ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 vs. iPad 2

Attribute	ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201	iPad 2
Operating System	Android	iOS
Processor	NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-core	Apple A5 Dual-core
Display Size	10.1 inches	9.7 inches
Resolution	1280 x 800 pixels	1024 x 768 pixels
Storage Options	32GB, 64GB	16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Camera	8 MP (rear), 1.2 MP (front)	0.7 MP (rear), 0.3 MP (front)
Battery Life	Up to 12 hours	Up to 10 hours
Weight	586 grams	601 grams
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB

Design and Build Quality

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 and the iPad 2 both boast sleek and stylish designs. The TF201 features a metallic spun finish that gives it a premium look and feel. It is incredibly thin, measuring just 8.3mm, and weighs only 586g. On the other hand, the iPad 2 has a unibody aluminum design that is equally impressive. It is slightly thicker at 8.8mm and weighs 601g. Both tablets offer excellent build quality, but the TF201's metallic finish gives it a slight edge in terms of aesthetics.

Display

When it comes to the display, the TF201 and the iPad 2 have their own strengths. The TF201 features a 10.1-inch Super IPS+ LCD display with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent outdoor visibility. On the other hand, the iPad 2 sports a 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels. While it may have a lower resolution compared to the TF201, it still delivers sharp and crisp visuals. Both tablets provide immersive viewing experiences, but the TF201's larger display size gives it a slight advantage.

Performance

Under the hood, the TF201 and the iPad 2 pack different hardware configurations. The TF201 is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor clocked at 1.3GHz, coupled with 1GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and snappy performance. On the other hand, the iPad 2 houses a dual-core Apple A5 processor clocked at 1GHz, along with 512MB of RAM. While the A5 chip is no slouch, it falls slightly behind the Tegra 3 in terms of raw processing power. The TF201 is better suited for resource-intensive tasks such as gaming and multimedia editing.

Operating System and User Interface

The TF201 runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which offers a highly customizable and user-friendly interface. It provides access to the vast Google Play Store, allowing users to download a wide range of apps, games, and multimedia content. Additionally, ASUS has added its own customizations, such as the ASUS Launcher and various pre-installed apps, to enhance the user experience. On the other hand, the iPad 2 runs on iOS 9, which offers a seamless and intuitive user interface. It provides access to the Apple App Store, which is known for its extensive collection of high-quality apps. The choice between Android and iOS ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Storage and Connectivity

Both the TF201 and the iPad 2 offer different storage options to cater to various user needs. The TF201 comes in 32GB and 64GB variants, with the option to expand the storage further using a microSD card. This flexibility allows users to store a large amount of data, including apps, games, photos, and videos. On the other hand, the iPad 2 comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variants, with no option for expandable storage. However, it does offer seamless integration with iCloud, allowing users to store their files in the cloud and access them from any Apple device. In terms of connectivity, both tablets support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but the TF201 also includes a micro HDMI port and a full-sized USB port, giving it an edge in terms of versatility.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, both the TF201 and the iPad 2 offer impressive performance. The TF201 is equipped with a 25Wh lithium-polymer battery that provides up to 12 hours of continuous usage. This makes it ideal for long flights or extended periods away from a power source. On the other hand, the iPad 2 features a 25Wh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that offers up to 10 hours of web surfing, video playback, or music listening. While the TF201 has a slight advantage in terms of battery life, both tablets can easily last through a full day of regular usage.

Camera

The TF201 and the iPad 2 both come with rear and front-facing cameras, allowing users to capture photos and videos, as well as engage in video calls. The TF201 features an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, capable of recording 1080p videos. It also has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls. On the other hand, the iPad 2 sports a 0.7-megapixel rear camera and a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera. While the iPad 2's camera may not match the TF201's specifications, it still delivers decent image and video quality for everyday use.

Price

Price is often a significant factor when choosing between tablets. The TF201 is generally more affordable compared to the iPad 2, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, it is worth noting that the iPad 2 offers a wider range of storage options, which may justify the higher price for some users. Ultimately, the decision between the two tablets will depend on individual budget constraints and storage requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 and the iPad 2 are both excellent tablets that offer unique features and capabilities. The TF201 stands out with its sleek design, larger display, powerful processor, expandable storage, and versatile connectivity options. On the other hand, the iPad 2 impresses with its seamless user interface, extensive app ecosystem, and reliable performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two tablets will depend on individual preferences, budget, and specific needs. Both tablets have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to consider these factors before making a decision.