Apple iPad 3 vs Google Nexus 7 head-to-head review

AppsThe Apple App Store leads the way when it comes to app count. Out of the 650,000 apps available, around 140,000 are specifically designed to work on the iPad at present.

Security is tighter on the iOS platform. Apple locks down its ecosystem, vetting every app before releasing it to the public, so there is next to zero chance of employees downloading malware after deployment.

iPad vs Nexus - iPad apps

The Apple App Store is still the most comprehensive source for mobile apps

There are a wide range of business and productivity apps available, from word processing to expense tracking and remote desktop clients. The iPad has the edge when it comes to the availability of digital magazines and newspapers too, with all the major newsstand titles available to download.

Whilst Android has gained plenty of ground in terms of smartphone apps, there's still work to be done when it comes to tablets like the Nexus. The Google Play store hosts 600,000 apps. In theory all smartphone apps can run on the tablet but this isn't ideal. By its own admission Google recognised the quality of apps for the tablet platform isn't up to scratch. Android chief Andy Rubin spoke at Mobile World Congress in February and said that his staff need to "double down and make sure we're winning in [the tablet] space".

IT admins should also be wary about Google Play. Apps are not vetted before being made available and Google relies on automated detection after apps are live, so malware can be an issue. The threat can be kept to a minimum by installing anti-virus software, but this is an extra step for admins to take and will also add to the cost of deployment.

Disappointingly, UK users cannot access the Google Music service at this time and availability of magazine and newspaper titles is also limited.

Winner: iPad

This would be a close-run battle if we were comparing smartphones, with Android possibly taking the crown, but the gap is much wider on tablets. iOS is still the lead development platform for many apps, with Android users have to wait for a port.

Strong sales of the Nexus should encourage more development for Android tablets, but this could still take time.

Mike Jennings

 

Mike Jennings has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has been fascinated by computers since childhood, when he spent far too long building terrible websites. He loves desktop PCs, components, laptops and anything to do with the latest hardware.

Mike worked as a staff writer at PC Pro magazine in London for seven years, and during that time wrote for a variety of other tech titles, including Custom PC, Micro Mart and Computer Shopper. Since 2013, he’s been a freelance tech writer, and writes regularly for titles like Wired, TechRadar, Stuff, TechSpot, IT Pro, TrustedReviews and TechAdvisor. He still loves tech and covers everything from the latest business hardware and software to high-end gaming gear, and you’ll find him on plenty of sites writing reviews, features and guides on a vast range of topics.

You can email Mike at mike@mike-jennings.net, or find him on Twitter at @mikejjennings