ASUS FonePad

CSI’s Best Evidence

A phone is a phone and a tablet is a tablet, right? Well, that is what I thought at first. Sadly, the tech world tends to disagree with me. I was bombarded with 5in smartphones that manufacturers called phablets. Then, I assumed things will stay stagnant there. But no! ASUS decides to unleash its FonePad. Is this the real smartphone and tablet hybrid? I really don’t know…but I have a job to do!

FEELS RIGHT

 Knowing ASUS’ design history with aluminium and plastic, the constructions of the FonePad is a true work of art. It may look like any other tablet but the use of aluminium at the back made all the differences. The use of metal makes the tablet somehow feel more premium in my hand. Also, for the rest of the review, I will be referring to this device as a tablet (with voice calling capabilities) to stop my brain from hurting.

THREE THUMBS UP 

Let me get this out of the way: this screen is the embodiment of the term “fingerprint magnet”. In those few seconds of holding it, the whole front quickly became stained. Putting this aside, the PadFone’s display produces vibrant colours and great details when viewing pictures and watching movies. If only it wasn’t overly reflective. Nevertheless, I give this screen quality my two thumbs up. A third if I can cut my colleague’s thumb off. I will try. 

FIRST INTEL TABLET

Forget about the Tegra 3 processor as this tablet uses a 1.2 GHz Intel Atom processor. With an Intel inside, ASUS can boast that the FonePad is the world’s first tablet to operate with a proper CPU inside. Combined with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the tablet runs rather smoothly. However, it doesn’t handle multitasking as well as I thought it would. Performance lag appears when I have a lot of apps running in the background. Apps don’t even open immediately sometimes as they experience a slight delay. 

CALLING CAPABILITIES 

So, what does it feel like to be using a tablet that doubles up as a phone? One word and it will be typed out in caps: AWKWARD. Whenever someone called me during my time with the FonePad, I feel like throwing stuff at them eventhough it is not their fault. Putting a 7in tablet to my face is a very bizarre experience. Worst is how half of my face stains the display. Those guys from CSI will be delighted. It makes it easier to identify my burnt body if they can locate the tablet.

ASUS FONEPAD 

Dimensions 196.4 x 120.1 x 10.4 mm 

Weight 340 g 

Display 7 in IPS LCD, 1280 x 800 resolutions 

Processor 1.2 GHz Intel Atom Z2420 

GPU PowerVR SGX540 

Memory 1 GB RAM 

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean 

Connectivity WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, A-GPS 

Input microSD slot, SIM card slot, 3.5 mm audio jack 

Storage 8/16 GB, microSD up to 32 GB 

Battery 4270 mAh 

3DMark 2230/1151 (Extreme Mode) 

Quadrant 2530 

Antutu 8890


 

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