Nexus 9 vs. iPad Air 2: These two tablets are released only a day apart so it is safe to say that they are direct competitors.

It's not surprising if some customers will favor iPad Air 2 than Nexus 9 as the device is from tech giant Apple. But is being a product of Apple a guarantee that buyers are getting the best? Remember that Nexus 9 is from Google and HTC. You can be sure that both companies utilize their expertise and experience to come up with a tablet that will give Apple and other tech companies a run for their money.

Nexus 9 vs. iPad Air 2: Let the display and build comparison begin.

If one-handed use is of great concern, Nexus 9 is a better choice. With its plastic body, it weighs 425g - ten grams lighter than iPad Air 2. Its plastic casing lowers the risk of the gadget slipping in your hand, compared to iPad Air 2's anodized aluminum covering, which may easily slide. The latest Nexus tablet also measures a bit smaller with its 228 x 154 x 8mm dimensions. The Apple iPad measures 240 x 170 x 6.1 mm.

However, it is still worthy to note that Nexus 9 is plastic with brushed metal band around its ends while iPad Air 2 is constructed using higher-end materials.

The iPad Air 2 and Nexus 9 tablet have the same display resolution at 2048 x 1536 megapixels but they differ in pixel density, with the former having 264 ppi and the latter having 288 ppi. This means that Nexus 9 is a little sharper. Users may not notice this difference, however. They also feature the same IPS screen.

Nexus 9 vs. iPad Air 2: Users' most common complaint about smartphones and tablets is that they find it difficult to look at the screen when in bright light. Apple took the necessary action and addressed this issue with its anti-reflective display in iPad Air 2. But Nexus 9 will not be left behind as it features tap-on display. In only a couple of taps, the device is turned on.