The tablet market is brimming with models and brands. Scroll below to see some of the best 7-inch tablets available today.
Computers just seem to get smaller and smaller. What’s smaller than a laptop, larger than a mobile, with touch as primary input? A tablet PC, of course! Its functionality is limited, when compared to its larger cousins―laptops and desktops, but tablet PCs are the new “in” thing to have. Nowadays, the market is dominated by large-sized tablets, the latest ones being 10+ inch models. But for the quintessential pocket size, 7-inch is the ideal screen dimension, which allows you to grip them in one hand. They are light in weight as well. Their small screen size allows for apps and software to be seen clearly. Resolution and screen clarity is a key point to look for, apart from the responsiveness of the touch screen itself.
7-inch Tablet Wars
The top 6 models in this category are compared based on their basic features.
Nexus 7
SOC:- Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro
Operating System:- Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
RAM:- 2GB
Weight:- 0.64lbs (290g) Wi-Fi, 0.66lbs (299g) LTE
Battery:- Up to 9 hours
Wireless:- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) 802.11 a/b/g/n, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0
Camera:- 5MP (rear) and 1.2MP (front)
Resolution:- 1920 x 1200
Price:- $229 (16GB, Wi-Fi)
Launched from the Google and Asus (the manufacturer) stables, the Nexus 7 tablet is lighter in weight, has a large battery life of up to 9 hours with HD video playback, and 10 hours with browsing and reading. Google claims that the product has the world’s sharpest screen with about 1080p HD resolution, which brings HD videos to life. With the latest apps like Play Games, its entertainment quotient is very high.
Galaxy Tab 3
SOC:- Dual Core Application Processor
Operating System:- Android Jelly Bean 4.1
RAM:- 1GB
Weight:- 300 g
Battery:- Up to 8 hours (Internet usage)
Wireless:- 802.11a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth
Camera:- 3MP (rear) and 1.3MP (front)
Resolution:- 1024 x 600
Price:- $199
Samsung has launched yet another model in the Galaxy Tab category―the Galaxy Tab 3. The product is slimmer at just 9.9 mm thickness, which ensures the Tab fits perfectly in your palm. The powerful processor makes sure that your browsing and computing experience is the fastest. The highlighting feature of the device is the 50 GB free Dropbox storage for about 2 years that enables you to be in touch with your files, even while you are on the move!
IdeaTab A2107
SOC:- MediaTek 6575 1.0GHz Cortex A9 processor
Operating System:- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
RAM:- 512MB (Wi-Fi), 1GB (3G)
Weight:- 0.9 lbs (408 g)
Battery:- Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi usage)
Wireless:- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Camera:- 3MP (rear) and 1.3MP (front)
Resolution:- 1024 x 600
Price:- $121.99
This device can easily slide into your pocket as it is just 11.5mm wide and weighs 400g, which is just perfect for reading as well as web surfing. In case you accidentally dropped the tablet, there is hardly any damage done to it because of the strong internal roll cage. It comes with a noise-canceling digital microphone, which ensures that your talks are not disturbed due to the ambient noise!
Kindle Fire HDX 7
SOC:- Quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU
Operating System:- Fire OS 3.0
RAM:- 2GB
Weight:- 303 g (Wi-Fi), 311 g (Wi-Fi+4G)
Battery:- Up to 10 hours
Wireless:- 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (MIMO), Bluetooth
Camera:- 1.2MP (front)
Resolution:- 1920 x 1200
Price:- $229.00
This Kindle launch claims to have the fastest processor, 2.2 GHz quad-core, which makes it a multitasker. The Mayday button ensures that you are in constant touch with the Amazon support team. There is built-in OfficeSuite and support for Gmail and Outlook. You can connect the device with Miracast-enabled TVs, for a big screen experience!
NOOK HD 7″
SOC:- Texas Instruments 1.3 GHz Processor
Operating System:- Android 4.0.3 with customized UI
RAM:- 1GB
Weight:- 315 g
Battery:- Up to 10.5 hours
Wireless:- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Camera:- NA
Resolution:- 1440 x 900
Price:- $129.00
Finally, with the launch of HD 7″, Google Play is available on the Nook tablet alongside over 7,00,000 Android apps. Web searching is also faster with the updated version of Chrome that is designed to handle unlimited number of open tabs. You can store your purchases on NOOK Cloud, in case the 16GB built-in storage is not sufficient. NOOK will also help in planning for the next movie to watch, by giving recommendations for the same.
iPad Mini
SOC:- Dual-core A5
Operating System:- iOS 6.0 (Original), iOS 7.0 (Current)
RAM:- 512MB
Weight:- 308 g
Battery:- Up to 10 hours (Internet usage)
Wireless:- 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Camera:- 5MP (Rear), 1.2 MP (Front)
Resolution:- 1024 x 768
Price:- $329.00
The iPad mini is perfect for using on your outdoor trip, thanks to the LED-backlit display. Apple claims that the product is as light as a pencil, with a thickness of just 7.2 mm. The 1080p full HD recording with automatic video stabilization, ensures that you will never miss out on any of the minute details on your videos, ever again.
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned in this article are subject to change according to location and offers.
The Verdict
It’s difficult (and unfair) to select one and declare it the best, due to the many impressive, feature-packed tablet PCs around. Comparing the tablets on the basis of price, the Nook Tablet seems to be the most ideal, as it offers good features for a reasonable price. Plus, you have access to an immense library of online literature, and a long battery life allows you to enjoy the tablet experience to the max. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 is also a great tablet, but it pales in comparison to the iPad Mini (which has the Apple brand name behind it).
It’s a dog-eat-dog world in the tablet PC market. Every brand has something new and different to offer and at varied prices. So, as a consumer, making a choice is very hard. But choosing one keeping your budget and purpose in mind helps narrow down the seemingly infinite list of tablets. Hopefully your search was made a little easier with the above comparison.