Asus Padfone 2 Review
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Quickly glazing over the interface running on the Asus Padfone 2, it's evident that it's mostly sticking to a stock Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean experience. Of course, the homescreen is livened up with Asus' set of widgets – while the notifications panel gives us access to some of the device's connectivity features. Connecting it to the Padfone Station, though, we're glad to see some additional enhancements to the UI. For starters, it splashes some multi-tasking elements when the triangle shaped on-screen Android button is pressed. Actually, it's similar to the mini apps tray featured in Samsung's TouchWiz UI for tablets, where a select group of mini apps can be overlaid on top of whatever we're doing. Needless to say, it's an appreciated feature, but it would've been nice to see a larger selection. And lastly, the same dynamic display switch feature is in tow with this one as well, which makes for a smooth transition with certain apps when going from the smartphone to the tablet and vice versa – though, not all apps are supported.
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The user interface of the Asus Padfone 2 | |||
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Interface of the Padfone Station | |||
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The Onscreen keyboard of the Asus Padfone 2 | |||
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Keyboard when docked on the Padfone Station | |||
As for the usual set of core organizer apps, they don't deviate from what we're typically used to seeing. Thankfully, their layouts adapt to whatever we're using – whether it's the smartphone or tablet. And of course, it helps that the dynamic display switch feature makes for a smooth transition.
Processor and Memory:
Seriously, this isn't messing around one bit, as it's packing some firepower under the hood to keep its rivals in check. Specifically, the Padfone 2 is armed with a quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset with the Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB of RAM. Simply put it folks, it's a speed demon any way we dissect it. Heck, even graphically intensive live wallpapers are no match for it, since it exhibits the same consistent and smooth performance with everything.
| Quadrant Standard | AnTuTu | NenaMark 2 | |
| Asus Padfone 2 | 7446 | 21197 | 57 |
| LG Optimus G | 7669 | 9565 | 60,1 |
| Samsung Galaxy S III | 5335 | 15152 | 58,6 |
Unfortunately, neither the smartphone or Padfone Station is sporting a useful microSD slot, which means that you'll need to be mindful about using up its 16GB of internal storage.
Internet and Connectivity:
Needless to say, nothing is sweeter than being exposed to some buttery smooth executions with everything related to the web browsing experience. Not only do pages load extremely fast with this speed demon, but thanks to the high resolution display, fluid navigational controls, and instant page rendering, we can't help but praise the all-encompassing experience that the Padfone 2 offers in this specific category.
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Browsing the web on the Asus Padfone 2 is buttery smooth | |||
With our review unit, it's an unlocked GSM smartphone that features LTE connectivity on the 800/1800/2600MHz spectrum – while UMTS/HSPA is handled on the 900/2100MHz bands, which is unusable in the States resulting in 2G mode only. Much like its contemporaries, it's outfitted with the usual set of connectivity features that we commonly expect to find – such as aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, mobile hotspot functionality, and NFC.
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22 Comments
2. Commentator posted on 14 Feb 2013, 09:37 0
Hoping the next one revives the missing keyboard dock. I'd still prefer the OG Padfone because of that.
4. buccob posted on 14 Feb 2013, 09:51 9
Phonearena missed some very important features...
The PadFone 2 has MHL capabilities through the phone, and USB on the go via the Tablet Station.
The Camera is able to record video: 720p @ 60 frames per seconds, or 480p @ 90 fps!!
There are 3 available options for the PadFone, the 16 GB, 32 and 64GB and they did not mention it...
Your rating process sucks!...
This should be around 8.5...
Xperia Z should be at least a 9
Why dont you criticize the iPhone for being over price?
10. CanYouSeeTheLight posted on 14 Feb 2013, 11:31 2
I agree, IMO the iPhone is far more overpriced than this in my country this costs 799 euro 32gb unlocked with the Station and the iPhone costs 949€ for the 16 gig version unlocked. This is on one of the biggest retail stores of my country.
14. b1acktiger posted on 14 Feb 2013, 12:47 1
Coz iPhone gives you the value for money ? An apple product which is notoriously known for higher pricing will never be in over priced list. if some other manufacturer asks to pay for their innovation, thats a "over priced" phone. and yeah, Apple's non removable and no expandable features will never be a minus point for them.
17. buccob posted on 14 Feb 2013, 13:52 4
Yeah I guess thats their logic... Anyway, Asus is known for having quality+budget friendly devices... But at the same time they have expensive offerings...
The rating should be something standard and consistent at least among reviewers in the same web site.
So if you are pointing out that a phone does no have microSD slot... then point it out in all of other phones in the same category...
I really like this site for news and info... but I hate their phone reviews... very biased towards whats "popular" and not meant to be a deep insight review on a piece of technology.
GSMarena is best at reviewing... though they do not score phones... I guess they know better...
18. CanYouSeeTheLight posted on 14 Feb 2013, 15:16 0
Words of wisdom my friend! When it comes to reviews no website beats GSMArena or Anandtech, they know what they are doing and they at least know what features the phones have, unlike iPhonearena.
22. louiemapa posted on 15 Feb 2013, 02:31 0
I agree with you, this is more like a popularity contest.
8. lallolu posted on 14 Feb 2013, 10:36 2
It was released before full HD screens became the norm for the very high-end phones.
9. GG_SHAH posted on 14 Feb 2013, 10:50 0
Hm......
12. buccob posted on 14 Feb 2013, 12:43 1
Correct, it was release last year, but PA is a bit late to review it... although in their defense, Asus never released an American version, which is why I bought the Xperia Acro S and I am waiting for the Z
16. GG_SHAH posted on 14 Feb 2013, 13:24 0
So thats the reason :) .. thanks
19. jackhammeR posted on 14 Feb 2013, 15:19 0
geez dude...if 312 is not enough for you....check your eyes quickly
you're a victim of marketing and 1080p magic
7. lallolu posted on 14 Feb 2013, 10:35 0
It is too expensive and I don't care one bit about the pad. I think it is better to buy a phone and a tab separately so it they are 2 devices which 2 people can use simultaneously instead of having to combine the phone with the pad everytime one needs the pad. Maybe thee phone price would have been lower then. I really like the phone though.
13. buccob posted on 14 Feb 2013, 12:46 0
Well, I think the Pads idea is awesome... since if you get 2 phones and just 1 tablet accessory, both you and your partner, sibling, or whatever can use it without bothering with others account, apps, information, files...
And this way you are expending less than having 2 phones + 1 tablet... (kinda)
15. Taters posted on 14 Feb 2013, 12:48 1
Now the Xperia Z fans can't complain. This got a lower score despite being superior in a lot of ways. Same with the Oppo Find 5, it got an 8 only too. 8.5 for the Xperia Z is a great score.
People also need to realize that their are different reviewers with different tastes. Lol
21. louiemapa posted on 15 Feb 2013, 02:25 0
the only con you put is "very expensive" yet the score is just 8? it has the same specs as the optimus G but this phone has more features than Optims G and this one got an 8? because its expensive? or bcoz its Asus? I dont get it.
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