Together with the iPad Mini 3, Apple also unveiled the new iPad Air 2 tablet during their press event last Oc. 16.
While many of its features and specs have remained the same as its predecessor, such as its 9.7-inch display, the new device's 6.1 mm profile along with a 64-bit A8X chip processor have allowed it to become the tech giant's slimmest and fastest tablet yet.
The iPad Air 2 was introduced to the world just as Google debuted its newest tablet, the Nexus 9, which many deem as an ideal option to the newest iPad Air. Coming with an 8.9-inch display, the Nexus 9 runs the latest Android 5.0 OS. With a $399 price tag, such device is less costly than the iPad Air 2.
Meanwhile, Samsung also put forward its newest tablet, the Galaxy Tab S, which is widely known for its sharp screen, sleek design and wide range of media features and software to address the various needs of its users.
Samsung's offering boasts a Super AMOLED touchscreen with 2560 x 1600 resolution. The iPad Air 2 and the Nexus 9 make use of IPS LCD displays with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. The Nexus 9, however, is reportedly more ideal in terms of display with its smaller screen size but higher pixel density.
In terms of camera performance, all three devices have been reportedly impressive, although the iPad Air 2 provides new features such as the Timelapse and slow-motion video capture modes. However, when it comes to front cameras, the new Galaxy Tab's 2.1-megapixel shooter wins over the iPad Air 2's and Nexus 9's 1.2-megapixel snappers.
Addressing battery issues, Apple's offering allows up to 10 hours of usage after a single charge whereas Samsung's and Google's tablets have been shown to support up to 9 hours of usage.
While the iPad Air 2 runs on the iOS 8, the Galaxy Tab S comes with the Android 4.4.2 KitKat while the Nexus 9 boasts the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Customers can look forward to a price tag of $499 for the iPad Air 2 and the Galaxy Tab S, both for their 16 GB Wi-Fi version, but the Galaxy Tab S offers a larger 10.5-inch display and expandable storage options.
