iPad mini became one of the best selling 7-inch tablets after its launch in October 2012. Now rumors indicate that a second-generation Nexus 7 with high-resolution display will launch before the next-generation iPad mini with Retina display.
Analyst Paul Semenza has indicated that the iPad mini may launch later in 2013, but the next-generation Nexus 7 could launch in May 2013 before the launch of Apple's offering.
"We're seeing potential in the third quarter of panel production for a higher-resolution iPad Mini. When would the Mini be available? Could be third quarter or fourth quarter," said Paul Semenza, an analyst at DisplaySearch.
The iPad mini has taken over the hearts of many tablet users since its launch; however, tech gurus have been of the view that the iPad mini should have had a better display. Rumors have indicated that the next-generation iPad mini may sport a Retina display but Apple has not confirmed it.
Currently, the iPad mini has a 7.9-inch display with 1024 x 768 pixels resolution with163 pixels per inch (ppi). Analyst Paul Semenza says that the second-generation iPad mini may have a 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution of display and boast 324 ppi.
Google Nexus 7, made in collaboration with ASUS, which sports a 7-inch display with 1280 x 800 screen, with a pixel density of 216 ppi has a better screen when compared to the current iPad mini.
"For the Google Nexus 7, we're seeing the potential for stepping up to a 1,920 x1,200 'HD+' kind of format. We're seeing panel production possibly in the second quarter," said Semenza.
The display of the next-generation Nexus 7 would have a higher pixels density of 323 ppi.
If Semenza's analysis is to be believed, then the next-generation iPad mini will have a better display than the Nexus 7. However, the next-generation Nexus 7 will launch before the next-generation iPad mini, which may give an edge to Nexus 7.
No confirmation is available from either Apple or Google regarding the launch of their next-generation 7-inch tablets.
