Asus Transformer Pad TF103C review

The Transformer Pad uses the same quad-core 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3745 processor as the Asus MeMo Pad 8 tablet. It can boost to 1.86GHz under the right thermal conditions for a quick speed boost. The Transformer Pad is equipped with 1GB of RAM, which is moderately stingy, but didn’t seem to affect performance much. This is a pretty quick tablet, as shown by our SunSpider JavaScript  score of 590.4ms. This shows the Transformer Pad is a very capable internet browsing device. The tablet felt responsive when navigating around complex websites and pages rendered quickly.

Gaming performance was also very good. In our Ice Storm Extreme test we saw a score of 9,340, and in Ice Storm Unlimited, which is locked to a 720p resolution for easy comparison between chipsets, the tablet recorded 14,444. Both scores were a fraction better than in the MeMO Pad 8 and also superior to the Tesco Hudl2 – this tablet punches well above its price for 3D power. As with the Asus MeMO Pad 8, and many other Intel-based tablets, we did encounter problems loading some games, but this is hopefully something that will be rectified with future app updates.

The Transformer Pad runs Android 4.4 KitKat, skinned with Asus’ ZenUI. It’s not a major departure from stock Android but it does come with a few useful customisations such as shortcuts to various functions on the lockscreen. The app drawer also lets you filter your apps by downloaded or frequently used, which makes it easier to navigate if you install a lot of apps. There’s also Dual Apps mode, which lets you place two apps side by side for easier multitasking. However, this has its limitations, as it only works with specific apps. You can at least use some useful combinations such as a browser next to an open email.

The tablet managed 8h 5m in our video playback test. It’s a shame there isn’t a secondary battery integrated into the keyboard, as we would have liked to have seen a longer battery life, although this would have added more weight and cost.

The Asus Transformer Pad TF103C with its keyboard dock is competitively priced with excellent performance, but its display is a let-down. If productivity is your real priority, a Windows 8.1 tablet might be a better choice, such as the Schenker Element, which has a keyboard integrated into its case. While if a laptop running Android appeals then check out the HP Slatebook.