In 2013, Apple’s iPad 3 with its Retina display was the tablet to beat. However, Asus entered the fray with the Transformer Pad Infinity 700, offering a compelling alternative powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Plus. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, features, and the overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing ecosystem integration and a polished experience, the iPad 3 remains a strong choice. However, the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700 delivers superior raw processing power thanks to its 1.5 GHz Krait CPU, making it the better option for demanding tasks and users who value performance above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - AT&T | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, March. Released 2012, March 16 | 2012, February. Released 2012, Q3 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) | 263 x 180.8 x 8.5 mm (10.35 x 7.12 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 662 g (1.46 lb) | 598 g (1.32 lb) |
| | - | Optional mobile dock with standard QWERTY keyboard and trackpad |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~65.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~62.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super IPS+ LCD, |
| | - | ASUS Waveshare UI
|
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Apple A5X (45 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP4 (quad-core graphics) | Adreno 225 |
| OS | iOS 5.1, upgradable to iOS 9.3.5 | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA, videocalling over Wi-Fi only | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | HDMI port
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC player
MP4/H.264 player
Organizer
Document editor
Photo viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 720 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Po 11560 mAh battery (42.5 Wh) | Non-removable Li-Po battery (25 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Amethyst Gray, Champagne Gold |
| Models | A1430, A1403, iPad3,2, iPad3,3 | - |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 430 EUR |
Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Strong ecosystem integration with Apple services.
- Polished and user-friendly iOS interface.
- Likely superior display sharpness (Retina branding).
- Slower CPU performance compared to the Asus.
- Less flexible operating system (iOS vs. Android).
- Potentially higher power consumption.
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700 3G
- Faster CPU performance with the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus.
- More open Android operating system.
- Potentially more efficient power management.
- Less refined software experience compared to iOS.
- Potentially lower display sharpness.
- Less established app ecosystem than Apple’s App Store.
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely featured similar 7-inch displays, the context data lacks specifics on resolution or panel technology. However, the iPad 3’s ‘Retina’ branding signaled a focus on pixel density, likely exceeding the Infinity 700. The Asus, being an IPS panel, would have offered wider viewing angles. Without further data, it’s difficult to definitively state which display is superior, but Apple’s marketing emphasis on visual clarity suggests a potential edge in sharpness.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature basic photo and video capabilities, but the context data provides no details on sensor size, aperture, or image quality. Given Apple’s historical emphasis on camera quality, the iPad 3 likely offered superior image processing and potentially better low-light performance. However, without specific specs, this remains speculative. The Asus likely focused on functional camera performance rather than pushing boundaries.
Performance
The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700’s 1.5 GHz dual-core Krait CPU, built on Qualcomm’s MSM8260A Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, demonstrably outperforms the iPad 3’s 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor within the Apple A5X. The Krait architecture, while also dual-core, offered a significant IPC (Instructions Per Clock) improvement over the Cortex-A9. The A5X’s advantage lay in its quad-core GPU, but the CPU bottleneck in the iPad 3 would limit overall system responsiveness in CPU-intensive tasks. The 45nm process node of the A5X also suggests potentially higher power consumption compared to the Snapdragon S4 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to assess without capacity data. However, the Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset is known for its relatively efficient power management. The iPad 3, while benefiting from Apple’s software optimization, likely consumed more power due to the A5X’s less efficient 45nm process. Charging times are also unknown, but the Asus likely benefited from Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology (common for the era), potentially offering faster charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular if you need seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, a well-established app library, and a device known for its ease of use. Buy the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700 3G if you prioritize raw processing power for multitasking, gaming, or demanding applications, and prefer a more open Android platform with expandable storage options (not specified in data, but typical for Asus).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Asus tablets of this era commonly included a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent on the iPad 3. This allows users to increase storage capacity beyond the internal memory.
❓ Is the Apple A5X quad-core GPU enough to offset the slower CPU in gaming performance?
The A5X’s quad-core GPU is a strong performer, but the slower 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 CPU would likely create a bottleneck in many games. The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700’s faster CPU would provide a smoother gaming experience, especially in titles that are CPU-intensive.
❓ How does the cellular connectivity differ between the iPad 3 and the Transformer Pad Infinity 700?
Both devices offer 3G cellular connectivity, but the specific supported bands and carrier compatibility may vary. Apple typically offers broader carrier support, while the Asus might be limited to specific regions or carriers.
