Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs. iPad mini 2 (Rumored)

Tomorrow, Apple is expected to debut a brand new 7.9-inch tablet called the iPad mini 2, a device that will replace the original iPad mini as the companys flagship. And while many people are likely comparing it to other tablets, others might be comparing the device to phablets like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Here, we take a look at how the iPad mini 2 should stack up with Samsungs brand new phablet.

Last month, Samsung announced its brand new Galaxy Note phablet, the Galaxy Note 3, a device that combines many of the properties of a phone but also throws in a bundled S Pen stylus and a massive 5.7-inch display, one of the biggest smartphone displays on the market. Thats of course where the phablet name comes from, a combination of a phone and tablet, and a size that is intriguing to many people who are looking to combine that experience into a single device.

Samsungs Galaxy Note 3 takes the place of the Galaxy Note 2 and we found the device to be a worthy successor to Samsungs second-generation Galaxy Note, and a device that should be on the radar of smartphone shoppers in the United States. Its also a device that some people might be comparing to smaller tablets like the upcoming iPad mini 2.

Last year, Apple released an iPad mini to compete with the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD. And while those were its main competitors, we heard from plenty of people who were comparing it to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. This year, while the iPad mini 2 will be aimed at the hearts of the new Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX, there will be some people that weigh it against the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

For those people, and for those curious, here, we take a look at how the rumored iPad mini 2 stacks up against the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 hit shelves in the United States in early October which means that it has only been available for a few weeks now. Because Samsung typically only releases one update to its Galaxy Note lineup per year, we expect the Galaxy Note 3 to be widely available through the summer of 2014. Best of all though, it means that buyers can head down to their local store and go hands-on with one should they need to before the iPad mini 2 release.

Speaking of that, the iPad mini 2 release date should land in just a few short days. Apple typically announces a device and tags it with a very specific release date that is only a few days out from the launch. In the case of the iPad mini and iPhone 5s, it was 10 days after launch, meaning, November 1st is looking very good for a release date.

The date will be confirmed at tomorrows launch and we expect it to be in the vicinity of November 1st despite rumors suggesting that an iPad mini 2 with Retina Display will come in December or in 2014. What this means is that buyers will only have a few days to prepare for its arrival. And if there is a pre-order, even less time.

Apple is likely going to have a thin supply of the iPad mini 2, something that should put even more pressure on consumers to make an early decision about the iPad mini 2, Galaxy Note 3 and more.

Design

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 design is a little different than past Galaxy-branded smartphones in that instead of a smooth polycarbonate plastic design, the Galaxy Note 3 utilizes a faux leather plastic design that gives the device a more premium look than its predecessors. Because the design is made of plastic, it affords buyers a microSD card slot for up to 64GB of expanded storage and a removable back for use with an extended battery.

Samsungs new Galaxy Note 3 also shaves off some of the size of the Galaxy Note 2, even with the larger display. The design is now only 8.3mm thin and weighs a mere 168 grams. Thats fantastic for a smartphone of this size and it makes it far more manageable when carrying it around inside of a pocket as a go-to device.

No surprise here, the iPad mini 2 is going to be larger than the Galaxy Note 3. Rumors suggest that the device will be similar in size to the current iPad mini which means that it could check in with a form factor that is around 7.5mm thin and 337 grams in weight. So, the iPad mini 2 should be thinner than the Galaxy Note 3 but it will almost certainly be heavier.

The overall size of the iPad mini 2 should be apparent as well. The original checked in at 200 x 134.7 while the Galaxy Note 3 is 151.2 x 79.2. This is obviously going to be important for those that are thinking about making calls (the iPad mini 2 can use services like Skype and FaceTime Audio) with both devices. Both can be held in one hand but its the Galaxy Note 3 that should be easier for most users.

This photo shows how much smaller the iPad 5 could be compared to the iPad 4.

As for the build quality, there is nothing to suggest that the iPad mini 2 will use anything different than the premium anodized aluminum build on the original iPad mini.

Display

In addition to the design differences, there should be some when it comes to their displays as well. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 touts a 5.7-inch 1080p display with 1920 x 1080 resolution at 386 pixels-per-inch. The display is one of the best in the business and produces high quality text, video, images, web and more.

The iPad mini 2 will have a larger display that checks in at 7.9-inches in size, same as the original iPad mini, and it should have 2048 x 1536 resolution at 324 pixels-per-inch with its larger display. Content on the iPad mini 2 should look gorgeous as well so the biggest difference here is likely going to be the screen size with the iPad mini 2 adding two extra inches with its display.

For many that will increase will make a huge difference. For others, a 5.7-inch display is going to be enough for things like gaming, checking email, or getting work done on the bus ride home.