Asus recently launched their competitively priced 7-inch Android phone and tablet device which is the Fonepad. This Intel-powered device will be available by the last week of May starting at Php11,999 for the 8GB, and Php14,999 for the 32GB.
We were able to play with the Fonepad a couple of months ago and we weren’t that ecstatic about its performance. However, we got word that the 32GB version that will be available here will sport a 1.6GHz single-core Intel Atom Z2460 processor instead of the 1.2GHz originally used.
You might be wondering how does a single-core Intel Atom processor fare on an Android device. Well it’s surprisingly good actually now that the firmware has been updated to support it properly. Regular use (navigation, pinch to zoom, scrolling through the gallery) posed little to no lags and is comparable to other next-generation dual-core chips in the market today.
Here’s the Antutu benchmark score of the 32GB Fonepad. A far cry from 5588 score of the Fonepad with the old firmware we tried last March.
However, Quadrant score is low but it might have something to do with the benchmark tool not recognizing the potential of Intel’s Hyper Threading Technology available for the Atom processor.
The Fonepad also has a microSD slot to give you more storage options. It only has a 3-megapixel rear camera with no flash but it also has a 1.2-megapixel front camera with an above average aperture opening. Asus wants this to be more useful for video chatting rather than regular photography.
Asus Philippines Technical PR Specialist, Eason de Guzman Jr., highlighted that with its affordable price, you will get a phablet with a premium-feel. It’s currently the only 7-inch tablet in the market with a brushed-aluminum body. It also has a 1280 x 800 HD IPS display to give you more bang for your money.
With it’s 4270mAh battery and Intel Atom’s low-power requirements, the Asus Fonepad will net you about 1.5 days on moderate use which is not bad for a 7-inch phone/ tablet-in-one device.
Aside from the two version, the Asus Fonepad will also be available in two colors: Titanium Gray and Champagne Gold.
ASUS Fonepad Specs: |
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7-inch 1,280 x 800 IPS 10-finger multitouch display, 216 ppi |
1.2GHz single-core Intel Atom Z2420 processor | 1.6GHz single-core Intel Atom Z2460 processor |
PowerVR SGX540 GPU |
1GB RAM |
8GB | 32GB internal storage, microSD up to 32GB |
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean |
3-megapixel rear camera, no flash |
720p HD video recording @ 30 fps |
1.2-megapixel front camera |
microSIM |
HSDPA 21 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps |
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot |
Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP |
No FM Radio |
GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS |
4270mAh battery |
196.4 x 120.1 x 10.4 mm |
340 g |
SRP: Php11,999 (8GB) | Php14,999 (32GB) |