Asus PadFone Infinity 2 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Asus PadFone Infinity 2

The Asus PadFone Infinity 2, announced in September 2013 and released in October 2013, was a unique device catering to those who sought the functionality of both smartphone and tablet in one. Through its innovative design, it allowed users to dock the smartphone into a dedicated slot on a tablet, transforming it into a full-fledged tablet. This concept of versatility set it apart from other smartphones at the time. Although the device has since been discontinued, it still garners interest due to its distinctive features and capabilities.

Design and Build

The PadFone Infinity 2 sports a sleek and elegant design that is characteristic of Asus devices. With dimensions of 143.5 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm and weighing in at 145 grams, it offers a comfortable grip suitable for prolonged usage. The device uses a Nano-SIM and features a durable build with Corning Gorilla Glass protection for the screen, adding to its robustness against everyday wear and tear.

Display

The device comes with a 5.0-inch Super IPS+ LCD display, boasting a full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. This offers a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, ensuring sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The display size, combined with the quality, provided an excellent viewing experience for both media consumption and productivity tasks.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, the PadFone Infinity 2 features a quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This hardware configuration was among the top performers in its time, providing smooth multitasking and handling graphic-intensive applications with ease. The device came with 2GB of RAM, which, while standard at the time, efficiently complemented its processing power.

Operating System

The device originally ran on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) and was upgradable to Android 5.0 (Lollipop). The upgrade allowed users to enjoy improved functionality and security features, extending the device's usefulness in the rapidly evolving tech landscape of mobile operating systems.

Storage

Users had the option to choose between 16GB and 32GB of internal storage. Additionally, the presence of a dedicated microSDXC card slot provided expandable storage options, which was a significant advantage for those requiring extra space for apps, media, and documents.

Camera Capabilities

The PadFone Infinity 2 was equipped with a 13 MP rear camera with autofocus capabilities and an LED flash, enabling users to capture high-quality images. It supported video recording of 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera was 2 MP, ensuring decent-quality selfies and video calls. Both cameras were well-regarded for their performance in various lighting conditions.

Battery Life

The device featured a non-removable Li-Po 2400 mAh battery. This provided a standby time of up to 410 hours on 3G networks and a talk time of up to 19 hours. Such battery performance was quite commendable, ensuring users could rely on the device for extended use throughout the day.

Connectivity and Sensors

The PadFone Infinity 2 was well-equipped in terms of connectivity. It supported GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, covering a broad spectrum of network needs. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct allowed for robust and versatile wireless connectivity. Furthermore, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, FM radio, GPS with GLONASS, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG were all available, supporting a wide range of peripherals and usage scenarios.

Audio and Multimedia

The device came with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to users who preferred traditional wired headphones. Its audio output quality was praised for being clear and adequately loud for personal use and multimedia consumption.

Pricing and Availability

At its launch, the Asus PadFone Infinity 2 was priced around 730 EUR, positioning it in the premium segment of the smartphone market. It was offered in Titanium Black and Platinum White, appealing to a wide array of preferences. Despite being discontinued, it remains a notable example of Asus' innovative approach to mobile technology.

Conclusion

The Asus PadFone Infinity 2 remains a device of interest due to its innovative tablet-docking functionality and solid specifications for its time. It exemplified forward-thinking in mobile device integration and connectivity, setting the stage for future innovations in hybrid device concepts. While newer devices have surpassed it in terms of raw performance and features, it retains a legacy of innovation and versatility in mobile technology history.