Google Nexus 7 Vs. New iPad 3: Two Titans Head-To-Head; Can The Search Giant's Latest Dominate Apple's Best Bet?

In a series of big announcements, including the launch of the new version of Android (4.1) called Jelly Bean with upgrade for the Galaxy Nexus and the introduction of the Nexus Q, Google also unveiled the Asus-made Nexus 7 tablet last week. Though the device is only a few days old, it has shaken up the tablet market with a great set of specs at a reasonable price.

Having said that, a comparison between the newest Nexus 7 and the current dominant device in the category, the third generation Apple iPad, is quite inevitable. Let's have a look at how the freshly debuted Google Nexus 7 stands when placed in the same ring as the new iPad.

Processor

The Nexus 7 is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor complemented by a 12-core ULP Nvidia GPU. On the other hand, the new iPad comes with a dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9 on Apple's A5X chipset.

Screen

In terms of screen and display quality, Apple always tries to make sure that no other manufacturer can even come close to it. The new iPad doesn't bear an exception. It features a 9.7-inch display which has a resolution of 1536×2048 pixel and pixel density of 264 ppi. The Nexus 7 sports a 7-inch HD 1280x800 screen with a pixel density of only around 216 ppi.

Size

Apple's third generation iPad features a metallic backing and a smooth bezel. It weighs almost double with 680g, than the Nexus 7 that weighs only 340g. Here are the dimensions of both the devices: 7.31″ x 9.5″ x 0.37″ (Apple iPad) / 7.8″ x 4.72″ x 0.41″ (Google Nexus 7).

Camera

The new iPad has an upper hand in this category with a 5 megapixel iSight camera and a VGA front-facing camera. On the other hand, the Google Nexus 7 features a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera.

Connectivity

The Nexus 7 won't be available in a 3G version just yet (Wi-Fi only), leaving the Apple iPad unchallenged in non-Wi-Fi terms. The new iPad has added 4G LTE support on networks like Verizon and AT&T.

Storage

The new iPad is available in three models - 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, while the Google Nexus 7 comes in two models - 8GB and 16GB. Both the tablets don't support microSD card, which can be a real let-down for the Google device, since it has around 5.5GB of free (usable) memory only.

Battery

The new iPad has a 11666 mAh battery. On the other hand, the Google Nexus 7 has a 4325 mAh beattery.

Other Features

The new iPad comes with Bluetooth 4.0, 30-pin dock connector port, accelerometer, magnetometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, GPS and AirPlay mirroring to Apple TV among others.

The Nexus 7 features Bluetooth 4.0, MicroUSB connector port, accelerometer, magnetometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, GPS and NFC.

Price

The 8GB entry level model of the Nexus 7 costs $199, and the base 16GB New iPad 3 is available at $499.

While both the devices have serious punches, the price of the Google Nexus 7 will alone attract many. More than 600,000 apps and the latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean are the added advantage to the device.

Can Google's tiny little beast of a tablet give the iPad a run for its money?