Asus Eee Pad Transformer vs LTE Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The first half of 2011 has brought a slew of Honeycomb tablets, but many think that two tablets stand above the rest: the Asus Eee Pad Transformer and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. So it is very fortunate that we are currently in possession of both tablets and can give everyone an idea of what they look like head-to-head. Of course the tablets, boast mostly the same specs, including a 10.1″ display with a 1280×800 resolution, NVIDIA dual-core 1GHz processor, and 1GB of RAM, but there are definitely some differences. So which one has the upper edge?

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Screen: While both tablets have the same size screen and resolution, you can tell a difference in the screen clarity. Just like with Samsung’s SAMOLED displays, this screen is bright and brings out colors better than any other.

Dimensions: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the thinnest Android tablet to date, toting dimensions of 9.69 x 6.71 x 0.43. It is only .08″ thinner than the Transformer, but that difference makes a world of difference. Holding the tablet is easier, and laying it on a table is better compared to the Transformer, which has a rounded back.

LTE: This isn’t a required spec when getting the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but it does make a difference. The Transformer is only available in a WiFi option, so unless you are paying for a hotspot or your home all the time, this LTE action will come in handy.

Speakers: There are two speakers on the Galaxy Tab 10.1, located on the left and right side of the tablet. This gives videos, games, and music clearer sound quality and an almost surround sound feeling. The Transformer’s speakers are located on the bottom of the left and right edge, which your hands will most likely get in the way and muffle the sounds.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer

No OEM Skin: Guess what? The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is getting or will be getting a tablet optimized version of TouchWiz (LTE version does not yet). We’ve talked about it a lot. The Transformer has some skinning placed on it, but are really only the navigation buttons at the bottom and a couple widgets. Other than that, pure Google Honeycomb (and hopefully ICS).

HDMI and Mini-SD Card: One of the problems with the Galaxy Tab’s thinness is that it is it doesn’t allow slots and ports. The Transformer has a built in HDMI-out port and mini-SD card port, while you need to buy accessories to give the Galaxy Tab those specs.

Keyboard Dock: The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has some exclusive Bluetooth keyboards, but nothing that compares to the Transformer’s Keyboard Dock. It’s made to turn the tablet into a netbook, gives the tablet an extra 10 hours of battery, 2 USB ports, and an SD card reader.

Price: Pricing for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 starts at $499 and can jump all the way up to $699 for the LTE version. The 16GB Transformer is priced at $399, which was is still on of the cheapest 10″ Honeycomb tablets to date.

Both tablets are great options, but each one has some unique differences to offer. Which one you choose depends on what you want more out of your tablet. Are there any other specs that each tablet has over the other? Anything you would like to change? let us know.