Don't want an iPad? Check Android out
— -- Should you buy an iPad or an Android tablet?
Comparing the iPad with the Android tablets on the market is like comparing one (literal) apple with a whole basket full of oranges. The iPad may be the perfect tablet fit for a wide swath of consumers, but is it really the right choice for everyone? Probably not, but to make that call you'd be well served to sit down and do some technological soul searching.
Apple's newest iPad is as sleek and polished as they come, with a price that's more than fair for its extensive feature set. And now that it packs 4G LTE, mobile hotspot support, a much-improved camera, and a dazzling Retina ultra-HD display, it's a better value than ever — but that doesn't mean that there aren't more fish in the sea. If your interest is piqued about what lies beyond, read on.
Can Android stack up with the iPad's new features?
While Apple is making much ado about some of the new iPad's additions, some of them are just playing catchup with the best Android tablets out there. If you want a dazzling display, Samsung's Super AMOLED screens won't let you down. If you're gunning for as much power as you can get, the Asus Transformer Prime packs a true quad-core processor, while the new iPad only sports quad-core graphics processing. And store shelves are peppered with 4G Android tablets — just be sure to choose a network with good service in your area and you'll be all set.
That said, some things haven't changed. iOS is the most user-friendly, app-packed operating system out there. If you just want games, games, and more games, the App Store will keep you busy for a long time to come. Google's Android app store is still catching up when it comes to apps designed with tablets in mind.
Choice, choice, choice
The biggest difference between the iPad and Android tablets can be summed up succinctly: choice. I mean, really, a lot of choice. Which is both a good and bad thing, depending on how willing you are to do a little homework. While the iPad is one (or two, if you're interested in the now last-gen iPad 2, which is admittedly a steal at $399), Android tablets are many. Any tablet running any form of Google's mobile operating system falls into this massive bucket, which unfortunately can make separating the wheat from the chaff a bit of a chore. It also means that if something about the iPad is a mismatch for your needs, then you're guaranteed to find an Android tablet to fit the bill.
Size, budget, and your game plan
Tempted to just head to an Apple store and call it quits? Before you do, the iPad's price and screen size are worth of a long hard look. Is $499 pushing your billfold into uncomfortable territory? Does 9.7 inches seem a little oversized for reading in bed, or cruising the web while you commute to work? Trust your instincts. Any misgivings you have going into making a big buy like a tablet computer will likely only become exaggerated over the course of owning it. Go to the mall and get your hands on an iPad, and on a cross-section of Android tablets. See what feels right to you, and keep a sharp eye on how much you're willing to spend so you stick to the game plan.
Smaller tablets often pack smaller price tags. At $199, the Kindle Fire is one budget tablet that we'd be quick to recommend — especially for new tablet owners. Running a very Amazon-ified version of Android, the Kindle Fire is a 7-inch wonder, and it could be the right fit for both your hands and your wallet, since it stacks up well against the iPad. If you're looking for a high-end tablet that comes in plenty of different sizes and prices, take a look at Samsung's Galaxy line. The company has released a tablet at just about every size imaginable.
If you opt for camp Android, be sure to grill the sales rep or do plenty of research to be sure that the tablet you're eyeing isn't running an ancient OS thanks to a little thorn in Google's side known as Android fragmentation. The newest Android operating system is known as Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" and you'll want to be sure it'll make its way to your new slate.
Android vs. iOS
While they have evolved, in a lot of ways, tablets are still just giant smartphones. They run mobile operating systems, just like whatever's in your pocket, and they're built for major portability. Want to know which operating system will mesh with your needs and personality? Start by considering your phone. Think about what you like about it and if there are any pain points. If you're toting an iPhone, you'll be very familiar with iOS — it functions almost exactly the same way on the iPad, home button, little dancing squares and all.
Android is a little trickier, since if you've got an older phone, your software won't at all resemble what your tablet experience will be like. But if you're sporting a smartphone running Android 2.3 or higher, you'll know enough about the software to know if it drives you crazy or fits like a glove. If you're living on the (cutting) edge with the Galaxy Nexus, you'll be privy to a preview of what most top-notch Android tablets will be running in the coming months.
In making the decision between tablets, don't underestimate the operating system — and its ability to make your experience effortless or angst-ridden, depending on your preferences. Below are some basic pros and cons of each.
Android
Optional expandable storage
Choice of screen size, design, price range
More pricing tiers on the budget end of the spectrum
A vastly more customizable experience
Widgets are a great tablet feature for at-a-glance info on your homescreen
Flash support
iPad
iOS is the most polished software out there
More tablet-optimized apps
No software update confusion
Apple's excellent tech support
It "just works" …you won't be tweaking and tinkering like you might with Android
Generally a better choice of cool accessories and cases by third-parties
Ultimately, it boils down to preference. The iPad is on top for a reason, but that doesn't mean it's for everyone. Overwhelmed? Write down your top three priorities when it comes to the slate of your dreams and compare them to this list of pros and cons. Or better yet, head to an electronics megastore and swipe your way through some tablets that catch your eye. The tablet for you is the one that meets your needs and your budget — simple as that.
This story originally appeared on Tecca.
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