Asus fonepad

This is an effective tablet, but also a tough smartphone! The fonepad inaugurates the era of "phablettes" Asus in this time with a 7-inch screen worthy of a true small digital slate. Equipped with a good screen and an attractive aluminum casing, the device is comfortable to use thanks to the responsiveness of the interface. Its function "phone" may, however, leave the user perplexed, because it is not a matter of wearing the device to his ear because of its size and weight (340 grams).

And because the Taiwanese manufacturer has not compromised on the template of the device, while phablettes Samsung and Sony (Xperia Galaxy Mega and Ultra Z) has a slightly smaller screen, especially a housing thinner and lighter (a little over 6 inches and 200 grams). Clearly, the fonepad is a 7-inch tablet that can connect to 3G, texting and phone calls. So be sure to keep in a purse or briefcase, and use a hands-free kit (wireless preferably a wired one is provided), with little hope of effectively replace a smartphone.

A very original point

But for the rest, the fonepad is a pleasure to use. Its Android system is fast, and the animations are fluid interface in all circumstances, even in the heaviest web pages. While Samsung, LG or HTC substitute their own graphic interface than Android, Asus simply just slightly touch the system. The drop-down notification panel has been redesigned for better access to basic parameters of the device (WiFi, data, Bluetooth, etc.).. The manufacturer also adds a new start menu to open small floating windows to use multiple applications simultaneously. A true multitasking that will appeal to advanced users.

We well recognize here Asus, which offers features designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, but leave the coup beginners side. If all the features and applications added by Asus are very useful (file explorer, backup applications, etc..), Their interface is too austere to seduce inexperienced user.

Very powerful but enduring

Despite its high-end appearance, the fonepad is a "low-cost" slate to less than 220 euros. So it features a few swift processor that does not allow him to run sophisticated video games. It will therefore be limited to a purely office use (Internet, email, basic 2D games, etc..). The screen also displays the phablette a beautiful image with realistic colors, but its brightness is too low for use in direct sunlight. However, these small weaknesses allow fonepad provide a very satisfying life: 27 hours in voice chat (screen off), nearly 7 hours of video playback and 8 hours of 3G web browsing. In standby, the fonepad hardly consumes energy and thus can survive several days without recharging.

If fonepad approaches ultimately more of a tablet than a smartphone, this device is a good deal with his broken price (219 euros), with a 3G phone function and no extra cost!

Nokia Lumia 925

The range of Windows Phone Nokia has a new top model, the Lumia 925. With this smartphone, the Finnish manufacturer announced uen picture quality further improved. We tested this mobile to make sure.

reality

With its new Lumia 925, Nokia Windows Phone book that hits both his photograph skills by its overall performance. With a comfortable grip and a lot lighter in the pocket than its predecessor 920 (139 g against 185 g), the new Lumia adopts a rejuvenated with a back polycarbonate design and brushed metal strapping. With, also, a large high-definition 4.5-inch screen, 925 wins with finesse but lacks the hull compatible with wireless charging (induction) of 920. Burden on the consumer to purchase an additional hull equipped with the device for benefit (30 euros). However, we can only lament the lack of microSD (requires finesse!): The user must be content with 14.5 GB available and 7 GB of virtual SkyDrive. A shame for a device-oriented multimedia.

Talent for photography and video in low light

As one of the high-end Windows Phone, the Lumia 925 has the latest version of the Microsoft operating system. It provides, for example, support for FM radio. But Nokia has especially benefited from this improved version to optimize image processing (Pureview) and add new features. Gain quality pictures in low light with 8.7-megapixel image sensor is quite stunning, surpassing the already excellent 920. In bright light, the 925 is among the best in photo as video. Is appealing multimedia enthusiasts, especially the moving bed major video formats up to 1080p and enjoy the exclusive Nokia services (Music, GPS, etc). Ultimate good surprise, the 925 wins considerably autonomy from the 920 and especially surfing on 3G network (over 10 h). Only downside, it uncomfortably hot when used intensively.

Compatible with 4G and NFC

Equipped for the new 4G networks and NFC transfers, Lumia adds to its good performance equipment choice as the largest AMOLED screen with vivid colors and deep blacks or double solid heart at 1.5 GHz processor. In the limit, of course, the restrictions imposed by Microsoft. Windows Phone does not yet support full HD, NFC or even HDMI or MHL output video type definition. Like its predecessor, the 925 can be used with gloved hands with a hyper sensitive touch interface. The MicroUSB port on the device has now be at the top of the screen which can be problematic for those who want to clip the mobile on a dock. Finally, note that the innovations introduced by Amber, the new version of Windows Phone 8 fitted to the 925, such as FM radio or clock display on the screen saver should be deployed before the end of August on all Windows Phone. Similarly, some Lumia benefit from the return of the new settings pictures present on the 925.

Thanks to its autonomy and its picture / video capabilities - especially in low light conditions, is rare enough to be mentioned - the Lumia 925 Windows Phone is one of the best. Penalized by its non-stretch in the absence of MicroSD memory card reader, it takes second place in our ranking just behind ATIV S from Samsung.