Which ASUS Transformer is for you?

Debuting alongside the ZenBook 3 at today’s Zenvolution event are the new Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro. We also managed to score an early sneek peak of these two devices but instead of just mainly listing down the specs of each 2-in-1, we want to make a comparo of sorts to help you decide which Transformer would suit your needs and lifestyle.

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The ASUS Transformer series is the company’s laptop-tablet hybrid line. These came with either Android or Microsoft Windows operating systems built-in. But these two new devices are Windows-powered through and through. And if the looks seem familiar to you, that’s because the Transformer 3 and 3 Pro took a lot of inspiration from Microsoft’s Surface tablets.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the specs:

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Now, we just want to highlight the key points of both devices to help you reach a better conclusion:

Transformer 3

The Transformer 3 reminds us of ASUS other tablets but in a bigger form. The concentric circle design lives on in the back and its body remains svelte even if it’s on the heavier side.

The Transformer 3 we see as more of a consumption device but it can also offer the typical office worker, student, and writer/editor some space and power to work with. If you use the ASUS accessories launching with these Transformers like the Transformer Sleeve Keyboard, Pen Stylus, and the Universal Dock. This can become a serviceable laptop replacement. With the Transformer 3, you can also connect to the ROG XG Station 2, which is a comprehensive docking station that will let you play games. But not as extensively as the Transformer 3 Pro.

What the Transformer 3 packs in is a low voltage 7th-gen Intel Core processor to give you more mobility with better battery life and entertainment features. Emphasizing the entertainment slant on the Transformer 3 is the quad speaker system setup on the sides of the tablet/screen. ASUS partners that with a 12.6-inch touchscreen with 3K resolution (2,880 x 1,920). That’ll make viewing high-res images and watching Stranger Things or whatever show you’re obsessed with that much better.

In terms of security, the Transformer 3 packs in a fingerprint scanner on the top left corner to make it easy to unlock the device or authenticate apps.

The Transformer Sleeve Keyboard helps you discreetly tuck away the device, which would make lugging it around a bit more inconspicuous. The keyboard connects to the screen via strong magnets, guiding slots, and pogo pin connectors. It seems durable and sturdy when attached but the keys themselves do have a plastic feel to them. It’s not much like what other keyboard tablet accessories out there.

Transformer 3 Pro

The Transformer 3 Pro looks more similar to the past designs of the Transformer devices, including the built-in kickstand we’ve seen in the past.

And while the Transformer 3 feels more like a consumption device, the Transformer 3 Pro is marketed as a fully competent laptop, tablet, and even gaming rig. As you can see in the specs above, it packs in so much power. If you attach it to the ROG XG Station 2, ASUS boasts you can even play virtual reality or 4K games with it.

The Transformer 3 Pro’s keyboard feels a bit more sturdy and solid here than on the Transformer 3. And we feel like that’s a running theme with this device.

We like that the kickstand is more flexible here than the sleeve on the Transformer 3. On the latter, the screen is angled away from you and adjusting is a bit tough. But here on the Transformer 3 Pro, you can adjust the built-in stand in any way you see fit.

The Transformer 3 Pro also has more ports on it to further emphasize that it’s more of a workhorse than the Transformer 3.

If you’re worried about overheating, this Transformer has its own cooling system built-in. There are even grilles on top of the screen to let the heat out. ASUS made what they call a vapor chamber and combined that with ultra-thin ceramic fan bearings.

There isn’t a fingerprint scanner on the Transformer 3 Pro but what we do get is support for Windows 10’s Hello facial recognition feature. The front 2-megapixel camera has infrared capability, which you can use for the aforementioned feature.

Conclusion

As you can see the two devices, while similar, cater to very different needs. If you need something more portable, you’ll want the Transformer 3. If you need something to keep up with your greater computing demands but don’t want to lug around a full system, then there’s the Transformer 3 Pro. We’ll find out more about these devices today including price and availability. Check out our Instagram and Twitter for updates from the event floor.

UPDATE:

The Transformer 3 with Intel Core M version, 4GB LPDDR3 RAM, and 128GB M.2 SSD storage retails for P49,995. Meanwhile, the Transformer 3 Pro with an Intel Core i5-6200U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB M.2 SSD goes for P69,995.