Is Google's new tablet an iPad killer?

Google has finally showcased its eagerly anticipated 10-inch tablet. Developed with Samsung, the Nexus 10 is described by the company as "the ultimate tablet for watching movies or reading magazines," and is a clear shot across Apple's bows.

Google-s-Nexus-10-Photo-AFP

Google has finally showcased its eagerly anticipated 10-inch tablet. Developed with Samsung, the Nexus 10 is described by the company as 'the ultimate tablet for watching movies or reading magazines,' and is a clear shot across Apple's bows.

Measuring 10.055 inches diagonally and boasting 2560x1600 pixels (that's 300ppi) it has a 4MP resolution, surpassing not just everything in Apple's iPad range, but any other tablet on the market. Google claims that the battery will support nine hours of video playback. The Nexus 10 boasts stereo speakers, features a dual-core A15 processor, 2 GB of RAM and supports NFC. It comes with either 16GB or 32GB of memory and, although it is wi-fi enabled, doesn't support 3G or 4G technology.

Side-by-side comparison

iPad with Retina display: 652g; 241.2x185.7x9.4mm; 9.7-inch 264ppi displa;, forward and rear facing cameras; 16GB, 32GB and 64GB internal storage; wi-fi and cellular connectivity. Prices start at $499 for 16GB or $629 for 16GB plus 4G cellular connectivity. Available now.

Google Nexus 10: 603g; 263.9x177.6x8.9mm; 10.055-inch 300ppi display; forward and rear-facing cameras, 16GB and 32GB internal storage; wi-fi only connectivity. Prices start at $399 for 16GB, going up to $349 for the 32GB model. Available from November 13.

The Nexus 10 is cheaper, lighter and offers a higher resolution than the latest iPad plus a USB and a micro HDMI port as standard (the iPad can now connect via lightning port adaptors, each of which is an extra cost.) It is also $100 cheaper. However, the iPad offers cellular connectivity and up to 64GB of internal storage plus a larger selection of apps, plus it's milled from aluminium rather than plastic.

In terms of resolution, screen size and price, the Nexus 10 is a massive threat and the first true competition to Apple's iPad.