With consumer preference tilting in favor of smaller tablets, it comes as no surprise that 7-inch tablets are faring better than their 10-inch counterparts. Two small tablet offerings that have struck a chord with consumers are the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Apple iPad mini.
Here's a look at how the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 and the iPad mini measure up against each other:
Processor
A 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor fuels the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, whereas the iPad mini has a dual-core A5 processor.
Display
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 features a 7-inch WSVGA PLS TFT display with 1024 x 600 resolution. The iPad mini features a slightly bigger 7.9-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology and 1024 x 768 resolution.
However, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 edges out the iPad mini with its higher pixel density of 170 ppi against the iPad mini's 163 ppi.
Form Factor
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 measures 7.63 x 4.82 x 0.41 inches and the iPad mini sports 7.87 x 5.30 x 0.28 inches dimensions, making the latter slightly taller and wider than the former. However, the Samsung tablet is thicker than the iPad mini.
Weight-wise, at 12.13 oz, the Samsung tablet is heavier than the iPad mini (10.86 oz).
Storage
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 comes in 8/16/32GB on-board storage options, which can be expanded to an additional 32GB using a microSD card. By contrast, the iPad mini offers 16/32/64GB of internal storage, but with no option to expand the memory further.
Camera
The iPad mini touts a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera which is better the 3-megapixel camera of the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.
Moreover, the iPad mini has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera whereas the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has a VGA front-facing snapper.
Operating System
The iPad mini runs on iOS 6, whereas the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 comes pre-loaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS).
Battery
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has a 4000mAh Li-ion battery, which offers 10 hours of usage. The iPad mini will include a 16.3 watt-hour (4400mAh) battery, which provides 10 hours of continuous use.
Price
The iPad mini starts from $329 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model, whereas the 16GB Wi-Fi version of the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 costs $350. The iPad mini is available in black and white, whereas the Samsung offering comes in black, white and red.
