Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 vs. Motorola Xoom 2

Attribute	Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201	Motorola Xoom 2
Operating System	Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)	Android 3.2 (Honeycomb)
Processor	NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-core	1.2 GHz Dual-core
Display	10.1-inch IPS LCD	10.1-inch TFT LCD
Resolution	1280 x 800 pixels	1280 x 800 pixels
Storage	32GB / 64GB	16GB / 32GB
RAM	1GB	1GB
Camera	8 MP (rear), 1.2 MP (front)	5 MP (rear), 1.3 MP (front)
Battery	25Wh Li-Po	7000mAh Li-Ion
Weight	586g	599g
Dimensions	263 x 180.8 x 8.3 mm	253.9 x 173.6 x 8.8 mm

Design and Display

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 and Motorola Xoom 2 both offer sleek and stylish designs, but they differ in certain aspects. The Transformer Prime TF201 features a metallic finish that gives it a premium look and feel. It is also incredibly thin and lightweight, making it highly portable. On the other hand, the Xoom 2 has a more rugged design with a rubberized back, providing a better grip and protection against accidental drops.

In terms of display, the Transformer Prime TF201 boasts a 10.1-inch Super IPS+ LCD screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This display offers excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, sports a slightly smaller 10.1-inch TFT LCD display with the same resolution. While it may not have the same level of color accuracy as the Transformer Prime TF201, it still delivers a decent viewing experience.

Performance and Hardware

When it comes to performance, both tablets are equipped with powerful hardware. The Transformer Prime TF201 is powered by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz, coupled with 1GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and lag-free performance, even when running demanding applications or games. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, features a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. While it may not match the raw power of the Transformer Prime TF201, it still delivers a snappy and responsive user experience.

In terms of storage, the Transformer Prime TF201 offers options of 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded via a microSD card slot. This provides ample space for storing multimedia files, documents, and applications. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, but lacks a microSD card slot for expandability. This limitation may be a drawback for users who require additional storage space.

Operating System and Software

Both tablets run on the Android operating system, but they differ in terms of the version and user interface. The Transformer Prime TF201 initially shipped with Android 3.2 Honeycomb but received an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It also features Asus' custom user interface, which adds some additional functionality and customization options. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, comes with Android 3.2 Honeycomb out of the box and received an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as well. It features Motorola's custom user interface, which offers a unique user experience.

Asus has been known for its commitment to providing timely software updates, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches. Motorola, on the other hand, has had a mixed track record in terms of software updates, which may be a consideration for users who prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest Android versions.

Camera and Multimedia

Both tablets come equipped with cameras for capturing photos and videos, but they differ in terms of specifications and performance. The Transformer Prime TF201 features an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, allowing for decent quality photos in well-lit conditions. It also has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, along with a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. While it may have a lower resolution, it still delivers satisfactory results for casual photography and video calls.

Both tablets also excel in multimedia capabilities. The Transformer Prime TF201 features SonicMaster audio technology, which enhances the audio quality and provides a more immersive listening experience. It also supports various video formats, allowing for seamless playback of high-definition videos. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, offers impressive audio quality with its stereo speakers and supports a wide range of multimedia formats. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, both tablets deliver an enjoyable multimedia experience.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a tablet, and both the Transformer Prime TF201 and Xoom 2 offer respectable battery performance. The Transformer Prime TF201 is equipped with a 25Wh battery, which provides up to 12 hours of continuous usage. This makes it suitable for extended periods of productivity or entertainment without the need for frequent recharging. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 7000mAh battery, which still offers a decent battery life of around 10 hours. While it may not match the longevity of the Transformer Prime TF201, it is still sufficient for most users' needs.

In terms of connectivity, both tablets offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for wireless internet access and seamless connection with other devices. The Transformer Prime TF201 also includes a micro HDMI port, which enables easy connection to external displays or TVs for a larger viewing experience. The Xoom 2, on the other hand, features an HDMI port, allowing for direct connection without the need for an adapter. Additionally, both tablets come with USB ports for easy file transfer and charging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 and Motorola Xoom 2 are both capable tablets with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Transformer Prime TF201 offers a premium design, powerful performance, expandable storage, and timely software updates. On the other hand, the Xoom 2 provides a rugged design, satisfactory performance, and impressive multimedia capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritize design, performance, or multimedia capabilities, both tablets offer a solid user experience.