Asus recently unveiled its latest flagship tablet, the ZenPad Z8, which reports have concluded could be pitted against leading brands.
Exclusively shipped by Verizon Wireless, the new Asus ZenPad Z8 does carry a number of impressive features that are comparable to the likes of the Apple iPad Mini 4 and in this report, we'll be listing the specs found on both devices alongside each other to let you determine which tablet shines the most.
On to the nitty-gritty.
Exterior
On the outside, the Asus ZenPad Z8 features a 7.9-inch QXGA IPS display that offers a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels. It has an 8-megapixel camera on the back while a 2-megapixel camera sits on the front where dual front-facing speakers are housed as well, offering DTS-HD support.
The Asus tablet measures 8.08 inches in height, 5.37 inches in width and is 0.30 inches thin, and weighs 11.29 ounces.
The Apple iPad Mini 4, in contrast, also features a 7.9-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display that offers the same resolution of 2,042 x 1,536 pixels. It carries the standard iSight 8-megapixel camera on the back and a FaceTime HD Camera on the front with 1.2 megapixels. Its dual built-in stereo speakers are located at the bottom.
The iPad Mini 4 measures 8 inches in height and 5.3 inches in width. It is 0.24 inches thin and weighs 10.4 ounces for Wi-Fi models and 10.72 ounces for Wi-Fi + Cellular models.
Interior
Within the Asus ZenPad Z8 is a six-core Snapdragon 650 processor offering 2 GB of RAM, and is integrated with an Adreno 510 GPU. The tablet operates on the latest Android M operating system as well as a 4,680 mAh battery, letting it last through a whole day's worth of usage, according to tests conducted by the company. Its battery can be recharged through its Type-C USB slot that also accepts external storage devices, monitors, accessories and other peripherals.
The ZenPad Z8 offers an internal storage capacity of 16 GB that is expandable to 128 GB, thanks to its microSD slot.
On to the Apple iPad Mini 4's internal structure, a 1.5 Ghz A8 chip with 64-bit architecture with 2 GB of RAM, plus M8 motion compressor, power the whole system and its specifically designed apps. The tablet ships with the iOS 9 OS and should be upgradeable to the upcoming iOS 10 OS once an update is released for Apple devices.
Meanwhile, its battery capacity is, reportedly, at 5,124 mAh. Its product page lists this as a 19.1-watt-hour battery that should offer up to 10 hours of maximum usage and 9 hours on the Wi-Fi + Cellular models using its cellular data network. The built-in battery is rechargeable through Apple's Lightning port.
Three variants of internal storage can be chosen from: 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB.
Conclusion
On the external level, both devices differ in terms of weight and thickness and the Apple iPad Mini 4 easily compresses all of its features in one slim and lighter body. The Zenpad's front-facing speakers, though, seem more efficient than the iPad Mini's speakers located on its bottom.
Internally, the devices vary in terms of manufacturer, as it's the Android v. Apple discussion all over again. Worthy of note in this area are Apple's built-in apps that are designed specifically for its devices to ensure optimal performance, while Android, alternatively, offer a variety of apps that cater to everyone's own specific needs.
The one thing that sets the ZenPad Z8 apart from the iPad Mini is its overall affordability.
The Asus ZenPad Z8 is available in three offers from Verizon: $10.41 per month for 24 months, $149.99 with a two-year contract and $249.99 without contract. The iPad Mini 4, on the other hand, starts at $399 and increases depending on the customization options chosen.
For example, a cellular-ready iPad Mini 4 is estimated to cost around $529, while the ZenPad Z8's price tag remains fixed depending on the mode of payment chosen.
It all boils down to the consumer's intended use for the tablet, be it gaming or professional use, as well as the amount they are willing to spend for the technology.
Which tablet will you be going for? Tell us in the comments below!
