Comprehensive Review Asus Zenpad 10 Z300M Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Asus ZenPad 10 Z300M

The Asus ZenPad 10 Z300M, released in May 2016, represents a sturdy entrant into the affordable tablet market. While it has been discontinued, its features and specifications provide insight into the design philosophy and technological environment of mid-2016. This tablet caters to users who require basic functionality, multimedia consumption, and casual browsing.

Design and Build Quality

The device features dimensions of 251.6 x 172 x 7.9 mm, making it relatively compact for a 10-inch tablet. Weighing 490 grams, it balances well between sturdiness and portability. Although it's not the lightest tablet on the market, its weight gives it a substantial feel, suggesting durability. The ZenPad 10 Z300M is available in three colors: Dark Gray, Pearl White, and Rose Gold, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Display

The tablet sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. While the screen resolution translates to about 149 pixels per inch, which is modest by today's standards, it suffices for everyday tasks like reading and watching videos. The inclusion of an oleophobic coating helps in reducing fingerprint marks, maintaining screen clarity.

Performance and Hardware

The ZenPad 10 Z300M is powered by a Mediatek MT8163 chipset built on a 28 nm process, featuring a 1.5 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and a Mali-T720MP2 GPU. This combination caters to basic multitasking needs and casual gaming. It comes with 2GB of RAM, facilitating smooth performance for ordinary applications and tasks.

Storage and Expandability

In terms of storage, the tablet offers two internal options: 16GB and 32GB. While the storage might seem limited for modern media needs, it supports expansion via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, providing flexibility for users who need additional space for apps and media.

Camera Capabilities

On the back, there is a 5 MP camera equipped with autofocus, sufficient for basic photography needs in good lighting conditions. The ability to record video allows for documenting experiences when necessary. For selfies and video calls, a 2 MP front camera is available, providing functional yet basic performance.

Audio Features

Audio quality on the ZenPad 10 Z300M is supported by stereo speakers, which offer a satisfactory audio experience for watching videos and listening to music. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows for direct connection to audio equipment without requiring adapters.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the tablet supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX support, enhancing audio quality over Bluetooth connections. GPS and GLONASS provide accurate location services. However, the tablet lacks cellular connectivity, limiting its use to Wi-Fi networks for internet access. The device includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

For detecting motion and orientation, the tablet is equipped with an accelerometer and a compass. These sensors improve the user experience in applications that require movement or navigation.

Battery Life

The Asus ZenPad 10 Z300M houses a non-removable Li-Po 4890 mAh battery, rated for up to 11 hours of multimedia use. While this capacity might seem modest for extended travel or long usage sessions, it competently handles daily activities with easy recharge cycles.

Operating System

The tablet runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which, at the time of its release, was a contemporary operating system offering a solid platform for apps and features. Although no longer the latest version, it still supports a wide variety of applications available in the Google Play Store.

Conclusion

In summary, the Asus ZenPad 10 Z300M is tailored towards users looking for a straightforward tablet for basic multimedia, casual gaming, and internet browsing. Its design and features, including a decent display, expandable storage, and satisfactory battery life, make it a competent choice for budget-conscious consumers. Despite its limitations, such as the absence of cellular connectivity and relatively modest processing power, it serves as an example of Asus's entry-level tablet offerings during its time.