Google and Asus may have partnered together to create Google’s Nexus 7 tablet but that didn’t prevent Asus from introducing their own Android tablet. The Asus MeMo Pad is a 7” tablet that has marketed itself as the more affordable version of the Nexus 7. And while it might not stand out from the budget tablet crowd, it does offer smooth basic performance and a solid design.
For consumers who like the look and feel of the Nexus but not the price tag, the MeMo Pad delivers on the aesthetic front. The tablet itself practically has the same dimensions as the Nexus 7 and a similar textured back. But that’s where the similarities end.
Unlike the HD Nexus, the MeMo Pad screen resolution is not HD quality as it maxes out at 1024x600. Most average consumers might not be able to tell the difference, however it is noticeable to people who are used to 720p or 1080p screens. Like most tablets in its class, the MeMo Pad offers a responsive touch screen, WiFi and a forward facing camera for video chat. In addition, the MeMo Pad offers a choice of 8GB or 16GB of onboard storage as well as an expandable micro-SD slot. The VIA WM8950 Single core 1 GHz processor functions smoothly with simple tasks like surfing the internet or checking emails. Unfortunately, it does have issues with graphics or memory intensive apps like games.
Aside from the non-HD screen quality and poor processor speed, another major drawback of the MeMo Pad is its battery life. When used normally, the tablet lasts around three hours. While not horrible, it certainly is not convenient for people who depend on their tablet for updates via email or calendar notices when they are traveling. The tablet also has connectivity issues as it does not allow for bluetooth syncing and the WiFi card only connects to 2.4 GHz bands.
For the price, the MeMo Pad is a decent tablet in its class. While the specs and software cannot rival the Nexus 7” or other premium tablets, the MeMo Pad is still a decent tablet for consumers who simply want to surf the web and listen to some music on the go.
The Good: Expandable micro-SD slot, low price, sleek design and sturdy build.
The Bad: Poor battery life, non-HD screen, poor CPU performance when playing gaming apps.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Neha Sinha, appPickerJOKES. is the kind of app that I'd encourage everyone to get on their iPhone or iPad. It's free, lightweight, self-contained, and packed with great content! I hope the developers look into the issue with the crashes and fix it in a future version.
- Quentyn Kennemer, PhandroidThat there isn’t anything here to amaze us isn’t a knock on ASUS — for $150, you can’t really expect the world. I know I shouldn’t lead everything off with a “but the price” declaration, but when you consider who and what this device was intended for it real...
- Eugene Kim, ITProPortalThe Asus MeMO Pad ME172V isn't going to knock out any of the flagship small-screen tablets out there, but it's not meant to. At £129 it’s a more affordable Android option, and it's from a reputable tablet maker. The MeMO Pad isn't for gamers or power users, but it offers a solid exp...
- Phil Nickinson, Android CommunityThere's a fine line between a quality, low-cost tablet and an underpowered, low-resolution tablet that happens to run Android and also doesn't cost all that much money. And that line, we've discovered, is about $50. It's not often that we pick up a new device -- and quickly want to put it down agai...
- John V., PhoneArenaDon’t let its $150 cost fool you, just because it fulfills that age old adage of “you get what you pay for.” Sure it’s cheap, but there’s good reason for that. Naturally, its outdated specs and low-res display make it extremely obviously, but its molasses slow performan...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Ask the Community
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Asus MeMO Pad Manual (PDF)
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.
