ASUS Padfone X Mini Hybrid Smartphone / Tablet Review
Introduction and Specifications
ASUS is a relative newcomer to the smartphone market in the US, but they have had worldwide presence for quite some time. Overseas customers have long enjoyed access to devices such as a giant 7-inch smartphone that makes American phablets look tiny by comparison. Even though most consumers are no longer put off by holding up 5 - 6 inch phones to their head, 7 inches is stretching it. So, when it came time to make inroads here in the states, ASUS went a slightly different route with the Padfone X Mini.
As was the case with the Padfone X, released earlier this year, the Mini is a 2-in-1 device: it's a smartphone and tablet. The two don't work separately, however. Instead, the smartphone acts as the tablet's brains, a concept you may recognize if you remember the Motorola Lapdock. Now that Android is one operating system whether the screen is big or small, it's possible to switch between the two modes with minimal extra coding on the backed, which should result in a smooth and familiar experience whether the Padfone is being used as a phone or a tablet.
With a concept like this you might expect a high price. Not so. This device is available on AT&T's prepaid Go Phone service and costs $199 outright. No contract, no monthly payments.
That alone makes the Padfone X Mini intriguing. Then there's the fact that phone and tablet are the same device with the same files, apps, and data plan. Take a look at the video and spec below and then we'll dive a little deeper on the pages ahead...
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Accessories PlatformForm Factor Color Dimensions Phone: Pad: Weight Phone: Pad: CPU Memory Memory Slot Modem Connectivity Technology Network Standard 3G : 2G : 4G: Navigation Display Phone: Pad: Battery Phone: Pad: Camera Phone: Pad: Accessories Platform
Form Factor
Color
Dimensions
Phone:
Pad:
Weight
Phone:
Pad:
CPU
Memory
Memory Slot
Modem
Connectivity Technology
Network Standard
3G :
2G :
4G:
Navigation
Display
Phone:
Pad:
Battery
Phone:
Pad:
Camera
Phone:
Pad:
Accessories |
Android 4.4 (KitKat ) with ZenUI Bar Type Black 132.2 x 66.2 x 12.6 mm (WxDxH) 203.8 x 119.4 x 21.2 mm (WxDxH) 149 g (with battery) 300 g Intel Atom Z2560 ( 1.6 GHz ) 8 GB / 1 GB RAM MicroSD card (up to 64 GB) Intel 7160 WLAN 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth V4.0 UMTS: 850/1900/2100 GSM : 850/900/1800/1900, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900 GPS & GLONASS 4.5inches, FWVGA 7.0 inches, WXGA 1280x800 2060 mAh Li-Polymer 2200 mAh Li-Polymer (non-removable) Front 2 Mega-Pixel Rear 5 Mega-Pixel Front 1 Mega-Pixel Main Battery USB sync Cable 3.5mm Wired Headset with Mic Travel Charger Kit (10W) |
Find the Asus Padfone X Mini @ Amazon.com
