This holiday season, Apple and Google went head-to-head with their latest technological releases. While Google made the first move with its HTC tablet, the Nexus 9, which went up for sale on November 3, Apple hit the market with its iPad Air 2.

The iPad Air 2 can be compared to Nexus 9 in terms of design, features, and price although both of them have same level of performance.

The Nexus 9 is light, sleek, and housed in a plastic, soft-grip frame; it is the world's thinnest tablet. Comparably, the iPad Air 2 has superior security system as it can only be unlocked with your fingerprint. To compensate for its aluminum frame, the iPad is accompanied by a flexible Smart Cover which comes in a range of colors.

Apple has the benefits of the Apple Pay software, an online payment system that removes the need for a plastic credit card. It works through the iPad's Touch ID, and is making great strides in the marketplace. Google has a similar service, the Google Wallet, but despite being around since 2011 it has not become popular yet.

The iPad Air 2 is pretty much on the same plain in terms of performance as the Nexus 9. Along with storage space, processing, and stability, the two technological rivals have equally good cameras. However, Apple has been a little bit more transparent about its features and camera modes, and has apparently been focusing on improving its image sensors.

The Nexus 9 is cheaper than Apple by about $100 for 16 GB. However, on paper, the iPad Air 2 will be more valuable with its Apple Pay and impressive features. In the end, it all depends on what you are looking for, and what you need it for.