Both Apple and Samsung are rumored to have the second- and third-gen iPad mini and Galaxy Note, respectively, in the works.
Speculations are rife that the Galaxy Note 3 phablet and iPad mini 2 tablet are set to hit the shelves very soon and will look to conquer the market once again. Both the Note 3 and iPad mini have loyal user bases and their successors will be looking to replicate the success story.
With Samsung purportedly going bigger with a 6.3-inch screen, there's not much separating the iPad mini 2 and the upcoming phablet.
With the two tech giants gearing up to battle it out once again, let's take a look at which device is the next big thing. Which device will be more popular with tech experts and fans alike — the phablet or the tablet?
Processor
The iPad mini 2 is expected to feature either the A6X or the new A7 processor. Per rumors, the Galaxy Note 3 will likely house the powerful Exynos 5 octa-core processor (a combination of two quad-core processors: a 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A15 and a 1.2GHz Cortex-A7).
Both the devices will improve on their predecessors; however, if the Galaxy Note 3 houses the 8-core processor as conjectured, then the device will be leagues above the Apple offering.
Display
The iPad mini 2 is speculated to sport a 7.9-inch Retina display with 2048 x 1536 pixels resolution, On the other hand, the Galaxy Note 3 will feature a 6.3-inch OLED or LCD screen (which could be flexible).
Pixel density-wise, the Galaxy Note 3 steals the show with its 350 ppi versus iPad mini 2's 324 ppi.
Memory
The iPad mini 2 will likely come in 16/32/64GB on-board storage versions, with no option to expand. Rumors also hint that Apple could take the iPad 4 route and introduce a 128GB tablet version as well.
The Galaxy Note 3 is also expected to tout 16/32/64GB on-board storage and possibly a 128GB one. The smartphone will also have the option to expand the memory (to an additional 64GB) via a microSD card.
Camera
The iPad mini 2 is expected to carry an 8-megapixel primary camera, which is bettered by the 16- or 13-megapixel snapper on the Galaxy Note 3. Moreover, the Samsung phablet will likely have the S Orb feature for 360-degree shots.
The iPad mini 2 will likely feature a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera versus the 2- or 3-megapixel one rumored for the Note 3.
Operating System
The iPad mini 2 is expected to run on Apple's upcoming iOS 7 and the Galaxy Note 3 is expected to feature Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie out of the box.
Availability
Reports hint that Apple will launch the iPad mini 2 before the iPhone 6 and iPad 5 (slated for June/July), hinting at a possible May launch. Samsung is expected to debut its Galaxy Note 3 at the IFA 2013 in September.
With the Galaxy Note 3's S Pen stylus and phone functionality thrown in, the device may have an edge over the iPad mini 2. However, we'll have to wait and see which device will rake in the revenue and be on consumers' wish lists.
Which one are you waiting for, the iPad mini 2 or the Galaxy Note 3?