Google Nexus 7 Tops iPad in Japan

By Zak Islam
published

Google's tablet considerably cheaper than its rival in region.

Google's budget-priced Nexus 7 tablet is gaining market share in Japan, consequently seeing the device top Apple's iPad within the region.

Based on a survey of 2,400 consumer electronics stores in Japan, Google's Nexus 7 tablet accounted for 44.4 percent of the market, while the iPad settled for 40.1 percent, according to Nikkei. The survey was conducted by market research firm BCN in December.

Nikkei said the tablet has seen its market share increase considerably due to one predominant reason: its price. Within Japan, the Nexus 7 retails for around a $100 less than Apple's least expensive tablet, the iPad Mini.

That said, the survey said that there was a shortage of the iPad Mini at stores, which may have contributed to Apple's share decline in the tablet market.

During the entirety of 2012, tablet sales in Japan stood at 3.6 million units, which is expected to increase to 4.9 million in 2013, according to figures from IDC Japan.

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Zak Islam
12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • pacomac
    Considering that the Nexus 7 had a 2 month lead on the iPad Mini it's not surprising it has the bigger market share. Considering the iPad costs more than the Nexus and the iPad shortages that's a pretty good result for Apple.

    Also, I have both of these devices and if money was no object and I was only allowed to keep one it would be the iPad without doubt. The Nexus 7 performs like a bag of spanners most of the time, only occasionally performing up to the quad core spec, but generally the iPad is smoother and faster in operation and has far better software support. My Nexus is mostly used as a glorified GPS device now.
    Reply
  • Nexus 7 beats the ipad mini easily! pacomac is a liar!
    Reply
  • junnyeen
    pacomacAlso, I have both of these devices and if money was no object and I was only allowed to keep one it would be the iPad without doubt. The Nexus 7 performs like a bag of spanners most of the time, only occasionally performing up to the quad core spec, but generally the iPad is smoother and faster in operation and has far better software support. My Nexus is mostly used as a glorified GPS device now.
    Well if money was no object, I would rather use a 4K OLED television to watch shows and the old 1080p television in my living room as a glorified picture frame.
    Reply
  • SirTrollsALot
    Apple devices are around the intellectually challenged.
    Reply
  • JackFrost860
    Because Apple takes 30% of the profit of every App sold on the App store it would make sense to stay #1, and if it's the price of the tablets that is driving consumers to the only serious competition, then Apple would be wise to lower the price of that tablet, and reap the rewards of grater number of App sales. IMO ;)
    Reply
  • halcyon
    Well, the Nexus 7 is less expensive.
    Reply
  • sna
    Apple wins...

    people who think Asus is better coz it is 100$ less are idiots and dont know what they are paying for.

    the Ipad GPU is 2x faster , has rear Camera , and has 4G

    thats ALOT more than 100$ worth. plus the xcase and design and look
    Reply
  • acroanidd
    snaIpad GPU is 2x faster , has rear Camera , and has 4Gthats ALOT more than 100$ worth. plus the xcase and design and look
    To some people it would matter, however I prefer Android over iOS, not in a fanboyish kind of way. However your argument falls flat pretty quick, the faster GPU while it may be true, has no practical advantage because the software to show off the speed, really isn't there, there aren't very many games at all that I play or am even aware of, in a sea of apps where there are hundreds of thousands, having the ability to play 1 with water and lighting affects that is marginally better isn't really worth it. As for the camera, the last time I took a picture with my tablet was never, it is a silly idea, terrible quality camera that i have a 0% chance of ever using, if I want a good picture I would use my phone, which I have in my pocket at all times. My favorite argument is the "has 4G"... now, you are talking in the $100 more expensive model, which is WiFi only, but I will let that slide, and just roll with this. However, 4G requires an additional monthly fee to whatever telco you actually are using. Personally my cell bill every month is high enough that it annoys me to the point where I'm contemplating going back to dumb phones. Why on earth would I want to add another cost to something? Oh and if I really needed internet on the go, my phone has a wifi hotspot feature, that I just happen to get "free" with the excessive bill from Verizon.


    Reply
  • house70
    acroaniddTo some people it would matter, however I prefer Android over iOS, not in a fanboyish kind of way. However your argument falls flat pretty quick, the faster GPU while it may be true, has no practical advantage because the software to show off the speed, really isn't there, there aren't very many games at all that I play or am even aware of, in a sea of apps where there are hundreds of thousands, having the ability to play 1 with water and lighting affects that is marginally better isn't really worth it. As for the camera, the last time I took a picture with my tablet was never, it is a silly idea, terrible quality camera that i have a 0% chance of ever using, if I want a good picture I would use my phone, which I have in my pocket at all times. My favorite argument is the "has 4G"... now, you are talking in the $100 more expensive model, which is WiFi only, but I will let that slide, and just roll with this. However, 4G requires an additional monthly fee to whatever telco you actually are using. Personally my cell bill every month is high enough that it annoys me to the point where I'm contemplating going back to dumb phones. Why on earth would I want to add another cost to something? Oh and if I really needed internet on the go, my phone has a wifi hotspot feature, that I just happen to get "free" with the excessive bill from Verizon.You make too much sense for the Apple fanbois around here...
    halcyonWell, the Nexus 7 is less expensive...has a better screen, a more ergonomic design/aspect ratio, stand-alone GPS receiver, universal micro-USB charging port, a vastly superior OS, etc. The list goes on and on.
    Reply
  • teh_chem
    With real competitors finally in the market, Apple can no longer afford to price their mobile (phone and tablet) devices at a premium.

    snaApple wins...people who think Asus is better coz it is 100$ less are idiots and dont know what they are paying for.the Ipad GPU is 2x faster , has rear Camera , and has 4Gthats ALOT more than 100$ worth. plus the xcase and design and look
    And yet the sales numbers state the opposite...at least, in this specific case.
    Reply