MicroSD support is also omitted from the Google Nexus 7, with 16 and 32GB versions available.
The only tablet with microSD support is the LG G Pad 8.3, as the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 comes with storage locked at 16, 32 and 64GB versions. It can be argued, though, that the LG is the only one that needs the 64GB support it as it comes with only 16GB internal storage.
iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Battery
Again, following typical Apple traditions, there is no official quoted battery size. Instead, they offer up a 10 hour use time, which fits with the same use times as the original iPad mini.
Battery size is published for the Google Nexus 7, with Google stating that there is a 3950mAh power pack sat inside. This is apparently enough for "up to nine hours of active use."
For the Kindle Fire HDX 7, there are quoted battery times, although again there is no quoted size. Amazon claim that you should be eke out 11 hours of mixed use, or 17 hours of reading.
The LG G Pad 8.3 comes with a 4600mAh battery, although there is no word on how long this should last.
iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Camera
Perhaps the most controversial of topics when it comes to these tablets is the camera. There is a certain stigma attached to holding up a tablet to take a photo, although there is a definite need for a front facing snapper to make video calls.
The iPad mini 2 with Retina display comes with the same 5MP rear snapper as the iPad mini. The forward facing camera takes a boost, gaining the same FaceTime HD camera as on the iPhone 5S.
This means that it matches the one in the Nexus 7, as Google has equipped its tablet with a 1.2MP forward sensor, and 5MP on the rear.
There is a front facing HD camera on the Kindle Fire HDX, although we have no word on how many MP that is. As for the rear sensor, Amazon has chosen to completely omit it.
The LG is on par with the Google offering, offering a slightly larger 1.3MP forward facing camera, and 5MP sat on the back
iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Connectivity
Three out of the four tablets being compared here come with both Wi-Fi only and 4G connections. The exception is the LG G Pad 8.3, which comes with only Wi-Fi options.
In the UK, the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 is only being offered on 4G on Vodafone. 4G is currently only available in London, with 12 other cities getting access by the year's end. US users can get the Kindle Fire HDX 7 on AT&T and Verizon.
iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Price
When it comes to buying the tablets, there are some obvious differences in price, much of which comes down to the myriad options available regarding storage size and connectivity.
The iPad mini 2 with Retina is the most expensive of all 4 tablets, with Apple saying that the tablet will retail at $399 (AU$479) for the Wi-Fi only model, with $529 (AU$629) for the 4G enabled versions.
The Nexus 7 is available from $229 (AU$299) for the 16GB version, with the 32GB costing $269 (AU$339), or $349 (AU$439) if you want the 4G enabled version.
The Kindle Fire HDX is available for $229, $269 or $309 for the 16, 32 or 64GB versions respectively. These prices increase by $100 to gain 4G access.
Pricing gets more complicated for the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7, as you can pay extra to opt out of having ads pushed to your device. This currently costs $15.
The LG G Pad 8.3 is on pre-order from Best Buy for $349.99 before tax.
iPad mini 2 with Retina vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX 7 vs LG G Pad 8.3: Early verdict
Does Apple's latest mini tablet have what it takes to compete against the big boys of the tablet world right now. As with everything, put simply, yes. Short of hitting the same sort of problems that Apple has hit with the colorful iPhone 5C, the iPad Mini 2 with Retina will sell in droves.
By not including the Touch ID scanner that was so popular on the iPhone 5S, Apple may well have missed a trick. That said, the inclusion of the Retina display will make the screen sparkle and appeal to all those that passed on the original because of screen issues.
Price should also not prove to be too much of an issue, with the original iPad mini showing that there is market for the smaller tablet with the higher price. This time around, the iPad mini 2 with Retina justifies its higher price tag, making it more irresistible.
We can never say with 100% confidence whether a new product will succeed or fail, but we'd buy a hat just so we could eat it if the iPad mini 2 with Retina failed.
