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2-in-1 ‘Pro’ tablets duke it out: ASUS Transformer 3 Pro vs. Surface Pro 4 vs. iPad Pro
ASUSTek Computer Inc. launched the ZenBook 3, a strong competitor to the Apple MacBook, at Computex 2016 in Taiwan. The company also went on to launch a new line of Transformer 2-in-1 PCs that bears a strong resemblance to the Microsoft Surface Pro range.
The top of the range Transformer 3 Pro is the most advanced with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage via an SSD drive.
Like the Microsoft Surface Pro, the Transformer 3 Pro comes with a detachable keyboard and a kickstand. The Transformer 3 Pro also comes equipped with dual front stereo speakers with audio by Harman Kardon.
Here is a look at how the ASUS Transformer 3 Pro stacks up against the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the Apple iPad Pro.
| ASUS Transformer 3 Pro | Microsoft Surface Pro 4 | Apple iPad Pro | |
| Display | 12.6-inch | 12.3-inch PixelTouch | 12.9-inch Retina |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1920 at 275 ppi | 2736 x 1824 at 267 ppi | 2732 x 2048 at 264 ppi |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 or i7 processor | 6th Gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7, Intel Iris 540 GPU (i7 only) | 64-bit A9X, M9 motion coprocessor |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB | 4GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCle SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | 32GB, 128GB |
| Ports | USB Type-C connector, Thunderbolt 3 port, USB 3.0 and HDMI ports. | Full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, Headset jack, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port. SurfaceConnect | Lightning, Smart Connector for keyboard |
| Front Camera | tbc | 5.0-megapixel | 1.2-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 13.0-megapixel | 8.0-megapixel | 8.0-megapixel |
| Battery | tbc | Up to 9 hours video playback | Up to 10 hours video playback |
| Dimensions (Inches) | 11.7 x 8.3 x 0.3 | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 | 12 x 8.68 x 0.27 |
| Weight (Pounds) | 1.7 | 1.69 without Type Cover | 1.57 |
| Base price | Starting at $999 | Starting at $899 | Starting at $799 |
| Stylus/Keyboard | Backlit ASUS Transformer Cover Keyboard and ASUS Pen are both included. | Surface Pro 4 Type Cover ($129.99), Surface Pen included | Optional keyboard ($169) and Apple Pencil ($99) |
Design
The display size places the Transformer 3 Pro in between the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad Pro, coming in at 12.6-inches, compared to 12.3 and 12.9-inches from the Surface Pro and iPad Pro respectively. The Transformer 3 Pro does come out tops with regards to screen resolution, offering an overall pixel density of 275 ppi.
Check out the new Transformer 3 Pro in the video below.
Camera
Both the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad Pro come equipped with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera while the Transformer 3 Pro comes with a more advanced 13-megapixel camera While it’s front-facing camera comes with Windows Hello facial recognition for quick and easy log in.
Ports
The Transformer 3 Pro has a USB Type-C connector, Thunderbolt 3 port, USB 3.0 and HDMI ports. ASUS also offers an additional universal dock with a variety of ports, including USB-C 3.1, USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, RJ45 LAN, and a 3-in-1 SD card reader.
ASUS Pen
Like the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad Pro, the Transformer 3 Pro also comes with its own pen – the ASUS Pen, with 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity.
One for the gamers
Another accessory that is available for the Transformer 3 Pro is the ROG XG Station 2. The external graphics-card dock comes with the recently launched GTX 1080 graphics card and will turn your 2-in-1 Transformer 3 Pro into a VR-gaming experience.
Price and availability
The ASUS Transformer 3 Pro is the most expensive of the three Pro’s, with prices starting at $999. The Transformer 3 will start at $799 and the Transformer Mini will start at around $349, according to Engadget.
ASUS has not yet released when the Transformer range will be available.
Images via: ASUS
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