Google is reportedly in the process of revamping its 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet with a high-resolution display.
The upgraded device will likely launch in the second quarter of 2013, beating Apple’s rumored Retina-display to market, as the latter device is only expected to debut in either the third or fourth quarter.
Indeed, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenzatold CNET that supply chain checks indicate a possible third quarter production for the so-called “iPad mini 2’s” Retina display, which implies the device won’t be available for some time.
As AppleInsider notes, the estimate is in line with a previous report from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said in January he expects a Retina version of Apple’s small format iPad to be introduced in the middle of the third quarter.
In terms of specs, Semenza says he believes the mini’s display should boast a resolution of 2,048-by-1,536 pixels, which he said is “the typical step up when you go to Retina.”
Indeed, if Apple retains its 7.9-inch screen, the pixel density would reach 324 pixels per inch, which is almost identical to the 326ppi panel found in the iPhone 5. By comparison, the current iPad mini features a 1,024-by-768 display with a pixel density of 163ppi.
As noted above, Google is prepping a follow-up device to the Nexus 7, which will apparently boast a screen resolution of up to 1,920-by-1,200 pixels – which is comparable to Apple’s Retina-level panels at a pixel density of 323ppi.
