Asus Memo Pad 8 ME581CL Full Specs Pricing and Review

Overview

The Asus Memo Pad 8 ME581CL is a versatile and compact tablet designed for everyday use. Announced in June 2014 and released in the third quarter of the same year, this device aimed to offer a solid balance of design, performance, and affordability. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a noteworthy model from Asus's lineup of tablets.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 213 x 123 x 7.5 mm and a weight of 299 grams, the Memo Pad 8 ME581CL is both sleek and lightweight, making it convenient for on-the-go use. The tablet's design incorporates a sturdy build with an appealing aesthetic, coming in colors like White, Pink, and Blue. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides additional protection against scratches and drops, ensuring durability over time.

Display

The device features an 8.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels. This translates to a 16:10 aspect ratio and a pixel density of roughly 283 ppi, delivering sharp and vivid visuals suitable for browsing, reading, and media consumption. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, enhancing the user's visual experience.

Performance

Powering the Memo Pad 8 is the Intel Atom Z3580 chipset, featuring a quad-core 2.3 GHz processor. This is complemented by the PowerVR G6430 GPU, offering smooth graphics performance. With 2GB of RAM, the system can handle multitasking and basic applications with ease, although it might struggle with more demanding apps or heavy multitasking.

Operating System

The tablet runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. At the time of its release, KitKat was known for optimizing performance and introducing several features like better multitasking and improved memory management. However, as this Android version is now dated, users may miss out on the latest software features and updates.

Storage

The Memo Pad 8 is available in two storage options: 16GB and 32GB. Unfortunately, there is no card slot for expanding storage, which might be a limitation for users requiring more space for apps, media, and other files. Users will need to manage their storage carefully, possibly relying on cloud services for additional capacity.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, the Memo Pad 8 offers basic photography options. It can capture videos and decent photos in well-lit environments but lacks advanced features and quality found in more recent devices. The 1.2 MP front camera is suitable for video calls and selfies but also depends on good lighting for acceptable results.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes stereo speakers, enhancing the audio experience when watching videos or listening to music. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also available, offering compatibility with a range of wired headsets for private listening.

Connectivity

The Memo Pad 8 supports a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP. It is equipped with GPS and GLONASS for positioning services and has NFC capabilities for quick data exchanges. However, it lacks a radio function and uses a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Network Compatibility

The device is equipped to handle GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, with supported bands for broader network compatibility across regions. Its capable of delivering data speeds up to 42.2 Mbps with HSPA and LTE Cat4 speeds of up to 150 Mbps, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming experiences where applicable.

Battery Life

With a non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery, the Memo Pad 8 is designed to offer up to 9 hours of multimedia use. While it may not stand out in terms of battery longevity compared to more modern tablets, it provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use without requiring a charge.

Sensors and Additional Features

The tablet is equipped with an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, which aid in navigation and various application functionalities. Despite its entry-level status, the inclusion of these sensors adds value and rounds out its feature set.

Conclusion

While the Asus Memo Pad 8 ME581CL might not boast cutting-edge specifications or the latest software, it serves well as a practical device for casual users who need a reliable and user-friendly tablet. Its combination of decent performance, reasonable battery life, and a good quality display make it a solid choice for media consumption, web browsing, and light productivity tasks, especially valued by those looking for budget-friendly options.