Under $500 gets you the latest iPad mini with retina display and latest processor, foregoing the memory card slot and in the smaller form factor...but it's not a piece of garbage
I was in JB the other day and it makes the note 8 look overpriced with its plasticy feel (subjective of course) and low resolution screen. Depends on its target purpose, but the new mini is better future proofed with the combination of hardware and Apple's OS update cycle.
Apple or Android often draws the fanboys/trolls out on both sides...but I've seen nothing from the competition that has made me switch so far.