Android Tablet

[maverick786us]

I own an iPad Air. I am looking for an android counterpart for my wife, who believe in Android eco-system. The features that I am looking for are

1) 8.4 - 10 inch screen with retina display (atleast 285 pixel per inch)
2) Good processor and GPU for games and multimedia
3) Good speakers, sterio speakers will be preferable
4) Good screen.
5) Latest KitKat or should be upgradable to Kitkat.
6) Should have a camera.

So can someone suggest me an android tablet fulfilling these features? Galaxy Note 10.X is way expensive, so I am not considering that option

 

[harsaphes]

Honestly you should look/buy a Nexus 7. Yes, it's smaller than you want but it's a great tablet and the software is always updated as soon as a release. I love mine and use it all the time.

 

[maverick786us]

Honestly you should look/buy a Nexus 7. Yes, it's smaller than you want but it's a great tablet and the software is always updated as soon as a release. I love mine and use it all the time.

My wife already has an Xperia T2 ultra which is 6 inches. So 7 inches will hardly make any difference in reading. When is Nexus 8 coming? I think she is even ready to go for something in 8.4 inch screen, provided that the screen should be brilliant with less bazel

 

[limitedaccess]

285ppi is higher than the Ipad Air's PPI. The only larger tablets with that high of a PPI are the new 2560x1600 ones. Otherwise you'd need a smaller tablet (<8inches) to reach that type of PPI.

If she likes her Sony you can look into the Z2 Tablet but it technically doesn't have the PPI you want. Speakers might not be the best either.

If you're going to go with a smaller tablet on paper the just announced Shield Tablet seems the best. I'd gladly spend the extra over the current Nexus 7 (at MSRP prices). Then again in depth reviews could reveal some major shortcomings not yet apparent.

The new Tab S have the OLED screens of course. If you are dead set for that it's pretty much (and Samsung) is your only choice for the near future at least.

No one knows for sure what the Nexus 8 release date will be or what it will be exactly at this point, some rumors suggest it may not even be a Nexus 8 but a Nexus 9. The most likelihood at the moment is a hardware release to pair with Android L.

 

[Lunas]

you can get used note tabs i also saw a nexus 10 at my local walmart in clearance for 200
nvidia is releasing a tablet with the k1 processor in it that is going to be beast.

Honestly i would bite the bullet and get a note 10 2014 edition i love my note 3 and i know someone that bought a refurb and is very happy with his 10.1

 

[limitedaccess]

Is the pen support/digitizer important to you? Is the size difference important (0.1 inches longer/wider)?

Otherwise it seems like the newer Tab S would be the more interesting choice with the OLED screen. Or maybe the OLED screen isn't a draw for you.

They use the same Exynos SoC so the performance wouldn't be an issue (or an issue either way) which is really the only major complaint regarding the Tab S. That and the same OLED debate.

 

[maverick786us]

you can get used note tabs i also saw a nexus 10 at my local walmart in clearance for 200
nvidia is releasing a tablet with the k1 processor in it that is going to be beast.

Honestly i would bite the bullet and get a note 10 2014 edition i love my note 3 and i know someone that bought a refurb and is very happy with his 10.1

285ppi is higher than the Ipad Air's PPI. The only larger tablets with that high of a PPI are the new 2560x1600 ones. Otherwise you'd need a smaller tablet (<8inches) to reach that type of PPI.

If she likes her Sony you can look into the Z2 Tablet but it technically doesn't have the PPI you want. Speakers might not be the best either.

If you're going to go with a smaller tablet on paper the just announced Shield Tablet seems the best. I'd gladly spend the extra over the current Nexus 7 (at MSRP prices). Then again in depth reviews could reveal some major shortcomings not yet apparent.

The new Tab S have the OLED screens of course. If you are dead set for that it's pretty much (and Samsung) is your only choice for the near future at least.

No one knows for sure what the Nexus 8 release date will be or what it will be exactly at this point, some rumors suggest it may not even be a Nexus 8 but a Nexus 9. The most likelihood at the moment is a hardware release to pair with Android L.

Is the pen support/digitizer important to you? Is the size difference important?

Otherwise it seems like the newer Tab S would be the more interesting choice with the OLED screen. Or maybe the OLED screen isn't a draw for you.

They use the same Exynos SoC so the performance wouldn't be an issue (or an issue either way) which is really the only major complaint regarding the Tab S. That and the same OLED debate.

Note 10.1 is almost 1.5X more expensive than iPad air itself. An S-Pen is not a need, because it is mostly needed fro drawing, but it will be a plus point. Marginal size difference of 0.1 inch longer or winder isn't important. She found Nexus tablet bit bulky and ugly. Her perference is something as slim and good looking as an iPad, but should have android.

The Galaxy Tab S that you guys are referring to, can you provide me the exact model # and specification? Super AMOLED is fine, in fact ladies will prefer that super vibrant colors of an AMOLED sacreen. How is Kindle Fire HDX?

 

[limitedaccess]

Here's a review of the Tab S's with detailed specs -
Tab S 10.5 - http://www.anandtech.com/show/8197/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-review-105-84inch

It was a pretty big deal as a release due to the OLED screen. I just assumed you'd dismissed it already for some specific reason. The main relative weaknesses is basically the SoC (specifically the GPU performance) relative to other options. The other would be how you feel about stock Samsung software (or bloatware). But these two issues would still be present on the Note so they may be a non-issue for you. The other would the debate regarding current OLED implementations vs LCDs (eg. colors, the pixel arrangement issue, longevity, power consumption depending on usage, etc).

I wasn't recommending the Note. The draw (puns!) of the Note is the pen mainly, and if that isn't a huge selling point then Samsung itself has alternatives in the Pro and now Tab S.

The Kindle Fire HDX is a strong multimedia tablet. I actually believe the speakers are considered among the best. It also uses the stronger (particularly GPU wise) Snapdragon 800 compared to the Exynos on the Samsungs. The issue is it isn't strictly Android per say but FireOS. I was thinking about mentioning it but you seemed to emphasis Android and KitKat support in your OP.

 

[maverick786us]

Here's a review of the Tab S's with detailed specs -
Tab S 10.5 - http://www.anandtech.com/show/8197/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-review-105-84inch

It was a pretty big deal as a release due to the OLED screen. I just assumed you'd dismissed it already for some specific reason. The main relative weaknesses is basically the SoC (specifically the GPU performance) relative to other options. The other would be how you feel about stock Samsung software (or bloatware). But these two issues would still be present on the Note so they may be a non-issue for you. The other would the debate regarding current OLED implementations vs LCDs (eg. colors, the pixel arrangement issue, longevity, power consumption depending on usage, etc).

I wasn't recommending the Note. The draw (puns!) of the Note is the pen mainly, and if that isn't a huge selling point then Samsung itself has alternatives in the Pro and now Tab S.

The Kindle Fire HDX is a strong multimedia tablet. I actually believe the speakers are considered among the best. It also uses the stronger (particularly GPU wise) Snapdragon 800 compared to the Exynos on the Samsungs. The issue is it isn't strictly Android per say but FireOS. I was thinking about mentioning it but you seemed to emphasis Android and KitKat support in your OP.

Thank you. I thought Kindly also uses complete Android OS just like Samsung, Nexus etc.

 

[elzeus]

Tegra Shield is the only real choice.

 

[Lunas]

Here's a review of the Tab S's with detailed specs -
Tab S 10.5 - http://www.anandtech.com/show/8197/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-review-105-84inch

It was a pretty big deal as a release due to the OLED screen. I just assumed you'd dismissed it already for some specific reason. The main relative weaknesses is basically the SoC (specifically the GPU performance) relative to other options. The other would be how you feel about stock Samsung software (or bloatware). But these two issues would still be present on the Note so they may be a non-issue for you. The other would the debate regarding current OLED implementations vs LCDs (eg. colors, the pixel arrangement issue, longevity, power consumption depending on usage, etc).

I wasn't recommending the Note. The draw (puns!) of the Note is the pen mainly, and if that isn't a huge selling point then Samsung itself has alternatives in the Pro and now Tab S.

The Kindle Fire HDX is a strong multimedia tablet. I actually believe the speakers are considered among the best. It also uses the stronger (particularly GPU wise) Snapdragon 800 compared to the Exynos on the Samsungs. The issue is it isn't strictly Android per say but FireOS. I was thinking about mentioning it but you seemed to emphasis Android and KitKat support in your OP.

Nothing a trip to the note 10, s or pro XDA forum won't fix. And possibly the Kindle fire could be fixed that way too.

 

[Lunas]

Note 10.1 is almost 1.5X more expensive than iPad air itself. An S-Pen is not a need, because it is mostly needed fro drawing, but it will be a plus point. Marginal size difference of 0.1 inch longer or winder isn't important. She found Nexus tablet bit bulky and ugly. Her perference is something as slim and good looking as an iPad, but should have android.

The Galaxy Tab S that you guys are referring to, can you provide me the exact model # and specification? Super AMOLED is fine, in fact ladies will prefer that super vibrant colors of an AMOLED sacreen. How is Kindle Fire HDX?

You can get the 32 gb note 10.1 2014 for 335 on amazon the ipad air is 499 figure your price again

 

[limitedaccess]

Judging by his original post, the OPs other device choices (iPad Air), and the intended recipient and usage of the device I went with the assumption that custom ROMs are not likely what the OP is going for and is looking for factory/manufacturer support.

But yes technically speaking any popular Android device will have community support for rooting and installing custom ROMs. The Kindle Fire HDX can be rooted and switched away from FireOS.

 

[Lunas]

Samsung has a bad track record with updates on lower end devices and the note has the s-pen i use mine more than i thought i would.

 

[Snowdog]

Speakers on my Samsung 8.4" tab pro suck.

IMO good speaker should be on the front of the device, like the new NVidia shield tablet.

 

[maverick786us]

Nexus 9 looks promising. People always recommend me nexus tablets over any other android tablets. Nexus 7 and 10 are ugly, thats why I didn't go for. What is your openion on Nexus 9, from HTC that will be unleashed on Oct 8?

 

[limitedaccess]

We don't really have concrete information yet.

If we had to speculate using your original points and comparing with the Ipad Air and Galaxy Tab S

1) 8.4 - 10 inch screen with retina display (atleast 285 pixel per inch)
Depends if it's 1920x1200 or 2560x1600.
2) Good processor and GPU for games and multimedia
Nexus will probably (by far) have the best GPU as well as CPU at the moment. It may even still be class leading with once the 808/810 come out or when the Ipad updates.
3) Good speakers, sterio speakers will be preferable
Unknown. Could be front facing stereo as a trait from HTC.
4) Good screen.
Tab S would probably be the best screen (for most). Won't know compared to the Air.
5) Latest KitKat or should be upgradable to Kitkat.
Probably by far the best support in this area for future updates as well.
6) Should have a camera.
Probably will.

 

[Lunas]

We don't really have concrete information yet.

If we had to speculate using your original points and comparing with the Ipad Air and Galaxy Tab S

1) 8.4 - 10 inch screen with retina display (atleast 285 pixel per inch)
Depends if it's 1920x1200 or 2560x1600.
2) Good processor and GPU for games and multimedia
Nexus will probably (by far) have the best GPU as well as CPU at the moment. It may even still be class leading with once the 808/810 come out or when the Ipad updates.
3) Good speakers, sterio speakers will be preferable
Unknown. Could be front facing stereo as a trait from HTC.
4) Good screen.
Tab S would probably be the best screen (for most). Won't know compared to the Air.
5) Latest KitKat or should be upgradable to Kitkat.
Probably by far the best support in this area for future updates as well.
6) Should have a camera.
Probably will.

There is one thing you have wrong it won't be on kit kat it will run lemon merange pie.

The nexus line has always been the debut platform for the nest version of android.

 

[limitedaccess]

I didn't specify it'd run kit kat. I said the Nexus would have the best support in this area as I inferred he wanted the latest OS updates.

 

[NotJay]

I just got Galaxy Tab S 8.4

1) 8.4 - 10 inch screen with retina display (atleast 285 pixel per inch)
yea it's way over that pixel count @ 2560x1600
2) Good processor and GPU for games and multimedia
I think it's good enough for multimedia but i can't speak for games since i do not play games on tablet
3) Good speakers, sterio speakers will be preferable
it does have stereo speaker but it's not as loud as you expect it to be
4) Good screen.
screen is A fucking plus
5) Latest KitKat or should be upgradable to Kitkat.
it runs kitkat
6) Should have a camera.
camera is just average tablet camera

Samsung Direct is running free book cover ( $60 or $70 depending on size ) w/ purchase of tab s (8.4 or 10.5) so you might want to check that out

 

[Trombe]

If you're not in a rush, wait for the Nexus 9. Nvidia accidentally leaked its existence and that it's going to feature Tegra K1 (not sure which version, but possibly the Denver 64-bit variant to showcase Android L running on a 64-bit SOC).

 

[maverick786us]

If you're not in a rush, wait for the Nexus 9. Nvidia accidentally leaked its existence and that it's going to feature Tegra K1 (not sure which version, but possibly the Denver 64-bit variant to showcase Android L running on a 64-bit SOC).

Many reviews say that the camera application of stock android isn't good. But the reason why I am inclined towards nexus devices over other android devices, is because of timely updates, smoothness and reliability. My wife happened to own a galaxy S2. Now she owns an Xperia T2 ultra. She is an android fan so she will stick with it. But I have seen numerous issues with both her devices. Some times application freezes, sometimes battery drains unexpected and other buggy things. Maybe Google must have improved with kitkat.

One of my friend owns a Nexus 7 and he says that it's so smooth, reliable, that within an year, there were just 2 occasions in which he had to restart the device. I find Nexus 7 bit ugly the design looks seasoned, there is a lot of bazel. On the other hand I find Nexus 9 to be beautiful and I do hope that it will perform better than its predecessor. But can we consider it in top notch category of latest Galaxy tab and note series android tablets?

 

[limitedaccess]

If you want to the compare the Nexus 9 (well in theory, since there aren't actual consumer samples or reviews yet) against the Galaxy Tab S (or Note) either is really better than the other, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Let's deal with the Note first. The main draw (puns!) with the Note is the pen and digitizer basically. You basically need to weigh how important this functionality is first. I can't find any confirmation if the Nexus 9 supports DirectStylus.

In terms of the Nexus 9 vs Tab S it's going to be trade offs basically, and not just a simple display vs SoC tradeoff either. The Nexus 9s display might be better for some individuals for example. Also the new SoC may not be without its draw backs in real world usage (untested though).

Personally for an Android tablet I'm waiting for a Tab S with a SoC upgrade (Exynos 7, or maybe newer?) or a new Note.

In terms of ARM tablets in general though (well at least in this rough price category) it seems to be shaping up as Nexus 9 vs Tab S vs. Ipad Air 2 choice currently. Nothing else seems to be all that interesting at the moment.

 

[Snowdog]

In terms of the Nexus 9 vs Tab S it's going to be trade offs basically, and not just a simple display vs SoC tradeoff either.

Nexus 9 has no interest for me at all. Glad I didn't wait. I bought the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4".

This is why I would do it over again:

Micro-SD slot.

Perfect size for cradling in one hand. (Tab is 5" across in Portrait mode, Nexus is 6" across)

2560x1600 display that I can read full page comic books/pdfs without zooming.

The only thing anyone mentions of note for the Nexus 9 is CPU power. Really what CPU intensive apps are there for Android tablets. These are mostly Media consumption devices, and the Snapdragon 800 is no slouch.

 

[maverick786us]

Nexus 9 has no interest for me at all. Glad I didn't wait. I bought the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4".

This is why I would do it over again:

Micro-SD slot.

Perfect size for cradling in one hand. (Tab is 5" across in Portrait mode, Nexus is 6" across)

2560x1600 display that I can read full page comic books/pdfs without zooming.

The only thing anyone mentions of note for the Nexus 9 is CPU power. Really what CPU intensive apps are there for Android tablets. These are mostly Media consumption devices, and the Snapdragon 800 is no slouch.

Android is always a power hog, when compared to iOS. So a good CPU is always preferred. But what about the fact, that in nexus tablets and smartphones, the OS runs as smooth as iOS? Where you don't feel any application freezing, random battery drain or some other background process consuming a CPU?

 

[limitedaccess]

Nexus 9 has no interest for me at all. Glad I didn't wait. I bought the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4".

This is why I would do it over again:

Micro-SD slot.

Perfect size for cradling in one hand. (Tab is 5" across in Portrait mode, Nexus is 6" across)

2560x1600 display that I can read full page comic books/pdfs without zooming.

The only thing anyone mentions of note for the Nexus 9 is CPU power. Really what CPU intensive apps are there for Android tablets. These are mostly Media consumption devices, and the Snapdragon 800 is no slouch.

It's going to be tradeoffs which are of course user dependent. Some sample benefits of the Nexus 9 that might pertain to certain people -

The OP for example, mentioned earlier, does not want to have to deal with rooting or modifications of that nature but stick to a factory configuration. So the devices software and support differences are significant factors in this case.

The display is going to be a preference thing just due to the aspect ratio. I believe the OP himself, although the device is not for him, personally uses a ipad as such there might be a strong preference for the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Personally speaking if the Nexus 9 has directsylus support that is a large bonus to me over no stylus. I believe you personally don't care about (judging from a previous post) this type of functionality at all? So again this becomes another user to user variance.

SoC performance is also again going to be user variable whether or not you need it and it has any practical effect. Just with media consumption for example my issue with the S800 (I have a Nexus 5) is unable to handle 1080hi10p without issue and likely won't h265 as well, if you do have an interest in a specific genre of media there is propensity for this issue to crop up as an example.

The one interesting aspect about the Nexus 9 SoC though is it is design departure from the current more popular Android SoCs in that it uses stronger but less cores (like Apple). This might have some more differences in actual application usage due to multi-thread workload scaling (emulation?) that may not actually be properly shown in the current typical benchmark suites.

 

[FRZ]

Nexus 9 has no interest for me at all. Glad I didn't wait. I bought the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4".

This is why I would do it over again:

Micro-SD slot.

Perfect size for cradling in one hand. (Tab is 5" across in Portrait mode, Nexus is 6" across)

2560x1600 display that I can read full page comic books/pdfs without zooming.

The only thing anyone mentions of note for the Nexus 9 is CPU power. Really what CPU intensive apps are there for Android tablets. These are mostly Media consumption devices, and the Snapdragon 800 is no slouch.

I believe the Samsung Tab S use an exynos chip which isn't as strong as the snapdragon 800/805

 

[maverick786us]

I believe the Samsung Tab S use an exynos chip which isn't as strong as the snapdragon 800/805

Nvidia Tigra processor used in Nexus 9 runs neck to neck with iPad Air 2. How good is it when compared with SD 805.

 

[Snowdog]

The display is going to be a preference thing just due to the aspect ratio. I believe the OP himself, although the device is not for him, personally uses a ipad as such there might be a strong preference for the 4:3 aspect ratio.

I don't think anyone prefers 280 ppi (Nexus) over the 360 ppi (Samsung).

Personally speaking if the Nexus 9 has directsylus support that is a large bonus to me over no stylus. I believe you personally don't care about (judging from a previous post) this type of functionality at all?

Nexus 9 is not still a secret. If there were Directstylus support, it would be listed here:
https://play.google.com/store/devic...Wi_Fi_Indigo_Black?id=nexus_9_black_16gb_wifi

SoC performance is also again going to be user variable whether or not you need it and it has any practical effect. Just with media consumption for example my issue with the S800 (I have a Nexus 5) is unable to handle 1080hi10p without issue and likely won't h265 as well, if you do have an interest in a specific genre of media there is propensity for this issue to crop up as an example.

As I said this seems to be the only real card the Nexus 9 has to play. And you are stretching to find a reason why it even matters. Who says the Nexus can play wacky Hi10P either?

Unlike past Nexus tablet which were also a great value, there seems to be no big interest in the Nexus 9

 

[limitedaccess]

I'm not sure why you feel that one metric which is very important to you personally, PPI, should be the universal single metric to judge displays by for everyone? I think you might be surprised at, or maybe shouldn't be, at how many people have an almost fanatical fixation on taller aspect ratios.

Although the Nexus 9 is slightly under the OPs 285 PPI minimum. However the aspect ratio does make it closer to being an ipad counterpart in a way.

Directstylus is billed as a hardware feature of Tegra K1 (and Tegra 4). Google may not list it in specs (as maybe they do not want a stylus) but I'm personally curios whether or not the support is actually there and/or if it can be exposed via software.

I'm merely citing a case of why one may want higher SoC performance simply for a media consumption role. I'm not sure how the newer SoCs handle these use cases yet (lack of data), although I believe K1 has h265 support (off the top of my head).

It also has front facing stereo speakers for medium consumption as well.

Also the OP did outline gaming performance as a requirement as well.

My issue in general is it seems like a lot of people have the tendency of equating the best fit device for themselves as the best device for everyone.

Nvidia Tigra processor used in Nexus 9 runs neck to neck with iPad Air 2. How good is it when compared with SD 805.

The A8X in the Air 2 based on preliminary reports may outperform Tegra K1 Denver. Both are likely to outperform the S805. Also the S805 is lacking in actual shipping products for tablets currently. I think the new Kindlefire HDX has it, not sure what else, but it isn't strictly Android in the way you are looking for.

If you do want the Tab S and are just wary of the lower SoC performance hold out for a refresh maybe with the Exynos 7. Up until now they've been rather aggressive with their tablet product cycles.

 

[FRZ]

Nvidia Tigra processor used in Nexus 9 runs neck to neck with iPad Air 2. How good is it when compared with SD 805.

The Tegra k1 is more powerful
than the snapdragon 800/805. The snapdragon 805 has a new adreno graphics over the 800, but the k1 still is the fastest android chip atm

 

[Snowdog]

I'm not sure why you feel that one metric which is very important to you personally, PPI, should be the universal single metric to judge displays by for everyone? I think you might be surprised at, or maybe shouldn't be, at how many people have an almost fanatical fixation on taller aspect ratios.

Although the Nexus 9 is slightly under the OPs 285 PPI minimum. However the aspect ratio does make it closer to being an ipad counterpart in a way.

Not sure why you think PPI is the most important spec to me. It is just one that is clearly better on the Samsungs. If the Nexus 9 had 400 ppi it still wouldn't be for me because it is the wrong size (and not the best aspect for Android IMO) and lacks Memory Card slot.

Size/Aspect Ratio:
When I was buying the first thing I did, was try a lot of different size tablets in store, to arrive at the sweet spot for me, again I know that won't be the same for everyone. So if anything size/shape of screen was primary. This is where I would really recommend people start. By figuring out exactly what the right size/shape is the one for them. Then you don't get recommendations ranging from tiny Nexus 7, to 10" or greater devices.

I think the 8.4" 16:10 screen on the Tab Pro is better size shape than the 4:3 8.9" Nexus 9. In Landscape for watching video, they are the exact same width. So in a smaller lighter package you get the same size video. In Portrait for reading, it is MUCH easier to hold. Somewhere around 8" is a real sweet spot for the maximum amount of screen that can easily be held in one hand. 4:3 might be great on an iPad where everything is specifically coded for 4:3, but that isn't the case for Android.

PPI
Next I wanted 300 dpi minimum. I wanted to do a lot of reading/web/comics/etc, so I wanted a pixel free display. People with poor vision won't care as much about this. But I need over 300 dpi for invisible pixels. Hard to argue that more PPI is a bad thing though.

Memory Slot
Next I wanted a Memory card. Too hold media for reading viewing. This should be pretty obvious how great this feature is. Instead of paying $100 for 16GB of extra storage I bought a card for $16. Not only that but by putting all my high turnover media on the external card, I save wear and tear on my internal flash. Wear out external card. $16 and I get a new card, wear out internal flash, and you own a paper weight.

SoC
About 4th on the list was an acceptable SoC. I wasn't chasing a benchmark title, these devices (IMO) are essentially about media consumption and really enough power is enough, more is superfluous. All else being equal, sure take more. But IMO this is wrong category to prioritize in a media consumption tablet. BTW I downloaded a 1080p Hi10p video and it played without a hitch on Tab Pro. So I am not sure where you get your info that it doesn't.

I had my criteria set after the iPad mini 1 came out, but I had to wait until someone built one with the screen size/quality I wanted. I considered the LG 8.3" and Samsung tab pro 8.4", before buying the Tab Pro.

 

[limitedaccess]

With how you phrased -

I don't think anyone prefers 280 ppi (Nexus) over the 360 ppi (Samsung). I don't think anyone prefers 280 ppi (Nexus) over the 360 ppi (Samsung).

Made it sound like that was the only key criteria for a display.

Also shouldn't we, which was my point, be keeping in mind the OPs criteria and not our own personal criteria? You listed what you were looking for in a tablet and how your choice fits. I assume being someone who is familiar with the technology and device available involved you likely were able to make a good fitting personal choice (or at least reasonably so).

Now if we actually look back to the OPs original post -

I own an iPad Air. I am looking for an android counterpart for my wife, who believe in Android eco-system. The features that I am looking for are

1) 8.4 - 10 inch screen with retina display (atleast 285 pixel per inch)
2) Good processor and GPU for games and multimedia
3) Good speakers, sterio speakers will be preferable
4) Good screen.
5) Latest KitKat or should be upgradable to Kitkat.
6) Should have a camera.

So can someone suggest me an android tablet fulfilling these features? Galaxy Note 10.X is way expensive, so I am not considering that option

The Nexus 9 is shaping up to be an iPad android counterpart in general. He doesn't list needing massive storage or microSD support (not available on iPad either). He also mentioned he likes the industrial design of the Nexus 9 in an earlier post. He also mentioned the Galaxy Note, so if he was interested in that for the stylus support the Nexus 9 might be passable alternative if it does support directstylus as a small bonus.

1) The Nexus 9 is in that size range and the same aspect ratio screen the OP is familiar with coming from iPads. The PPI is slightly lower, at 281 PPI, than the OPs stated minimum however this is relatively close and also higher than the iPad Air he is familiar with.
2) K1 Denver at worst will comparable to other SoCs for multimedia, possibly better if it supports more decoding options (I believe HEVC partial? or at least some 4k support?). The SoC will be by far the best for gaming and GPU performance. You also have access to some more Tegra specific exclusives through Tegrazone.
3) Nexus 9 has dual front facing speakers. HTC, who makes the Nexus 9, has carved out a bit of niche being known for good speakers on their devices.
4) Unknown at this point no reviews. However if it is any indication Google is going for calibration out of the box (using the Nexus 7 and 5 as examples), something which Apple has been praised for (which again the OP is familiar with).
5) Software support would be best including on going updates.
6) It has a camera.

Now is the Nexus 9 the best product for you? I guess not judging by your criteria. Is it best product for me? Not exactly either. However it does seem to fit the OP quite well.

Also hi10p, and other ongoing decoding demands, was an example of why a faster SoC may be desirable even for media consumption. And support is rather bitrate dependent. From my experience using a S800 (on a Nexus 5) support is spotty at 1080p.

 

[maverick786us]

With how you phrased -



Made it sound like that was the only key criteria for a display.

Also shouldn't we, which was my point, be keeping in mind the OPs criteria and not our own personal criteria? You listed what you were looking for in a tablet and how your choice fits. I assume being someone who is familiar with the technology and device available involved you likely were able to make a good fitting personal choice (or at least reasonably so).

Now if we actually look back to the OPs original post -



The Nexus 9 is shaping up to be an iPad android counterpart in general. He doesn't list needing massive storage or microSD support (not available on iPad either). He also mentioned he likes the industrial design of the Nexus 9 in an earlier post. He also mentioned the Galaxy Note, so if he was interested in that for the stylus support the Nexus 9 might be passable alternative if it does support directstylus as a small bonus.

1) The Nexus 9 is in that size range and the same aspect ratio screen the OP is familiar with coming from iPads. The PPI is slightly lower, at 281 PPI, than the OPs stated minimum however this is relatively close and also higher than the iPad Air he is familiar with.
2) K1 Denver at worst will comparable to other SoCs for multimedia, possibly better if it supports more decoding options (I believe HEVC partial? or at least some 4k support?). The SoC will be by far the best for gaming and GPU performance. You also have access to some more Tegra specific exclusives through Tegrazone.
3) Nexus 9 has dual front facing speakers. HTC, who makes the Nexus 9, has carved out a bit of niche being known for good speakers on their devices.
4) Unknown at this point no reviews. However if it is any indication Google is going for calibration out of the box (using the Nexus 7 and 5 as examples), something which Apple has been praised for (which again the OP is familiar with).
5) Software support would be best including on going updates.
6) It has a camera.

Now is the Nexus 9 the best product for you? I guess not judging by your criteria. Is it best product for me? Not exactly either. However it does seem to fit the OP quite well.

Also hi10p, and other ongoing decoding demands, was an example of why a faster SoC may be desirable even for media consumption. And support is rather bitrate dependent. From my experience using a S800 (on a Nexus 5) support is spotty at 1080p.

Thanks for making my point. In my original post I was wrong when I said minimum 285 ppi.

What I was looking for was, something closer to 285 ppi, which is good for a retina display (I don;t know, how much ppi a display should have in order to be considered retina). 4:3 is a good aspect ratio for a tablet, as watching movies isn't the primary object, but reading, surfing, books and magzines. Since my wife is in love with Android, she want to enjoy all those features that I am enjoying with my iPad Air.

 

[Snowdog]

Now is the Nexus 9 the best product for you? I guess not judging by your criteria. Is it best product for me? Not exactly either. However it does seem to fit the OP quite well.

Not only the OP reads these threads and even then, he may not recognize some benefits outside of his criteria.

I actually think the 8.4" tablet is much better for reading because it is significantly lighter, and can be grasped in one hand.

Memory storage slot is a large benefit as well.

I really don't see the point of getting a tablet with all the downsides of an iPad, without the benefits (ecosystem).

If going Android I want things I can only get on Android like a memory slot, and 4:3 works on an iPad because all the iPad software is written for it.

Android software is NOT, it will scale, but it was not written with 4:3 in mind.