Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Rumors and Release Date: Incoming Model May Closely Compete With Asus Transformer 3 Pro

Microsoft is yet to unveil its latest hybrid device but Asus seems to have already upped the competition with its Transformer 3 Pro that will give Surface Pro 5 a run for its money. As the Taiwanese tech giant goes head-on with Microsoft with the release of its latest Transformer lineup models, tech consumers are torn between the new Asus hybrid laptop and the forthcoming Surface Pro 5.

As per Christian Times, the upcoming hybrid laptop churning out from the software giant's sweatshop will reportedly inherit its appearance from its Surface Pro 4 predecessor in terms of build and design. The report goes that the device will sport a tablet body with an optional detachable keyboard. Like Surface Pro 4, Pro 5 is expected to come out with a 2736 x 1824 IPS LCD screen which includes a pixel density of 267ppi. Some reports, however, indicate a highly advanced 4K Ultra HD screen with a 3,840 x 2,160 display resolution according to Ecumenical News.

If rumors prove accurate, the next flagship will probably have a slightly larger screen than Surface Pro 4's 12.3 inches. As for its processing power, it is fueled by Core M processor with Intel Core i series upgrades.

Asus' latest two-in-one portable PCs from the Transformer line up reportedly strikes a close resemblance with the product from its tech rival, Microsoft. The new Transformer 3 Pro looks very similar to Surface Pro devices from touch screens, kickstands, and detachable keyboards, Engadget reported. The Transformer 3 and its Transformer 3 variant both have a 12.6-inch screen with 2,880 x 1,920 display resolution, 275-ppi pixel density and wide viewing angles.

The BitBag also reported a slew of other similarities Transformer 3 Pro shares with Surface Pro 5 which are as follows:

1. USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections

2. Harmon Kardon speakers

3. USB 3.0 and HDMI ports

4. Compatibility with ASUS accessories such as the Pen, a Universal Dock, an AudioPod (a quad speaker with surround sound) and the ROG XG Station 2 (a VR-ready graphics dock that gives the two-in-one devices the power of a desktop computer)

5. Both are available in Icicle Gold and Glacier Gray color editions

6. Intel Core i7 processor with up to 1TB PCIe SSD and 16GB of 2133MHz RAM

7. 13-megapixel rear camera (plus a selfie one in front)

8. Camera in both hybrids are used for facial recognition using Windows Hello

The latest models coming out from Asus Transformer series would have a price range of $349-$999 making it extremely more affordable than Microsoft Surface Pro 5's rumored $1,094 price.