A smartphone that transforms into a tablet that transforms into a laptop. That’s probably the best way to describe the Asus PadFone. It’s a handheld device like no other, at least at the moment, and it’s one of the few Android-based products available on the market that you could say is really fueled by innovation. So is it as interesting in real life as it is on paper?
As a smartphone, the PadFone is a high-end contender. Its main features include a 4.3-inch qHD screen, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, up to 64GB of storage, and 1GB of onboard RAM. Its battery, which has a capacity of 1,520mAh, can provide up to 8 hours of 3G talk time per charge. It also has Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, Wi-Fi n, USB connectivity and support for HSDPA data. And all of these fit nicely inside a case that has a mere 9mm thick profile.
Once you plug it into its proprietary tablet dock, it becomes a non-smartphone. It effectively transforms into a tablet, just like the popular Transformer tablets from Asus itself. What it gets from the tablet dock is more screen, more connectivity options, and more battery life.
It's interesting because it’s essentially three products in one. Is it worth buying? Maybe. Is it worth buying at such a price? That’s something you probably have to decide for yourself.
Need to Know: Asus PadFone
1. Easily transforms from smartphone mode to tablet mode to laptop mode in just a few seconds. (The Good)
2. High-end smartphone features like a large touchscreen display and plenty of internal storage. (The Good)
3. Older version of the Android software. (The Bad)
4. Quite expensive. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Chong Jinn Xiung, Mobile88It doesn't matter if you plan to use the PadFone as a phone, a tablet for playing game or doing work because it'll serve you well in all three areas.In terms of performance, the dual-core processor handled Android 4.0 smoothly without hitches. It is also great for watching movies and playing most ga...
- Victor H., PhoneArenaDespite what Asus achieved with the PadFone, this attempt alone is worth applause - it creates a category of its own.
- Ross Catanzarit, Tech AdvisorThre Asus Padfone is a nice idea and one that in time could work, but right now there are just too many things that do not operatate smoothly enough for it to be considered a success. ASUS clearly hasn't found an efficient way to combine both smartphone and tablet modes seamlessly, a critical issue...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Asus PadFone user manual here.
Asus backs up the PadFone with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your PadFone has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Asus support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Asus's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Asus PadFone Manual (PDF)
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