Five devices that you can ditch Apple for

If you look past the hype around Apple devices, there are several worthy contenders for your premium rupee. Here's a bunch of cool alternatives across gadgets to the recent slew of releases by Apple

What you do get when you purchase an Apple product is high-quality industrial design and an interconnected, closed ecosystem. Yet, there are folks out there who want something similarly priced but on other ecosystems; for instance, Android for mobile phones as a more customisable option or Windows as an OS preference for tablets or laptops. While this list does not feature essentially cheaper alternatives, there are a bunch of worthy alternatives to the Apple family of devices, all of which exude luxury, class and a whole lot more.

Tablets: iPad Pro versus Galaxy Tab S

The iPad line-up just recently got refreshed, with the iPad Pro getting the biggest update in the form of the M2 processor. While everything remains largely the same, the iPad Pro is fast becoming the choice of many a creative professional, thanks to the fluid Apple Pencil 2. With the added boost of a laptop class processor, the new iPad should live up to the Pro name.

The market outside that of the iPad is woefully wanting. The one product that comes close is the Galaxy Tab S series, which brings along its own SPen along with better and bigger screens. With cleaner bezels and a sleek design, it is a worthy contender.

iPad Pro: ₹ 81,000 onwards
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: ₹ 50,000 onwards

Smartwatches: Apple Watch versus Pixel Watch

The Apple Watch works best in the Apple ecosystem, and now with the new Apple Watch Ultra, the series of watches is bristling with hardware and software that makes it an obvious choice for fitness junkies and adventure seekers alike. With its fast processor and various SOS and heart rate sensors, it’s tough to find a worthy contender. The closest alternative is the recently released Pixel Watch, which sports a sleek round 1.2-inch AMOLED display, and does feel very watch-like. It also bristles with sensors such as heart rate, ECG and much more.

Apple Watch: ₹ 45,990 onwards
Pixel Watch: Expected price ₹ 29,000 onwards

Smart TVs: Apple TV versus Fire TV versus Chromecast

Apple devices always look great, especially the minimal, small Apple TV device, that streams beautiful 4K with Dolby Atmos and Vision and more. Especially good if you have a full fledged home theatre system. Though, nowadays, Apple TV+ apps, as well as many streaming apps are available on Smart TV’s, preloaded on. Great alternatives are the new Chromecast, as well as the Apple Fire TV, that are neatly hidden behind your TV. They plug into HDMI and work the same, with the benefit of direct to TV wiring. Both sport the same Dolby Vision, Atmos as well as HDR and more. While undoubtedly the Apple TV has the best remote and interface, both Fire TV and Chromecast are no slouches with their offerings.

Apple TV: ₹ 14,900 onwards
Fire TV: ₹ 1,999 onwards
Chromecast: ₹ 5,999 onwards

Laptops: Apple Macbook versus Asus Zephyrus series

There are two things going for the Apple Macbooks–the first being the homegrown M processors and the second is the device’s beautiful, minimal style. Having said that, there’s nothing more polarising than the Windows versus Mac OSX requirement. So if you’re used to working on Apple’s OS, then it’s a no-brainer to opt for a Mac. Windows’ laptops, however, are no slouches, and Asus’s Zephyrus series not only look sleek, but with most models, pack some serious power with graphics and gaming,  almost outperforming the M series chips. With incredible screens, the Asus laptops can let you work and play games. If you do prefer a more understated look, with Windows, then there is the Zenbook line-up of ultra lightweight devices that stack up well against Apple’s Macbook Air.

Apple Macbook: ₹ 1,29,900 onwards
Asus Zephyrus: ₹ 70,000 onwards

Home: Apple Home versus Google Home versus Amazon Echo

Let’s face it–this is not about technology, specs or even sound quality. It’s about what AI assistant you’re most comfortable with using, from Apple’s Siri to Google’s Assistant to Amazon’s Alexa, and the  appliances and electronics in your home that have the most compatibility with an AI assistant. Several products do support mostly Apple Home and even Amazon Echo, making the latter a great contender.

If you’re more of an audiophile and prefer more premium sound options, several speaker manufacturers like Harman Kardon and Sonos offer speakers that are usually built with Alexa or Google Assistant in place.

Apple Home: ₹ 9,900
Google Home: ₹ 4,999
Amazon Echo: ₹ 2,999 onwards

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