ASUS TF701 vs Samsung Note 2014 Edition

[gamul1]

Hi All,

I am completely torn and at a loss on deciding between the ASUS TF701T or the Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 edition. There are plusses/minus for both and I can not get off the fence. I wanted to come here where there are always smart voices of reason that help me think straight.

The specs for the Samsung are here:
Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) - Design your life

The specs for the ASUS are here:
https://www.asus.com/Tablets_Mobile/ASUS_Transformer_Pad_TF701T/#specifications

From my perspective I would list the pros and cos as follows:

ASUS:
Pro's:

1. IPS Panel
2. HDMI Port
3. Dock available which has a USB 3.0 port, SD Card reader and 4 more hours of battery life

CONS:

1. 2 GB vs 3 GB for the Samsung
2. No Stylus - Samsung has the S Pen
3. Poor speaker location on back of device
4. Android version is 4.2, compared to Samsungs 4.3
5. No USB on the tablet itself.

Samsung:
Pro's

1. 3 gb vs 2 gb on the ASUS
2. Built in Stylus and apps that work with it
3. Android version is 4.3, compared to ASUS 4.2
4. Speakers are mounted on the sides, not bottom, so sounds should be clearer.

Cons:

1. No HDMI port!
2. Not an IPS panel - although the resolution is great so will that matter?
3. USB port is 2.0, not the 3.0 that ASUS has. But does this really matter? And it is at least on the device.

I think those are the key differences. The 3gb is very alluring on the Samsung but considering my current tablet only has 1gb I don't know if 2gb might be just fine.

I can't decide if HDMI is important to me. I thought it was going to be on my current tablet but because the picture quality sucked coming out of it I never use it. But I don't know how much I really would.

I am looking for a tablet for me, and my 9th grade son. I keep thinking the Samsung is right for him because of the S-Pen ability in school. But then think wouldn't the keyboard be nice too from the ASUS?

Speaking of the keyboard - pretty sweet that it has the extra battery, memory and USB. But is this really that important?

The 2gb vs 3gb feels like a key difference here. And the IPS panel on the ASUS is the other key for me. Its all important but I feel if just one of those two balanced out it would make enough of a difference.

Does any one have any direct experience with both of these units they could share their experience? How about and online comparisons between the two that are meaningful. I have not seen it yet.

My use is all over the place. Mainly web browsing and email with a fair amount of gaming and video watching (streaming).

Any thoughts and opinions?

Thanks,
Glenn

 

[jhawkkw]

I've moved this to the device comparisons forum for you. This is a debate that I have seen a lot because these seem to be the 2 best 10.1 inch android tablets available at this current point in time.

As for my opinion, the 2GB vs 3GB of RAM isn't that big of a deal. Plus with 4.4 looming for both devices, it means both should function well regardless. What it comes down to is what you value more: the keyboard/mouse/extra ports vs the SPen. Both allow expanable memory even though the TF gives more options, both should get updated to 4.4 while Asus has a better track record of providing updates faster.

 

[chanchan05]

It's more of how you would use it IMO.

I use my tablet to read texts and lecture transcriptions in pdf form, where I tend to highlight and annotate a lot, thus the S-Pen is much more important to me than a keyboard, especially since it's much more accurate than a regular stylus, so it's easier to write annotations with. And I have no need for a physical keyboard on my tablet.

The question for you is, what is more important, the keyboard dock or the S Pen? The ASUS keyboard dock is the best available of it's kind IMO, and the S Pen is the best stylus available. However if your use for a stylus could be done by a normal one, and you need a keyboard dock more than you need the S Pen, then go ASUS.

 

[gamul1]

It's more of how you would use it IMO.

I use my tablet to read texts and lecture transcriptions in pdf form, where I tend to highlight and annotate a lot, thus the S-Pen is much more important to me than a keyboard, especially since it's much more accurate than a regular stylus, so it's easier to write annotations with. And I have no need for a physical keyboard on my tablet.

The question for you is, what is more important, the keyboard dock or the S Pen? The ASUS keyboard dock is the best available of it's kind IMO, and the S Pen is the best stylus available. However if your use for a stylus could be done by a normal one, and you need a keyboard dock more than you need the S Pen, then go ASUS.

Good thoughts. In your opinion do you also think the 2gb vs 3gb is not a concern? And what about the IPS display? At this high resolution is the IPS overkill and not worth consideration?

Thanks!

 

[chanchan05]

Yes, the 2GB and 3GB is not a concern. We're looking at a 9th grade here who would use it. Is he really going to do a lot of stuff? I mean I am still using a tablet about 2 generations old with just 1GB RAM and it still runs everything I throw at it, consdering that I also have set up a lot of automated processes in the background.

As for the IPS, IMO the only real advantage of IPS is the increased viewing angles and better sunlight legibility. Which in this case, I don't think really is needed in a tablet. You're not gonna sit in the sun with your tab anyway. And the increased resolution I think does away with the need for IPS in terms of viewing angles.

 

[jhawkkw]

If it's any help, Asus is updating the TF701T to 4.3 on 11/18

 

[Shocky]

Personally out of the two I would get the TF701 as I can't stand the hardware buttons on tablets. I think the Note is the more powerful device depending which version you get and I would take the keyboard over an S-Pen.

But that's just me, one thing I will add is don't write off the Note because it doesn't have an IPS display, I've used the Nexus 10 allot and the screen is fantastic and that's not an IPS display.

Which you settle on is upto you, personally I don't like 10" tablets as they're not comfortable to hold and can be quite awkward to use for any length of time.

Trying to hold a 10" tablet and take notes, I can't think of anything more awkward than that.

 

[gamul1]

Personally out of the two I would get the TF701 as I can't stand the hardware buttons on tablets.

I heard someone else mention buttons on the Samsung, but I have not been able to find much about this or see much in the poor pictures I see on the site. What buttons are on the tablet that are a problem and how are they a problem? Is there a good pic of them?

and I would take the keyboard over an S-Pen.

Keyboard / pen / keyboard / pen.... part of my dilema...

For my son, I think the pen would be better for taking notes in class as he can hand write faster than he can type.

For me, I think I would prefer the docking keyboard for all the extras like the battery and memory. although I also take a lot of notes in meetings and wonder if the pen would be the better option here.

Keyboard / pen / keyboard / pen.... Sigh.

But that's just me, one thing I will add is don't write off the Note because it doesn't have an IPS display, I've used the Nexus 10 allot and the screen is fantastic and that's not an IPS display.

Yeah - I am coming around to the IPS is probably not that big a deal with the resolution this high.

Which you settle on is up to you, personally I don't like 10" tablets as they're not comfortable to hold and can be quite awkward to use for any length of time.

Trying to hold a 10" tablet and take notes, I can't think of anything more awkward than that.

I have the 10 inch Xoom and have for almost 3 years. I can imagine a 7 or 8 inch tablet is a good fit in the hand, but I have not really noticed any problem holding it. But I love the larger screens and feel like a smaller screen would just frustrate me. I use mine sometimes for a couple of hours with no problem.


I think my issue is that I do not have a very strong compelling reason for the keyboard/dock or the HDMI or the Pen. I would find all useful to some unknown degree but am not sure if I would miss one more than the other. In some ay - the Pen feels the most attractive, but then I find myself thinking I might regret not having the others.

If only a local store had these in stock to go physically see and touch. I think that would make the difference for me. Its the unknown that is killing me here.

Thanks for all the great feedback!

 

[chanchan05]

Not really sure how you could miss the hardware buttons on the Note 10.1 (2014 edition)

In comparison, here's the older Note 10.1

As you can see, the new Note 10.1 has hardware buttons on the bottom long side. Standard Android tablets like the ones ASUS and Sony makes have onscreen buttons that rotate with the screen keeping them on the bottom black bar. The advantage of the buttons on the Note 10.1 is you actually have the entire 10.1 screen for the apps. Disadvantage would be holding the tab in portrait can be awkward with the button placement.

 

[gamul1]

Not really sure how you could miss the hardware buttons on the Note 10.1 (2014 edition)

As you can see, the new Note 10.1 has hardware buttons on the bottom long side. Standard Android tablets like the ones ASUS and Sony makes have onscreen buttons that rotate with the screen keeping them on the bottom black bar. The advantage of the buttons on the Note 10.1 is you actually have the entire 10.1 screen for the apps. Disadvantage would be holding the tab in portrait can be awkward with the button placement.

OK - I see that. I guess what I thought I heard before was something about a hardware button on the side that was in the way when you were holding it. I interpreted this to mean the sides when holding in landscape. But all I saw on the sides were speakers and ports, no buttons.

Yes. I am not thrilled about the hardware home button. I actually did not focus on that before as I was looking for buttons on the side, so this is news to me. While I think I could get used to that over time, I actually wonder if this is just too annoying. And won't that hardware button break over time?

 

[gamul1]

How about this for a side question:

What is the likelihood and functionality of using a stylus with the ASUS? And are there apps you can buy designed for a stylus? I know the Samsung software is designed for the S-Pen, but how well can a regular stylus work on a regular Android tablet?

I have never tried one on my current tablet so am not sure what the experience would be.

Just a thought.

Glenn

 

[chanchan05]

I dunno. The hardware button on my Galaxy S is still working fine even after more than two years. So I don't think so.

 

[chanchan05]

Actually there really isn't much difference. The software on the Note can be used without a stylus, there are just special actions for the S Pen but isn't really a deal breaker. The difference in the S Pen is the use of patented WACOM technology which allows the Note to use a fine point stylus for more accurate annotation. The difference between writing with the S Pen and a regular stylus is like comparing a ball point pen and a crayon. You can write with it, just don't expect very nice penmanship.

 

[boathead]

this all comes down to the s pen. if you want the s pen, for its special abilities, well, you need the s pen. if the s pen is merely an interesting gadget to you, well, there you go.

i have played with a note 2, and the s pen is REALLY cool. but to me it is merely a gadget.

and lastly, while i don't own, nor have ever seen, the two tabs, i do own 2 asus gadgets and two samsung gadgets. i personally think, just for the stuff i have, that samsung has a better build quality.

 

[gamul1]

In the end I opted to buy the Samsung for both my son and I. The S Pen was the deciding factor as we both have a need for note taking and it feels more useful than the external keyboard.

I feel a little torn but I would be torn either way. Without the ability to physically see and try them ahead of time its impossible for me to make a decision that I am 100% comfortable with. But in the end I think this is the better one.

Thank you to everyone for the advice. Appreciated the thoughts and back and forth.

 

[Shocky]

In the end I opted to buy the Samsung for both my son and I. The S Pen was the deciding factor as we both have a need for note taking and it feels more useful than the external keyboard.

I feel a little torn but I would be torn either way. Without the ability to physically see and try them ahead of time its impossible for me to make a decision that I am 100% comfortable with. But in the end I think this is the better one.

Thank you to everyone for the advice. Appreciated the thoughts and back and forth.

You can always get something like this for the Note eventually if you really need a keyboard, not quite as portable as the transformer but it's an option.

GALAXY Note 10.1 Keyboard Dock - OVERVIEW

 

[chanchan05]

You can always get something like this for the Note eventually if you really need a keyboard, not quite as portable as the transformer but it's an option.

GALAXY Note 10.1 Keyboard Dock - OVERVIEW

Actually, that's not gonna work on the 2014 edition of the Note because that uses a 30pin connector. Samsung succumbed to EU legislation on its latest offerings with everything now using a microUSB socket. What's good is that you can now in theory use any USB keyboard with it provided you have an adaptor. Or buy one of those BT keyboards with a stand for tablets. I know Logitech has one that works well with Galaxy devices.

 

[Shocky]

Actually, that's not gonna work on the 2014 edition of the Note because that uses a 30pin connector. Samsung succumbed to EU legislation on its latest offerings with everything now using a microUSB socket. What's good is that you can now in theory use any USB keyboard with it provided you have an adaptor. Or buy one of those BT keyboards with a stand for tablets. I know Logitech has one that works well with Galaxy devices.

I know, that's why I said eventually as that version isn't compatible. I'm sure they will release an updated one or 3rd party will make something similar.

It's just a matter of time.

 

[gamul1]

I know, that's why I said eventually as that version isn't compatible. I'm sure they will release an updated one or 3rd party will make something similar.

It's just a matter of time.

Thanks! I agree - at some point a compatible model will be made available. I am not sure if I would get a style like this, of if I would get one where is is part of a case. I like the part of a case concept as it seems like less of a hassle to carry around while still providing protection for the tablet itself.

Anyway - Thanks!

 

[adel21]

I am also considering these two tablets. I did find info online that does say you can use a keyboard with this using bluetooth. found many on amazon.
has anyone tried the bluetooth keyboards?

 

[jhawkkw]

I am also considering these two tablets. I did find info online that does say you can use a keyboard with this using bluetooth. found many on amazon.
has anyone tried the bluetooth keyboards?

I haven't tried one, but one of the advantages of the Asus TF keyboard dock is that it contains a second battery, a touchpad mouse, as well as extra ports that aren't typically found on any other device like a standard SD card slot & a standard USB 3.0 port. Bluetooth keyboards though should get the job done though if that's the only part that matters.

 

[dreamtoys]

Hi All,

I am completely torn and at a loss on deciding between the ASUS TF701T or the Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 edition. There are plusses/minus for both and I can not get off the fence. I wanted to come here where there are always smart voices of reason that help me think straight.

The specs for the Samsung are here:
Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) - Design your life

The specs for the ASUS are here:
https://www.asus.com/Tablets_Mobile/ASUS_Transformer_Pad_TF701T/#specifications

From my perspective I would list the pros and cos as follows:

ASUS:
Pro's:

1. IPS Panel
2. HDMI Port
3. Dock available which has a USB 3.0 port, SD Card reader and 4 more hours of battery life

CONS:

1. 2 GB vs 3 GB for the Samsung
2. No Stylus - Samsung has the S Pen
3. Poor speaker location on back of device
4. Android version is 4.2, compared to Samsungs 4.3
5. No USB on the tablet itself.

Samsung:
Pro's

1. 3 gb vs 2 gb on the ASUS
2. Built in Stylus and apps that work with it
3. Android version is 4.3, compared to ASUS 4.2
4. Speakers are mounted on the sides, not bottom, so sounds should be clearer.

Cons:

1. No HDMI port!
2. Not an IPS panel - although the resolution is great so will that matter?
3. USB port is 2.0, not the 3.0 that ASUS has. But does this really matter? And it is at least on the device.

I think those are the key differences. The 3gb is very alluring on the Samsung but considering my current tablet only has 1gb I don't know if 2gb might be just fine.

I can't decide if HDMI is important to me. I thought it was going to be on my current tablet but because the picture quality sucked coming out of it I never use it. But I don't know how much I really would.

I am looking for a tablet for me, and my 9th grade son. I keep thinking the Samsung is right for him because of the S-Pen ability in school. But then think wouldn't the keyboard be nice too from the ASUS?

Speaking of the keyboard - pretty sweet that it has the extra battery, memory and USB. But is this really that important?

The 2gb vs 3gb feels like a key difference here. And the IPS panel on the ASUS is the other key for me. Its all important but I feel if just one of those two balanced out it would make enough of a difference.

Does any one have any direct experience with both of these units they could share their experience? How about and online comparisons between the two that are meaningful. I have not seen it yet.

My use is all over the place. Mainly web browsing and email with a fair amount of gaming and video watching (streaming).

Any thoughts and opinions?

Thanks,
Glenn

I understand you have made your decision already but I am still waiting for more inputs. Here are my thoughts:

I have TF700 and use keyboard and so it is like a laptop with longer hours and just as many outputs and inputs: with micro SD external storage slot on tablet, micro HDMI out for up to 4K output display, good for editing photos and watch videos at hotels TVs (need to overcome the setup issue on hotel TVs as the remote does not allow you to select input source; use manual buttons on the TV or replace the HDMI input from their box with your own HDMI cable), full size SD storage slot on keyboard, full size USB Port for other external devices, keyboard with mouse pad, extra 4 hours of battery life on top of 9 hours on tablet - turn your display down!), has mouse pad and many hard keys for controlling volume, brightness, etc.

Samsung's S Pen is useful but I think I can get a less quality pen app for the Asus and so the keyboard with all the extras is a good accessory attachment.

There are many bluetooth keyboard and some are designed for Samsung tablet to be use as a protective cover as well. But you will missed all other important functions.

Samsung will should be a good quality product but the TF700 I have is good too and the keyboard is sturdy when holding it and using it as a stand for watching display.

Will always bought produce from other countries than from Japan IF there is a choice and in the pass 5-10 years, there are other choices from the US, Korea and Asia. It is because of what the Japanese soldiers did to the Chinese during their occupation in China and in Korea, IndoChina and Asia in general. They killed unknown huge numbers of civilians and still have not issue an official apologies to these countries and their people. German did. Japanese government order the change of their history book to omit these atrocities they did to other nations so their children will not know what happened. History teachers will be tired if they dare to teach the truth about these war facts. Google The Rape of Nanking and learn for your self. Well, another subject else where.

I want to have a great display for my photos and movies and both of these unit will serve the purpose but I am more include towards the Asus as it has the added bonuses of the keyboard and associated ports, batteries for a long flight to overseas, etc. I am not concern about stuttering and lagging as most browsing experience will have them. Watching HD movies does not have these problems and I am fine with that.

I would recommend to use recording apps for note taking and convert them to text IF there is such a app to convert long recording messages??!! Standard Pen apps should work on Asus too. Just so you know Asus is made by a Taiwanese company which plants in China and Asia just like most iPhone and iPads are made in China owned by a Taiwanese company. Asus is a major mother board and electronic supplier to the world. But Samsung is the top dog right now with great products. Many of Apple's products components are made by Samsung and I wonder why Apple sued them and cut their own throat. Apple lost the market share in Asia big time after that and lost their manufacturing supplier/s and hence the delays in their launches. Bad move for Apple but good for the lawyers!

Sorry for the rambling on. I hope my thoughts can offer your what you need and I hope I can get inputs for my final decision for my next tablet. Thank you.

Michael

 

[sonofanarchy77]

Thats easy i would always pick a Tegra 4 over a Samsung Exynos 5420 processor, so pick the Asus TF701T. And you don't really need 3GB on a tablet. Samsung UI is horrible. Samsung only gives you a pen, Asus a whole dock and keyboard for a lower price. Choice is easy!