TechSource: Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 vs. Google Nexus 7 2 (2013)

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 vs. Google Nexus 7 2 (2013)

Posted: 03 Sep 2013 07:13 AM PDT

When it comes to tablets, there has been a lot of competition lately. The genre of mobile computing, popularized by Apple's iPad has become a slugfest between the Cupertino giant and the search mogul. The biggest competitor in this space has become Google's flagship tablet the Nexus 7. Released in 2012, the 7-inch device comes with an amazing processor and the latest version of Android. So far, Google has managed to not only keep the Android fans happy but also to whet the appetites of die-hard tablet lovers who want a powerful device.

Come 2013, Google launched another great device called Nexus 7 (also known as Nexus 7 2). The 2013 edition comes with the latest version of Android along with massive performance upgrades. Though it's inevitable that Nexus 7 will be compared to the mighty iPad, slowly but steadily, a new competitor has been creeping up the charts. Samsung's Galaxy Note 8.0, released in April 2013, has gained a lot of attention. Android users now have two high-profile choices if they want to buy a medium-sized tablet. But which one to go for? The Nexus 7 2 or Note 8.0? Here's a comparison:

Display

The Nexus 7 2 comes with a LED-backlit IPS touchscreen display. This means you can watch videos in a superior HD quality. Google Play Store, in fact, offers a lot of movies in HD that you can watch on your Nexus device. Note 8.0, on the other hand, disappoints users by providing a TFT display putting Google ahead as far as displays are concerned. Also, Samsung provides almost 189 ppi pixel density, which is way less when compared to what the flagship Android device offers which is 323 ppi.

Winner: Nexus 7 2

Design

The new Nexus 7 looks sleek, polished and is devoid of any hardware buttons. The soft buttons are easy to access thus making the tablet much more comfortable to use. The Note 8.0 however, comes with a hardware button and two soft buttons like on their other Galaxy devices. While the arrangement works amazing on a smartphone, the same design on an 8-inch tablet feels clumsy and awkward.

Winner: Nexus 7 2

OS and UI

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 comes with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean while Nexus 7 comes with the latest and the greatest version of Android that is version 4.3. The latest version brings along a lot of improvements, and when compared to Android 4.1.2, it also has the widgets functionality. If you're a fan of the Touchwiz/Nature UI, you won't have any problems sticking with Note 8.0. However, if you constantly yearn for the bleeding edge, you shouldn't choose anything other than a Nexus device.

Winner: Nexus 7 2

Performance

Specs wise, both the devices have very similar specs. The Note 8.0 and the Nexus 7 2 have a quad-core processor, with Samsung's processor clocking at 1.6 GHz and Google's clocking at 1.5 GHz. For everyday use and for gaming as well, both processors offer a solid performance and an average user can stick with these tablets for more than a year.

Verdict: Tie

Storage

The Galaxy Note 8.0 clearly wins this round because it offers a microSD slot and Nexus doesn't. Despite being marketed in two variants: 16 GB and 32 GB, Note 8's capability to expand the storage to 64 GB using a memory card steals the show.

Winner: Galaxy Note 8.0

Camera

Both the Nexus 7 2 and the Galaxy Note 8.0 offer similar specs in this department. 5 MP on the back while on the front you'll find a 1.2 MP on the Nexus and a 1.3 MP on Note 8.0. When compared head-to-head there's not much difference. However, if you look closely, the Nexus 7 can shoot 1080p videos at 30 fps, which is slightly better when compared to Note 8's 720 p videos.

Winner: Nexus 7 2

Verdict

Overall, the Note 8.0 seems like a disappointing device. It is Samsung's sketchy attempt at entering the tablet market which it has been trying to penetrate for a while now. Google's Nexus 7 2, like its predecessor, offers a quality tablet experience along with all the Google goodness. Unless you are a complete Samsung fanboy or fangirl, you have no reason to buy the Galaxy Note 8.0. Nexus 7 2 is a winner all the way.

You may also check out: Sony Xperia Tablet Z vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1