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cnev3

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 13, 2012
462
56
With my budget, I can maybe get a used base model iPad mini, or a new Nexus 7 with a little leftover cash.

I have used the mini before and I prefer it over the 10" iPads. I am already invested in the ecosystem, and have a good amount of apps purchased, as well as friends that have iOS devices that I use iMessage and Facetime to communicate with.

But the Nexus 7 seems appealing. Not just because of its price. But the quad core tegra processor means games will look great.

But im also concerned that with Android, fewer apps are designed for that particular tablet specifically, and wont be in a native resolution.

For people who have owned both, i'd like to hear your thoughts on the Nexus 7, and iPad (preferably the mini).
 

panda bear

macrumors 68000
Apr 5, 2010
1,664
1
With my budget, I can maybe get a used base model iPad mini, or a new Nexus 7 with a little leftover cash.

I have used the mini before and I prefer it over the 10" iPads. I am already invested in the ecosystem, and have a good amount of apps purchased, as well as friends that have iOS devices that I use iMessage and Facetime to communicate with.

But the Nexus 7 seems appealing. Not just because of its price. But the quad core tegra processor means games will look great.

But im also concerned that with Android, fewer apps are designed for that particular tablet specifically, and wont be in a native resolution.

For people who have owned both, i'd like to hear your thoughts on the Nexus 7, and iPad (preferably the mini).

I just bought the Nexus 7 on Sunday. And i've owned an iPad Mini for a couple months.

I'm currently trying to get used to the Nexus 7.

So far, I think I will be sticking with the iPad.

I haven't necessarily found anything wrong with the Nexus 7 yet. But I haven't found anything that makes it better (for me) yet either.

Hopefully i'll get it completely set up today and use it like I would my iPad Mini and we'll see how that goes. I plan on giving it at least 2 full weeks.

I can comment on build quality and I prefer the iPad mini over the Nexus 7 by leaps and bounds. The iPad feels nicer to hold and it's a little lighter. It's not terribly lighter, but it is noticeable.

I also prefer the aspect ratio of the Mini over the Nexus 7. The Nexus seems like it may be better for video viewing, but most of what I do on my tablet includes reading and viewing websites and I much prefer the Mini for that.
 

kenypowa

macrumors 6502a
Oct 16, 2008
711
79
somewhere
But the Nexus 7 seems appealing. Not just because of its price. But the quad core tegra processor means games will look great.

But im also concerned that with Android, fewer apps are designed for that particular tablet specifically, and wont be in a native resolution.

For people who have owned both, i'd like to hear your thoughts on the Nexus 7, and iPad (preferably the mini).

I have the iPad and Nexus 7. I probably use Nexus 7 80% of the time. Pretty much all the apps I have on iPad is on Nexus 7. Nexus 7 is way easier to hold. Unlike the previous poster, I prefer holding the N7 over mini. 16:10 screen aspect ratio on a 7 inch tablet is really awesome.

However, if you are choosing between N7 and iPad mini, and you are already invested in the iOS ecosystem, the go for the iPad mini. It's probably wise to wait a few months before the next mini is out.
 

bryanc28

macrumors 6502
Dec 7, 2007
385
79
Arlington, Va
I have a Nexus 7 (in addition to the iPad 4) that I got for $175 with a coupon. It is an alright device - I wanted to try Android out. It does what it is supposed to do, but I just can not stand the glowing soft keys at the bottom. If they were gone, it would be perfect. I will tell you it is light and portable. Not bad for a low budget stock Andoid device.
 

AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
Panda Bear,

http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Apple-iPad-mini-vs-Google-Nexus-7_id3184

There are more comparisons, just do a Google search.

You can use Google Now on the nexus and also customize the screen including widgets to your hearts content. Movies are better on the n7 given the aspect ratio. The screen display is better on the n7 than the mini as well.
 

panda bear

macrumors 68000
Apr 5, 2010
1,664
1
Panda Bear,

http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Apple-iPad-mini-vs-Google-Nexus-7_id3184

There are more comparisons, just do a Google search.

You can use Google Now on the nexus and also customize the screen including widgets to your hearts content. Movies are better on the n7 given the aspect ratio. The screen display is better on the n7 than the mini as well.

I'm pretty aware of other peoples' opinions on the differences, as well as the shortcomings of the iPad Mini.

The screen does not bother me on the Mini at all. Yes, I know there is a difference, but it's not a huge deal to me.

I am going to get into customizing my home screens here today, probably, but honestly, that's never really interested me. To me, the phone is just a way to use an app that is useful to me.

I can see how movies are probably better on the Nexus 7. I will check that out today as well, but I don't think that's my main concern on a 7" device. A better experience reading and browsing the web is what I expect out of a 7" device and from what i've found so far, the iPad is far better with that.

I have not yet used Google Now, but things like that just don't appeal to me, quite honestly. Maybe that's why i'm okay with Apple? Haha.. i'm being serious.

I have only used Siri a couple times and I found it adequate. I am a very simple phone/tablet user.

I am not saying that the iPad Mini is better. It just seems like it will probably be the better device for me.

And I think that's what the whole iOS/Android debate really boils down to.
 

b166er

macrumors 68020
Apr 17, 2010
2,062
18
Philly
I bought an iPad 2 shortly after they came out and I still have it. It has mostly replaced my macbook for school and most day to day tasks. I'll probably upgrade to the newest model once they're released this year.

I bought a nexus 7 this past summer and I still have it. It's an awesome tablet, and for some tasks I think it's nicer than the iPad. I bought it so I coud keep a foot in the Android world contract free and I use it for a few hours every week still.

I think for the price the nexus 7 can't be beat, plain and simple. If you want a smoother experience and the amazing iOS app selection/ecosystem then the choice is obvious, but the nexus is a killer little tablet that I think Google could charge a lot more money for. Google Now is just... amazing.
 

recharge23

macrumors regular
Mar 12, 2012
121
0
Seoul, South Korea
i have a nexus 7 and ipad 3.

i'm actually glad that i have both but one thing that really irks me about my n7 is build quality (random squeaking, plastic that's supposed to look like metal, slightly raised screen). that said, it's great for a lot of things the ipad is not.

still, if i were you i'd go with the mini.
 

Greg.

macrumors 6502
Sep 12, 2010
405
54
London, UK
I have a Nexus 7 (in addition to the iPad 4) that I got for $175 with a coupon. It is an alright device - I wanted to try Android out. It does what it is supposed to do, but I just can not stand the glowing soft keys at the bottom. If they were gone, it would be perfect. I will tell you it is light and portable. Not bad for a low budget stock Andoid device.

Keep an eye out for updates to the Nexus 7 Paranoidandroid ROM. Pie UI should be coming soon, which can remove the need to have the soft keys showing.

untitled-2j1rg9.png
 

roxxette

macrumors 68000
Aug 9, 2011
1,507
0
Today i won a 80% off coupon for a ipad mini (have a ipad 2 but the mini compares better with the nexus 7) i also have a nexus 7 so i will post my thoughs about it later in the day in regards of the subject.
 

jeremiah256

macrumors 65816
Aug 2, 2008
1,444
1,169
Southern California
If you need a device with two cameras, fits into your Apple ecosystem, and will retain more of its value for future resell, go with the iPad. If you need a device that is economical but dependable, fits into your Google ecosystem, and want to use/play with NFC, go with the Nexus 7.
 

RetepNamenots

macrumors 6502
May 30, 2009
257
4
I switched from a full-sized iPad and didn't look back. All of the apps I used on the iPad were available on Android.

But im also concerned that with Android, fewer apps are designed for that particular tablet specifically, and wont be in a native resolution.

Scaling in Android is pretty clever - Apps aren't upscaled for a bigger screen size, the elements scale individually so you don't have things stretched like you would if you were running an iPhone-only app on an iPad.

----------

Keep an eye out for updates to the Nexus 7 Paranoidandroid ROM. Pie UI should be coming soon, which can remove the need to have the soft keys showing.

Image

I do this already on my Nexus 4, with LMT (which has a Pie UI built-in) and fullscreentoggle to disable the on-screen buttons.
 

Macman45

macrumors G5
Jul 29, 2011
13,197
135
Somewhere Back In The Long Ago
Like PB I have both...The N7 is really a toy though and I can't imagine it ever replacing my iPad. I bought the 32GB wifi model to see what Android was all about, and I'm enjoying it so far, but as a "Grab it and go device"? No, it's the iPad and my MBA still way out in front.:)
 

torana355

macrumors 68040
Dec 8, 2009
3,633
2,734
Sydney, Australia
I have an ipad 2 and the N7, imo the N7 is just a better device due to Android. The ipad 2 is locked down and gives me little choice to do things how i want.
 

outz

macrumors 6502
Jul 17, 2007
447
25
i have an ipad 2 and nexus 7... i primarily use the nexus 7, wife took over the ipad 2. i liked it so much i also got a nexus 4. very nice devices.
 

roxxette

macrumors 68000
Aug 9, 2011
1,507
0
Honestly get a ipad mini, and save a few bucks on the apps :) the nexus 7 is a awesome device too but in your case the ipad seems better, only thing the ipad have over the nexus is battery life and the rear camera? Trivial for a tablet anyway.

Btw the ipad mini imo its annoying to use in landscape mode.
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
I have a mini and I'm waiting for my american express gift card to come in to the mail (cashed in my points) and I was going to use that for a N7 but I'm on the fence.

I'm very happy with the mini but the N7 is tempting as well, as for the OP its difficult to have two platforms and use both uniformly, I think you'll gravitate to one over time.
 

0dev

macrumors 68040
Dec 22, 2009
3,947
24
127.0.0.1
I just replaced my iPad 1 with a Nexus 7 and I haven't regretted it once. It's a smooth user experience and a top class tablet for very little money. It does everything the iPad does and it's actually pocketable too. You can't go wrong.
 

mantan

macrumors 68000
Nov 2, 2009
1,747
1,054
DFW
I have a N7, wife has an iPad 2, daughter has an iPad Mini. I've spent a lot of time with all 3.

The N7 is a very good all around tablet. I like the form factor, it's very durable, it pretty much does everything I want it to. My only minor gripes are that it lacks some of the tablet apps and the experience isn't as 'smooth' as Apple. (Very hard to describe....and I don't want to fall on the lazy cliches about Android tablets).

I've only had a couple of minor glitches. If the battery gets under 15%, it will shut down and become unresponsive. But I found a fix online to get it up and running again.

The iPad Mini is what you expect from Apple. It seamlessly runs everything like other iOS devices. The form factor is better for reading websites, but not as good for video. It seems more fragile...I'd definitely put it in a case where I have problems with a naked N7.

I'll be honest, a lot of it came down to price. I'd originally wanted a Mini, but when the announced price was $329, I quickly soured on it.

Both are good devices though.
 

idufour

macrumors member
May 18, 2012
39
1
I have both and i love my Nexus 7..... The only things I miss from the iOS is the smoothly felling and how some app tend to crash in android. Beside that my Nexus 7 and the OTG cable are my day a day partners....
 
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