Comparison of best 7" Tablets

Doing some research on tablets. I currently own an IPad 2 64GB, Samsung Tab 7.0+, IPad Mini 64GB, and the Toshiba AT270.

A couple of notes:

The Toshiba AT270 is technically a 7.67" tablet but is similar in size and form factor.

The IPad Mini is a 7.9" form factor.

The USB feature below is if an actual micro USB port exists on the device (as opposed to a proprietary connector such as the Samsung and Toshiba use to connect to the USB port)

Instead of listing the documented battery life, I posted video loop tests done by engadget, screen at 50% brightness with Wi-fi enabled running video in a continuous loop.



Edited by Robilar - 5/9/13 at 6:05am

Ah, thanks for clarifying I will update the spreadsheet.

I happen to agree btw. That's the reason I have stuck with the Samsung Tab's rather than pick up a pair of the Nexus units. I have 32GB micro SD cards in my and my daughter's tablets loaded with video.

Cloud storage for hi-def video? I think not. Not to mention I have HDMI dongles for both tablets which is great for video playback.

Yes it will, its a standard dongle to HDMI connection. Of course your monitor will need built in speakers to get audio. I haven't tried using the headphones out for audio while using HDMI out although it might work.

I added an interesting comparison I found on Engadget. They ran video in a continuous loop at 50% brightness with wf-fi on and notifications enabled with all tablets.

Interesting to see the varying battery levels for video playback with all the background features enabled.

Unfortunately the Nexus is not on there nor is the new Samsung Tab 2. I can confirm that the Tab 2 has a much better battery life than my Tab 7.0+. My daughter runs hers for up to 2 days with a great deal of Wi-Fi use and video playback without needing to charge it. The Samsung Tab 2 also outlasts my IPad 2 with ease (smaller screen though so that makes sense).

I've read that the ICS update for the Samsung Tab Plus will provide a significant improvement to battery life. That remains to be seen.

After a lot of puttering (I picked up a Google Nexus and ultimately returned it due to a defective screen), I've concluded that barring a huge price drop to the Toshiba tablet (interchangeably called the Excite 7.7 or the AT270), the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is the best bang for the buck.

The Google Nexus, all of its new release physical issues aside lacks in 3 areas against the similarly priced Samsung. It does not have Micro-SD, it isn't even close in battery life, and it does not have HDMI out. Yes it's a better gaming tablet due to the Tegra 3 chip and slightly higher res screen but for a travelling video player and ereader the Samsung Tab 2 is the most versatile. Video playback on the tab 2 is phenomenal; I've run AVI and MKV, MP4 files on my kids and compared to my IPad and see no difference. I'd like to recommend my 7.0 plus but it looks like it's being discontinued and I have no guarantees that the battery life will improve once the ICS release occurs. Plus I don't feel it was worth the extra money over the Tab 2. It has a faster cpu and double the storage but the micro-SD slot makes onboard storage moot. Add a $17 32GB micro SD card and away you go.
Edited by Robilar - 7/30/12 at 7:32pm

I added the Kindle Fire and 32GB Blackberry Playbook for the sake of completeness. I also added the weight of the tablets and corrected a couple of errors.

Yes, you can use a USB flash drive but typically would have to root the tablet. You would also need one of these dongles hanging off the micro USB port in addition to the USB key itself.



Or if you are using the Samsung tablets, you can simply buy one of these, no rooting required.


Edited by Robilar - 8/7/12 at 5:44pm