ASUS BR1402F: Review, Specs, and Verdict

Assessing the ASUS BR1402F, its features and usability impress. However, when demanding computing tasks arise, limitations emerge. Educational devices can suffice with standard specs, yet this CPU and GPU may fall short for future Windows editions.

ASUS BR1402F: Quick Overview

Designed primarily for the education sector, the Asus BR1402F is a unique blend of a spacious 14-inch tablet and a rugged, water-resistant laptop.

In the realm of 2-in-1 devices, this machine’s usefulness in education hinges on its compatibility with stylus or finger input for specific software. Without this, the tablet mode seems somewhat redundant.

However, where it truly excels is in its array of ports, including Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A and Type-C), audio jack, and a Kensington lock slot. Optional fingerprint recognition is available, and every unit comes equipped with a stylus neatly stowed in a spring-loaded compartment.

Internally, the machine boasts a modular design, simplifying repair for panel, I/O, or battery issues.

Priced at approximately $600, the Asus BR1402F might appear like a budget-friendly choice. Yet, its Achilles’ heel lies in its processing power, falling short of the Windows 11 system requirements.

It relies on the Core i3-N305 processor, a 1.8GHz, eight-core CPU sans hyperthreading. Paired with UHD Graphics (32 EU), it’s an underwhelming duo. On the plus side, the N305’s power consumption maxes out at 15W, ensuring the 3-cell 50WHrs Li-ion battery can last a full workday, roughly ten hours or less.

Another drawback is its weight; at 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs), it can be cumbersome for adults to handle flat, let alone children.

Given its modest performance, the Asus BR1402F may quickly become obsolete as the tech landscape evolves. However, considering the typical lifespan of educational devices, repurposing might not be a concern for many of them.

ASUS BR1402F: Pricing and Availability

• Price: Starting at £439.99.
• Availability: Currently in stock.
• Purchase: Available through Asus and various online retailers.

The base model at the official UK Asus store starts at £439.99 but comes with 128GB of storage. Our review unit is the i3S15XAS SKU, while a similar BR1402C-i381XA-3Y is priced at just £412.88 on Ballcom, featuring less storage but the same processor and memory setup.

For the American and Global market, pricing details are currently unavailable. It’s not yet on Amazon or typical online outlets, so reaching out to local Asus representatives for pricing and availability is advisable.

Notably, Asus also offers a traditional clamshell version, the BR1402C, with similar specifications.

Value: 4 / 5

ASUS BR1402F: Specifications

• Model: ASUS BR1402F
• CPU: Core i3-N305 processor (8 cores, 8 threads)
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
• RAM: 16GB DDR4 (max)
• Storage: 512GB NVMe M.2 2280 (Gen3)
• Display: 14.0-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen
• Ports:
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (supports display and power delivery)
• 1x USB 2.0 Type-C
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• 1x HDMI 1.4
• 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
• Networking: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Camera: 720p HD (no Windows Hello)
• OS: Windows 11 Pro Education (pre-installed)
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader on power button
• Power Supply: Type-C 60W (20V 3A)
• Dimensions: 33.29 x 22.89 x 2.1mm
• TPD Limit: 15W
• Battery: 50WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
• Weight: 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs)

ASUS BR1402F Review: Design

• Solid
• Weighty
• Versatile 2-in-1 Functionality

As per Asus’ design directive, the BR1402F was built to withstand the rigors of a child’s use. The result is a robust 2-in-1 design that balances well.

Coated in Asus’ ‘Mineral Grey’ dark plastic, it boasts surfaces that are easy to clean on top and a grippable texture underneath.

To accommodate a full-sized Ethernet port, the base thickens to 1.5cm, making the closed laptop 2.1cm thick throughout.

While resilient with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, it carries a substantial 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs) weight, making all-day portability challenging, especially for those with lower wrist strength.

The 2-in-1 feature allows flexible laptop, tablet, and ‘tent’ modes, but it doesn’t retract the keyboard when in tablet mode, though it does deactivate it.

A 13cm stylus resides along the left edge, easily deployable and rechargeable, lacking a lanyard for easy access.

The 360-degree hinge situates all ports on the sides, with none on the front or rear.

The design includes a commendably sized trackpad and a Chiclet keyboard with adequate key travel and spill resistance. While a numeric pad could enhance it, the key action compensates.

Design: 4 / 5

ASUS BR1402F Review: Features

• Utilizes Intel Core-i3
• Limited to 9 PCIe Lanes
• Lacks Windows Hello

Perhaps our experience with Core-i7 and Ryzen 7 systems has raised performance expectations, but Core-i3 on the BR1402F seems less impressive.

This disparity becomes glaring when you boot up the system, facing a seemingly endless stream of Microsoft updates, which can take up to five or six hours, contingent on your internet speed.

The port arrangement appears somewhat puzzling; for instance, the USB-C charging port is USB 2.0, and all USB ports are Gen1 (5Gbps), not Gen2 (10Gbps).

This peculiarity finds its roots in the underlying platform, with the chip supporting only nine PCI Express 3.0 lanes. Four of these are claimed by the NVMe M.2 storage slot, leaving a mere five lanes to divvy up among multiple components.

Regrettably, this bandwidth constraint precludes the inclusion of Gen2 ports, a consequence of the platform’s limited performance.

Regarding the camera, it has a privacy cover but lacks Windows Hello. The solitary biometric option is an optional fingerprint reader on the power button.

Features: 3.5 / 5

ASUS BR1402F: Performance

• Sluggish
• Underwhelming NVMe Scores

Here are the ASUS BR1402F benchmark results:

• 3DMark:
• Wild Life: 4,934
• Fire Strike: 859
• Time Spy: 657
• Cinebench R23 CPU:
• Single core: 957
• Multi-core: 5,069
• Ratio: 5.3
• GeekBench 5:
• Single core: 1,072
• Multi-core: 5,069
• OpenCL: 6,970
• CrystalDiskMark:
• Sequential Read: 1,780 MB/s
• Sequential Write: 3,884 MB/s
• PC Mark 10:
• Office Test: 3,628
• Battery Test: 9hrs 55m
• Windows Experience Index:
• Score: 8.0

In comparison to older Core-i5 or Ryzen 5 processors, the Core i3-N305 on the BR1402F disappoints across various performance aspects.

Curiously, it achieved a Windows Experience Index of 8.0 despite lackluster processor and graphics performance, as well as subpar NVMe speeds.

Multi-core processing, a potential strength with its eight cores, falls short. Gaming or demanding graphical tasks aren’t suitable for this platform.

The most concerning performance aspect is the CrystalDiskMark scores, significantly below the expected performance for the Micron 2400 NVMe. It appears the M.2 slot may not be fully utilizing its potential.

In summary, the BR1402F doesn’t excel in performance.

Performance: 2.5 / 5

ASUS BR1402F: Verdict

Debating Windows as a tablet OS isn’t our focus. The BR1402F offers versatility as a laptop or a limited-use Windows tablet. It handles basic tasks and endures the rigors of education.

However, it lacks the power for demanding tasks or graphics-intensive work, limiting its adaptability over time. Notably, its budget-friendly price sets it apart.

SHOULD YOU BUY AN ASUS BR1402F?

• Value: Inexpensive and well-built: 4 / 5
• Design: Sturdy and repair-friendly, though heavy: 4 / 5
• Features: Lackluster CPU impacts port selection: 3.5 / 5
• Performance: Adequate for basic use but slow: 3 / 5
• Overall: Chunky and robust with a 10-hour battery: 4 / 5