Asus Fonepad The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network Technology

The Asus Fonepad supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, allowing for reliable 2G and 3G connectivity. Users can enjoy voice calls over GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. The device also supports HSDPA networks on 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz bands, providing decent 3G speed for browsing and downloads up to 21.1 Mbps, with upload speeds reaching up to 5.76 Mbps.

Launch

Announced in February 2013 and released in April of the same year, the Asus Fonepad was introduced as a budget-friendly phablet option. Despite being discontinued, it left a mark as an affordable device that combined phone and tablet functionalities.

Body

The Asus Fonepad features dimensions of 196.4 x 120.1 x 10.4 mm (7.73 x 4.73 x 0.41 inches) and weighs 340 grams (11.99 ounces). This weight and size combination makes it a bit heftier than typical smartphones but still compact enough for a 7-inch tablet, striking a balance between portability and screen real estate. The device supports a Micro-SIM card for phone functionalities.

Display

The device comes equipped with a 7.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 ratio which results in about 216 pixels per inch density. While not the sharpest display by modern standards, it provides vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, suitable for media consumption and casual use.

Platform

The Fonepad runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, delivering a stock Android experience with access to Google's extensive app ecosystem. It incorporates an Intel Atom processor, either the Z2420 or Z2460, with clock speeds of 1.2 GHz or 1.6 GHz respectively. Coupled with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU, the device handles basic multitasking and media applications adequately for its time.

Memory and Storage

The device offers two internal storage options, 8GB and 16GB, both paired with 1GB of RAM. While modest, these configurations are sufficient for light to moderate use cases. Additionally, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDHC card slot allows for expandable storage, providing flexibility for users who require more space for apps, photos, and media files.

Camera

The Asus Fonepad features a 3.15 MP main camera with autofocus, available in selected markets. While basic, it can capture 720p video, sufficient for casual photography and video recording needs. The front-facing camera is a 1.2 MP shooter, intended for video calls rather than high-quality selfies.

Sound

For audio, the Fonepad includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, supporting the use of earphones or external speakers. This makes it well-suited for listening to music or watching videos without reliance on Bluetooth or additional adapters.

Connectivity

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet access, with hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support facilitates wireless audio streaming and device connectivity. The device also integrates GPS and GLONASS for location services, ensuring robust navigational support. However, it lacks NFC and FM radio functionality. For wired connections, it’s equipped with a microUSB 2.0 port.

Features

The tablet includes sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a digital compass. These sensors enhance user interaction by enabling screen orientation changes, app functionalities relying on motion, and simplified navigation through the interface.

Battery

The Asus Fonepad is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4270 mAh battery, delivering up to 9 hours of multimedia usage on a full charge. This battery life ensures that the device can handle extended periods of usage throughout the day without requiring frequent recharging.

Miscellaneous

The device is available in two color options: Titanium Gray and Champagne Gold, allowing some level of personalization in its appearance. Priced at about 260 EUR at launch, the Fonepad offered a cost-effective alternative in the market for those seeking both tablet functionalities and phone capabilities in a single device.

Conclusion

The Asus Fonepad represents a blend of smartphone and tablet features, catering to users interested in the convenience of a larger display without sacrificing phone capabilities. Despite its discontinuation, its legacy as an affordable dual-purpose device continues to resonate with early adopters of phablet technology. With its moderate specifications and practical design, the Asus Fonepad remains a noteworthy example of early attempts to integrate mobile phone functionalities into larger form-factor devices.