Asus PadFone Mini Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Asus PadFone Mini

The Asus PadFone Mini was a distinctive entry in the smartphone market, offering a unique hybrid concept that combined the features of a smartphone and a tablet. Released in December 2014, it embarks on presenting the benefits of both worlds. Despite being discontinued, it still garners attention due to its innovative design and functionality. This detailed analysis will guide you through its features and capabilities.

Design and Build

The Asus PadFone Mini features a compact and lightweight build, weighing only 105 grams and having dimensions of 129.3 x 65.6 x 8.7 mm. The device's design incorporates a dual-SIM functionality, accommodating two micro-SIMs with dual standby, making it an ideal choice for business professionals and frequent travelers. Available in multiple colors including Titanium Black, Platinum White, and Soft Pink, the PadFone Mini provides options for users to choose a device that suits their personal style.

Display

The PadFone Mini is equipped with a 4.3-inch Super IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi. While this may not compete with the high-resolution screens of contemporary devices, it suffices for everyday tasks and media consumption, providing clear and vibrant visuals.

Performance

Under the hood, the Asus PadFone Mini is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 chipset. Its quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Adreno 305 GPU ensure reliable performance for routine tasks. Coupled with 1GB of RAM, the device can handle multitasking effectively, though it might struggle under heavier loads. The phone originally ran on Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), an older version of the Android operating system.

Storage

In terms of storage, the PadFone Mini offers 16GB of internal memory. It also features a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing for expandable storage to accommodate more apps, photos, and media files. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for users who require additional space.

Camera Capabilities

The device sports an 8 MP main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of capturing decent quality images under good lighting conditions. Video recording is supported, but details regarding the resolution and frame rate are unspecified. Additionally, the front-facing camera is 2 MP, adequate for basic selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

One of the critical aspects of any mobile device is battery life. The Asus PadFone Mini comes with a removable Li-Po 1500 mAh battery. Although modest by today's standards, it promises up to 22 hours of talk time on a 3G network and a standby time of up to 114 hours, both on 2G and 3G networks. This ensures the device can endure a day of average use without needing frequent recharges.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM and HSPA technologies, covering various 2G and 3G bands that include GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 as well as HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP is available for wireless connectivity with a range of peripherals. GPS and GLONASS provide robust positioning services, although NFC and radio are not supported.

Additional Features

The PadFone Mini incorporates essential sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These features aid in enhancing user experience and allow for various functionalities, including screen orientation detection and location-based services.

Pricing and Market Position

At the time of its release, the Asus PadFone Mini was priced at approximately 290 Euros. This pricing positioned it as a mid-range option, targeting users interested in the novel combination of smartphone and tablet capabilities without the need for two separate devices.

Conclusion

In summary, the Asus PadFone Mini stands out as an innovative device that successfully integrates the utility of a smartphone with that of a tablet. While its hardware might not match contemporary high-end smartphones, its unique design and functionality made it a practical choice for users seeking versatility. Despite its discontinuation, the PadFone Mini remains a testament to Asus's ingenuity in creating devices that challenge the conventional boundaries of mobile technology.