and brings a complete revision of the design, new security and battery saving functions.
- Updates: While Apple always provides its devices with updates in a timely manner, this has not always been the case with various Android manufacturers such as Samsung or LG. Since the updates for the Nexus series are brought out personally by Google, the Nexus 9 also ensures rapid software updates.
- Ecosystem: Since electronic devices are no longer closed systems these days, it should be noted that when deciding on an iPad or Nexus tablet, you have to entrust yourself with all the services of the respective companies. iCloud, iTunes and the like on Apple, Google Drive, Play Store etc. on Google. Cooperation between the two worlds continues to be difficult.
Decided? How to get the tablet leaders
- Prices: Since the Nexus 9 (16GB / WiFi) starts at a price of 390 euros, the iPad Mini 3 with 16GB and WiFi at just under 375 euros is the cheapest device. The cheapest version of the iPad Air 2 (16GB / WiFi) costs 490 euros. In the top version with 32GB memory and LTE, the Nexus costs 560 euros and the iPad Air 2 with 128GB and LTE 810 euros.
- Availability: The Nexus 9 will ship from November 3, 2014, the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 are already available.
You can of course find detailed tests for iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 in our test department. If you want to choose between Samsung and Apple tablets, you will also find a comparison. If you want to get a general overview, our best list of tablets is recommended.