iPad Mini v Samsung Galaxy Tab 7"
August 10, 2013 7:56 AM
I’m trying to decide b/t an iPad Mini and a Samsung Galaxy Tab (2 or 3). The primary use for this thing will be watching videos w/ the kids at bedtime and using it as a kid distraction device at waiting rooms, airports, restaurants, etc.
My wife and I both have iPhones and the kids each have old iPod touch (pre-IOS5). The old Touches aren’t really cutting it as a distraction device any more as they only have 8 GB memory and poor batteries.
I still get a bit of sticker shock looking at the Mini iPad (about $339). For $125 I can get a Galaxy Tab 2 from Amazon ($199 for a Tab3). This is for a 7” Tab.
Some questions:
What is the big difference between a Tab 2 and a Tab 3
Do both the Galaxy Tab 2 and 3 have a micro SD card slot?
Will it be a huge hassle getting iTunes content onto an Android device?
Will we be able to video chat b/t Android and Apple devices using Tango or Google hangout app?
Does Android do that annoying thing Apple does where old devices become obsolete after an OS upgrade? If I buy the Tab 2 will it be obsolete in 9 months? This is killing the Apple experience for me.
What about Android content? I assume there will be enough apps available that I’ll be able to find age appropriate games, etc. for kids?
Thanks!
My wife and I both have iPhones and the kids each have old iPod touch (pre-IOS5). The old Touches aren’t really cutting it as a distraction device any more as they only have 8 GB memory and poor batteries.
I still get a bit of sticker shock looking at the Mini iPad (about $339). For $125 I can get a Galaxy Tab 2 from Amazon ($199 for a Tab3). This is for a 7” Tab.
Some questions:
What is the big difference between a Tab 2 and a Tab 3
Do both the Galaxy Tab 2 and 3 have a micro SD card slot?
Will it be a huge hassle getting iTunes content onto an Android device?
Will we be able to video chat b/t Android and Apple devices using Tango or Google hangout app?
Does Android do that annoying thing Apple does where old devices become obsolete after an OS upgrade? If I buy the Tab 2 will it be obsolete in 9 months? This is killing the Apple experience for me.
What about Android content? I assume there will be enough apps available that I’ll be able to find age appropriate games, etc. for kids?
Thanks!
The Galaxy Tab is a budget line of tablets from Samsung-- they also have the more powerful Galaxy Note line, so it's not as future-proof. It's good for games and videos, and will be for a long time to come-- I'd wager that the mean lifespan of the tablet is shorter than the length of time it'll take for it to become obsolete.
The android apps market spans a variety of OS versions because app-makers are aware that not everyone has the latest OS, and most users won't upgrade the OS on their devices. The tab has 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich/ICS) which, being post-Honeycomb, is more tablet-friendly than previous OS versions. I bought, last month, a new Note tablet which came with 4.1, and the bleeding edge is at 4.3 right now. These are mostly incremental improvements which won't affect app compatibility. My Note needed a firmware update out of the box, so there is some hope for upgrade, but how far, I can't say.
Tab does have a micro-SD slot, up to 32GB. SD cards come with a class rating, 1-10. Higher is faster, so get a class 10 if you can. (I also recommend a case, a screen protector, and maybe some spare styluses. Because they're kids, and because they're human.)
iTunes absolutely won't work with Android, period. Locked AAC music purchased in the iTunes store will not play on the Android with default apps-- there may be some app out there that allows playback, but I've never looked for one. You'll have to convert to MP3 to commute music to the Tab.
Instead, you use the Google Play store, accessed from either the Tab itself or any web browser on any computer-- your Tab will be linked to a google account (which doesn't have to be gmail-- and be sure to choose wisely which one you associate with the Tab-- maybe it should have its own instead of yours), and you just use that account to log into the play store. Once there, you can buy movies/music(all mp3 format)/books/apps, and they will be automatically sent to your Tablet as soon as a connection is available (e.g. your home wifi), no wired connection required. Take a look around the Play store (no login required to browse, but you probably already have a google login) and see for yourself what games/apps it has. Free pretty much always means ad-based. Also, be sure to disable in-app purchasing before handing it to your kids.
Video chat with Tango or Hangouts should work fine.
posted by Sunburnt at 8:32 AM on August 10, 2013
The android apps market spans a variety of OS versions because app-makers are aware that not everyone has the latest OS, and most users won't upgrade the OS on their devices. The tab has 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich/ICS) which, being post-Honeycomb, is more tablet-friendly than previous OS versions. I bought, last month, a new Note tablet which came with 4.1, and the bleeding edge is at 4.3 right now. These are mostly incremental improvements which won't affect app compatibility. My Note needed a firmware update out of the box, so there is some hope for upgrade, but how far, I can't say.
Tab does have a micro-SD slot, up to 32GB. SD cards come with a class rating, 1-10. Higher is faster, so get a class 10 if you can. (I also recommend a case, a screen protector, and maybe some spare styluses. Because they're kids, and because they're human.)
iTunes absolutely won't work with Android, period. Locked AAC music purchased in the iTunes store will not play on the Android with default apps-- there may be some app out there that allows playback, but I've never looked for one. You'll have to convert to MP3 to commute music to the Tab.
Instead, you use the Google Play store, accessed from either the Tab itself or any web browser on any computer-- your Tab will be linked to a google account (which doesn't have to be gmail-- and be sure to choose wisely which one you associate with the Tab-- maybe it should have its own instead of yours), and you just use that account to log into the play store. Once there, you can buy movies/music(all mp3 format)/books/apps, and they will be automatically sent to your Tablet as soon as a connection is available (e.g. your home wifi), no wired connection required. Take a look around the Play store (no login required to browse, but you probably already have a google login) and see for yourself what games/apps it has. Free pretty much always means ad-based. Also, be sure to disable in-app purchasing before handing it to your kids.
Video chat with Tango or Hangouts should work fine.
posted by Sunburnt at 8:32 AM on August 10, 2013
TV shows, movies, and audiobooks that you buy in iTunes are mostly DRM protected, so you can't watch them on an Android device (unless you remove the DRM). Recent iTunes music is mostly DRM free, so that will transfer easily (I use an app called doubletwist). Depending on how much itunes content/apps you have, maybe take into account the cost of (re)buying apps and media for the Galaxy which you wouldn't have to buy for the iPad.
posted by bluefly at 8:34 AM on August 10, 2013
posted by bluefly at 8:34 AM on August 10, 2013
I like my galaxy tab 2, but you are all currently in the apple ecosystem, I'd recommend getting an iPad so you can keep using iTunes and share any app or media purchases between all your devices. Platform lock in is there for a reason.
That being said, it was really nice to be able to get a 32GB microsd card to store movies on for the galaxy tab 2, which I think otherwise has 8GB.
posted by TheAdamist at 8:42 AM on August 10, 2013
That being said, it was really nice to be able to get a 32GB microsd card to store movies on for the galaxy tab 2, which I think otherwise has 8GB.
posted by TheAdamist at 8:42 AM on August 10, 2013
Refurb iPad minis go for $269 via Apple. This product will see a refresh in a few months, so prices will drop even further.
posted by porn in the woods at 8:42 AM on August 10, 2013
posted by porn in the woods at 8:42 AM on August 10, 2013
Oh yeah, Galaxy Tab 2 vs 3: 3 has Android OS 4.1 Jelly Bean, 20% more clock-ticks on the processor, that's about it. I'd pay the difference for $30, but it's not critical for games and videos. Check the OS requirements of any apps you know you'll want to run.
posted by Sunburnt at 8:50 AM on August 10, 2013
posted by Sunburnt at 8:50 AM on August 10, 2013
In general I find Apple products are more restrictive, have less features and cost more than Android/Windows products. I mean, the iPad Mini doesn't even have a mini SD card slot... really? I bought a tablet to watch stuff at the gym and without an SD card slot, it'd be worthless. I like to download stuff on my computer and this move it over to the tablet. However, you already have Apple devices and may want to carry over all your purchases to these devices. If you have a lot, you might want to stay with Apple. Or, I'd recommend ditching the iPhones anyway for the Samsung Galaxy S, and then you could get a Galaxy Tab and have all the devices work together.
posted by AppleTurnover at 9:13 AM on August 10, 2013
posted by AppleTurnover at 9:13 AM on August 10, 2013
Depending on how much stuff you have purchased in itunes, I would probably stick with the ipad. But if you're considering switching to an android one, I really like the Nexus 7 so maybe have a look at that.
posted by juv3nal at 10:53 AM on August 10, 2013
posted by juv3nal at 10:53 AM on August 10, 2013
Consider the new Nexus 7 16gb ($229) instead of the Galaxy Tab. It's gotten stellar reviews, and has a much higher res screen than the iPad mini. I use my new one for reading, gaming, and work daily.
Alternatively, you can also look into last year's Nexus 7, which goes between $130-160 these days, and you can find on clearance at most big box electronics/office stores. Also a very nice device.
The other major advantage of the Nexus 7s is that they will always receive upgrades from Google to the latest Android version with minimal wait.
posted by demons in the base at 10:56 AM on August 10, 2013
Alternatively, you can also look into last year's Nexus 7, which goes between $130-160 these days, and you can find on clearance at most big box electronics/office stores. Also a very nice device.
The other major advantage of the Nexus 7s is that they will always receive upgrades from Google to the latest Android version with minimal wait.
posted by demons in the base at 10:56 AM on August 10, 2013
If going Android I'd also recommend the new Nexus 7. Screen is spectacular, battery life good, form factor is excellent, and it comes with stock Android rather than whatever it is that Samsung does to Android. It's also one of the more powerful tablets in terms of processing power in the 7" range. The sound is very good for a tablet as well. Review here.
posted by juiceCake at 1:27 PM on August 10, 2013
posted by juiceCake at 1:27 PM on August 10, 2013
Given your investment in iDevices, I'd recommend you stick with the iPad mini. I have a friend whose entire family is very Apple-centric and is very unhappy with his Android phone because it's different (not so much capability-wise but software compatibility). But wait for the Retina Display version to come out - either you'll want that version or the prices of the non-retina version will drop.
If you do go with Android, I'd second the idea of getting the new Nexus 7 or if you use Amazon a lot, consider the Kindle HD (which is also likely to get a new version shortly).
posted by Candleman at 3:12 PM on August 10, 2013
If you do go with Android, I'd second the idea of getting the new Nexus 7 or if you use Amazon a lot, consider the Kindle HD (which is also likely to get a new version shortly).
posted by Candleman at 3:12 PM on August 10, 2013
Here’s thewirecutter’s take:
• Best Cheap Tablet [the 16GB Google Nexus 7] (written October 29th, 2012)
From yesterday’s androidpolice.com:
• The iPad Mini is the Best Tablet (written November 5th, 2012)
posted by blueberry at 4:32 PM on August 10, 2013
• Best Cheap Tablet [the 16GB Google Nexus 7] (written October 29th, 2012)
From yesterday’s androidpolice.com:
"The hard truth of it is this: there is no reason I can think of to buy a Galaxy Tab 3 after the new Nexus 7 has hit retail. Google’s flagship device is better [than a Galaxy Tab 3] in every aspect, with the possible exception of battery life (and that's a close call), and it's cheaper."The Wirecutter again:
• The iPad Mini is the Best Tablet (written November 5th, 2012)
posted by blueberry at 4:32 PM on August 10, 2013
I have a Galaxy Tab 2 and think that it is a great tablet. I would not want a tab without a micro SD slot, which is why I didn't get a Nexus. The iPad is extremely overpriced. There is a software update out for Android 4.1, which allows it to work with 64 GB cards.
posted by rfs at 6:49 PM on August 10, 2013
posted by rfs at 6:49 PM on August 10, 2013
I'm not sure why you think that Apple abandons it's products. My 3GS from 1999 came with iOS 3 and I was able to upgrade it with each of the 3 subsequent versions. While it doesn't support all of the features, it certainly got the security patches from each.
One of my concerns with Android devices, at least non-Nexus ones, is support and the release of subsequent OS updates. Most android OEMs are terrible at this.
So, I would have every confidence that the iPad mini will get the next few versions of iOS.
Hardware changes and gets out of date. We're at the point now with desktops and laptops that anything sold today should last almost forever (in terms of processing power). We're getting closer with mobile devices. I have friends that are still using iPhone 3Gs and 3GSs, so clearly someone from apple isn't going around with a hammer and smashing people's stuff... ;)
I'm much more confident about the longevity of an iPad mini than a lower-priced Android device. If feel better about the higher end android devices but would still vote for Apple.
However, the new Nexus looks not that bad. If cost is your primary determinant, get that. If you can, have your kids try it out for a whole before you make a decision. The end-user experience is very important, after all... :) you should also spend some time getting comfortable with it yourself.
I'm not swayed by the
posted by reddot at 6:20 AM on August 12, 2013
One of my concerns with Android devices, at least non-Nexus ones, is support and the release of subsequent OS updates. Most android OEMs are terrible at this.
So, I would have every confidence that the iPad mini will get the next few versions of iOS.
Hardware changes and gets out of date. We're at the point now with desktops and laptops that anything sold today should last almost forever (in terms of processing power). We're getting closer with mobile devices. I have friends that are still using iPhone 3Gs and 3GSs, so clearly someone from apple isn't going around with a hammer and smashing people's stuff... ;)
I'm much more confident about the longevity of an iPad mini than a lower-priced Android device. If feel better about the higher end android devices but would still vote for Apple.
However, the new Nexus looks not that bad. If cost is your primary determinant, get that. If you can, have your kids try it out for a whole before you make a decision. The end-user experience is very important, after all... :) you should also spend some time getting comfortable with it yourself.
I'm not swayed by the
posted by reddot at 6:20 AM on August 12, 2013
Lance Whitney, reporting for CNet:
"New Nexus 7 plagued by GPS glitchposted by blueberry at 4:51 PM on August 12, 2013
...The GPS signal works for a certain amount of time, anywhere from 2 to 30 minutes, and then it simply conks out, leaving the user without a connection. The Nexus then tries to hunt for a signal without any success. Rebooting the tablet seems to restore GPS, but then the pattern repeats itself with the signal again dying out after several minutes."
If GPS is a concern, keep in mind that the iPad LTE version has a GPS chip, the WiFi version does not (in it's place is Location services which is not as accurate, needs WiFi of course, and doesn't do turn by turn navigation). This is true of all the Wifi only iPads.
posted by juiceCake at 6:25 AM on August 13, 2013
posted by juiceCake at 6:25 AM on August 13, 2013
Check out this article. It describes the issues w/ the new Nexus 7.
posted by reddot at 3:36 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by reddot at 3:36 PM on August 14, 2013
Firmware update coming for the Nexus 7 which should address those having issues.
posted by juiceCake at 4:36 PM on August 22, 2013
posted by juiceCake at 4:36 PM on August 22, 2013
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posted by pandabearjohnson at 8:00 AM on August 10, 2013