Both Apple and Google have recently revealed their latest tablets, the iPad Air 2 and the Nexus 9. Both devices offer impressive specifications, upping the game in the tablet computing world. But which one is best? CBR has broken both tablets down into five different categories to help you make up your mind.
Power
With 64-bit architecture, the iPad Air 2 boasts graphics processing 2.5 times faster than the original iPad Air, with a 40% boost on CPU. The new chip, an A8Z, delivers powerful performance and all this with a healthy 10-hour battery life.
The Nexus 9 also runs on a 64-bit processor, an NVIDIA Tegrea K1 processor clocked to 2.3GHz. There is 2GB of RAM, making multitasking and switching apps a breeze. All this brings the battery life to nine hours.
Style
The iPad Air 2 is the thinnest and lightest iPad ever, and weighs a tiny 437 grams. It’s just 6.1mm thick and has a 9.7-inch screen with a Retina display. There is also an anti-reflective coating which claims to decrease glare by up to 56% to make the iPad easier on the eyes in bright, outside conditions. The all-aluminium unibodycomes in either ‘space grey’ or silver, and soon a gold finish will be available too. When it comes to looking good, the iPad has it nailed.
Similar to the iPad Air 2, Google’s Nexus 9 is ultraslim and ultralight, weighing 420 grams. However, it is a little thicker than the iPad Air 2 at 7.8mm. The screen comes in at 8.9-inches and has the same resolution as its competitor. The Nexus 9 comes in white, tan, or black, but is not aluminium unibody.
Operating system
The Nexus 9 will be shipped with Google’s brand new Android 5.0 Lollipop. Enhancements include seamless multitasking and improved functionalities of Google Apps such as Gmail, Drive, and Office 365. Read all about the benefits of Android 5.0 Lollipop here.
The iPad Air 2 will be shipping with Apple’s brand new iOS 8. A vast range of smooth productivity apps make it a great tool for work, as well as the Apple Store’s wide selection of games. Read about iOS 8 here.
Price
16GB Wi-Fi only iPad Air 2 models start at £399 from the Apple store, and £499 with LTE cellular connection. A 64GB W-Fi only model will set you back £479, and a 128GB model goes for £559.
A 16GB Wi-Fi only Nexus 9 will cost you £319 from the Google Play store. An LTE connected 32GB Nexus 9 will cost £459 or £399 for the Wi-Fi only version.
