Apple iPad 3 vs Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1

Introduction:

Moving right down the list, the next tablet deemed fitting to take on the heavy-handed punches from the new iPad, is none other than the very best from Motorola’s camp – the DROID XYBOARD 10.1. Regarded as the first tablet worthy enough to bear the DROID moniker, the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1 is still a formidable competitor in this day and age, since it offers that persistent DROID DOES durability combined with its powerhouse approach. Staring down at its latest rival, however, the new iPad seems to be hell bent on eradicating the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 from existence. Knowing that, let’s find out how these two premium tablets stack up against one another.

Design:

Right off the bat, these two tablets boast impeccable designs that prove to be memorable in many ways, so it’s rather difficult to say which one is the better between the two. On one hand, we like the premium feel and luxurious nature of the new iPad, while on the other, the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 stands out for being well-protected thanks to its rugged construction. Indeed, the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 is lighter and skinnier on paper, but holding them in the hand, it’s hardly noticeable. Ultimately, it’ll depend on your specific tastes – so yeah, we’re fond of both actually.


More often than none, we find ourselves fumbling around trying to feel and activate the dedicated power button and volume control on the DROID XYBOARD 10.1, but it’s not an issue with the iPad. Oppositely though, we dig that the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 packs standardized connections such as a microUSB and microHDMI ports for easy charging and video-out functionality. On the new iPad, everything is accomplished via its proprietary 30-pin port, but it requires an optional adapter for video-out. Lastly, the new iPad pumps out audio through its single speakers – whereas, the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 has stereo support thanks to its left and right speakers.


Flaunting 5-megapixel cameras in the rear, the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 complement its snapper with an LED flash, while the iPad’s iSight camera features an F2.4 aperture lens and a sensor with backside illumination. As for those of you who aren’t shy to video chat, it’s worth mentioning that the new iPad packs VGA front-facing camera for the occasion, while seems paltry in comparison to the higher count 1.3-megapixel one on its rival.


Display:

Looking at the specs sheet, it’s undeniably evident that the iPad’s 2048 x 1536 resolution puts to shame the 1280 x 800 one in use with the DROID XYBOARD 10.1. Visually, there’s no comparison whatsoever in the display department because the new iPad’s stunning Retina display is such an amazing thing to behold. Stunning in every way imaginable, it stands out for its sharper details, punchier color production, and higher contrast. Additionally, looking at the two very close, our eyes are actually able to distinguish the pixels on the DROID XYBOARD 10.1’s display. To put it lightly, the iPad’s display outshines its competition in every way, shape, and form.

Interface and Functionality:

We’ve mentioned it many times already in previous comparisons, but when it comes to these two quality tablets, they both offer their own unique experience to cater to our needs. Don’t want to be hassled? Then the iPad is going to be the right fit for you, since it doesn’t require being a rocket scientist to understand – even more when it’s barebones with its operation, though, its compromise is found with its lack of personalization. However, with the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1 and its Honeycomb experience, it’s not an issue since it’s stacked to the roof with various widgets, live wallpapers, and shortcuts to fill its interface. Well, it doesn’t end there with Motorola’s pride and joy, since it features an ever-useful IR blaster that turns the venerable tablet into a universal remote, and a stylus for additional interaction.



Since they’re blessed with generous sized displays, we don’t have too many problems typing away long passages of text with their respective keyboards. In fact, they exhibit the same level of responsiveness and accuracy – plus, they also have voice dictation as alternative as well.


At their core, the interface of their respective email applications may look different, but they’re very similar as they utilize a familiar 2-panel layout that’s practical to work with. However, if you’re into the whole Gmail thing, there’s no question that the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1 is the hands-down choice as it features all of the wonderful aspects of Google’s email service on a desktop, but in tablet form obviously.




Processor and Memory:

Flexing its muscles and showboating its processing prowess, the new iPad is unequivocally the faster performer between the two – well, that’s hardly a surprise considering it’s also the newer one. With its new Apple A5x SoC, which features a 1GHz dual-core processor and a quad-core GPU, it maintains a steady response with all of its actions and operations. Furthermore, it doesn’t exhibit any bit of slowdown or choppiness with its performance – unlike the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1 Yes, it’s no longer deemed as a top-notch offering, the 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor of the XYBOARD is effective with most things, but at times, we’re still finding some mitigating distractions with processor intensive tasks.

Interestingly, both tablets are available in 16GB, 32GB, and 32GB capacities – with no expandable option whatsoever.

Internet and Connectivity:

Honestly, we can never get tired of 4G LTE speeds, and rightfully so, that’s the case with both of these LTE enabled tablets. In fact, complex web sites rich in multimedia load in no time at all, but difference is found with their web browsing performance. Specifically, the iPad’s performance is filled with consistent fluidity with navigational controls such as kinetic scrolling and pinch gestures. In comparison, the XYBOARD presents us with a top-notch experience as well, but it’s noticeably choppier with its movement – though, we gain that desktop-like experience thanks to Adobe Flash support.



Certainly, we dig that these two are able to surf on 4G LTE speeds, but they also share some other common connectivity items – such as aGPS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and mobile hotspot functionality. However, since the iPad is newer, it’s packing Bluetooth 4.0 – as opposed to Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR on the XYBOARD.

Camera:

Itching to snap photos, the iPad blows away the XYBOARD out of the water in terms of overall snap shot time with its near instant capture – whereas, the XYBOARD takes longer to focus. However, we’re actually most amazed to them producing very similar results with their respective cameras. More than acceptable in taking scenery and macro shots, the only recognizable difference is found with shots taken in low lighting. From the looks of it, the XYBOARD’s images tend to come out under-exposed, while the iPad’s exposure is increased up to brighten things up – thus, drawing out some of the details. Then again, the XYBOARD it packing an ever so useful LED flash.

Well, taking a glance at the results from the two tell the story of which is supreme in the video recording department. Having an advantage already, the iPad struts its stuff with the 1080p videos it’s able to record. On one side, we have the lovely and sharp looking capture with the iPad, while on the other, the XYBOARD’s 720p recording seems fainter in appearance. Therefore, if you plan on shooting videos with a tablet, the iPad is undoubtedly the preferred choice.

Apple iPad (3) Sample Video:



Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1 Sample Video:



Multimedia:

Spiffying things up with it 3D carousel interface, we enjoy the interaction we’re able to get out of the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1’s music player. And as we’ve mentioned countless times, the iPad’s music player is seemingly functional and practical, but it’s lacking the pizzazz and visual allure of its rival. Cranking up their volumes to the maximum setting, it’s obvious that the DROID XYBOARD 10.1 has the stronger output, but it tends to sound a bit strained.



Needless to say, both tablets are more than fitting for watching high-definition videos, but we find ourselves entertained more by the iPad – not for the fact that it boasts the higher resolution, but for the saturated colors it’s able to display. Staring at it, our eyes take notice and are instantly enticed.

Performance:

In our time using both tablets, we find battery life on the iPad to be longer than its competitor in the XYBOARD. Honestly though, we still find ourselves having to charge them nightly after heavy usage throughout the day – so it doesn’t matter as much. On the opposite end of the spectrum, light users will find the iPad delivering longer charges thanks to its beefier 11,560 mAh battery.

Conclusion:

Frankly, the Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1 is a respectable tablet within the Android sphere, even more when it packs additional goodies such as an IR blaster and stylus, but when it’s pitted against the newly available iPad, its cost is by far its kryptonite. Consider this, that the iPad rocks a starting price point of $630 for the base 16GB LTE model, which is less than the full $700 outright cost of the comparable 16GB LTE version of the XYBOARD 10.1. The more we think about it, they both have their standout features, but when first impressions make all the difference, the iPad has the distinctive advantage in capturing our attention from afar.

Apple iPad 3 vs Motorola DROID XYBOARD 10.1