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!