Zune HD or iPod Touch, which one to buy?
Zune HD
While iPod Touch (and its big brother, the iPhone) remain the Kings of the portable media player world, there is a big challenge coming from Microsoft in the form of the Zune HD. Even though the original Zune went almost unnoticed as a rival to the iPods, things are set to change with the introduction of HD. Purely from the hardware point of view, the Zune HD is miles ahead of the current generation of the iPod Touch. What about the software, services and other aspects? Here is a table of comparison of these two portable media power houses.
iPod Touch
Zune HD vs iPod Touch: Comparison of specifications
| Feature | Zune HD | iPod Touch |
| Capacity | 16/32 GB | 8/16/32 GB |
| Display Size | 3.3 inches | 3.5 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | LCD |
| Screen Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 3:2 |
| Resolution | 480×272 | 480×320 |
| Processor Type/Speed | NVIDIA Tegra. Speed not known | 620 MHz capable ARM11 running at 520 MHz |
| RAM | Not Known | 128 MB |
| Format Support | WMA, WMV, MP3, H.264 | AAC, H.264, MP3 |
| Adobe Flash? | No | No |
| GPS | No | Wi-Fi triangulation provides approximate location identification |
| Input Interface | Multi-touch, Virtual QWERTY | Multi-touch, Virtual QWERTY Keypad |
| Radio | HD Radio | Only internet radio (through third party apps) |
| Integrated Speakers? | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, HDMI | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Operating System | Windows CE based | Mac OS X based |
| Multi-touch? | Yes | Yes |
| Mic? | No | Yes |
| Accelerometer? | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated Camera? | No | No |
| TV Out | HD 720p, HDMI through Zune Dock | SD, through Apple Composite Cable |
| Third Party Apps? | Yes | Yes |
| Music Store | Zune Marketplace with subscription service | iTunes (No subscription Model) |
| Wi-Fi Sync? | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Product Page | Zune HD | iPod Touch |
Note: As of now, Zune HD specifications are not completely published by Microsoft. The above specifications are based on protoype models. There may be slight differences to the final product. The post will be updated once the device is out in the market.
As you can see, the Tegra processor, HD Capability, OLED screen, HD Radio and HDMI interface make the Zune HD a superior device in terms of hardware, while the iPod Touch shines with the associated services – iTunes, extensive third party app support and the integrated MobileMe. Choose the iPod Touch if you have plenty of iTunes purchased content already. If not, get the Zune HD and use it with a better DRM-Free music service like Amazon MP3.
Update- New Post: 10 reasons why you will love the Zune HD
Also read: Nokia N810 vs iPod Touch vs Sony Mylo
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
From what I’ve been reading there are some hits that the Zune HD will have apps and games. At this point, from what I’ve heard, Amazon is actually who has leaked the most info. They first leaked the price and they also hinted at games and apps. The Zune already supports apps and games both first and third party with an already relesed devolpment platform.
Ryan is right. Apps for the zune HD seem to be a rather credible rumor going around. Saying it doesn’t have them explicitly is just inaccurate. unknown at least.
@Dave @Ryan
The post is updated as it is just confirmed that the Zune HD will indeed have 3rd party apps and games support.