Entry-level 7 inch smartphone
Asus is expanding its FonePad line of big smartphones (or small tablets) with a new FonePad 7 (FE170CG). It’s a 7 inch Android tablet which you can use to make phone calls or surf the web over 2G and 3G networks.
The new model popped up on the Asus website recently, and while there’s no word on the price, the spec-sheet paints a picture of an entry-level device. The new FonePad has a lower-resolution display and a slower processor than the FonePad 7 Asus launched in 2013.
Asus is expanding its FonePad line of big smartphones (or small tablets) with a new FonePad 7 (FE170CG). It’s a 7 inch Android tablet which you can use to make phone calls or surf the web over 2G and 3G networks.
The new model popped up on the Asus website recently, and while there’s no word on the price, the spec-sheet paints a picture of an entry-level device. The new FonePad has a lower-resolution display and a slower processor than the FonePad 7 Asus launched in 2013.
The Asus FonePad 7 (FE170CG) features a 1.2 GHz Intel Atom Z2520 Clover Trail+ processor, a 7 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, and 4GB to 8GB of built-in storage, depending on the model. There’s also a microSD card slot for up to 64GB of additional storage.
It runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software, although Asus says an Android 4.4 KitKat update is on the way.
The FonePad has a 2MP rear camera, 0.3MP front-facing camera, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Miracast wireless display support, GPS, and support for HSPA+ networks.
Asus will offer models with single SIM or dual SIM support. The Dual SIM model will be available in black, white, red, or blue, while the single SIM phone/tablet will come in white only.
It runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software, although Asus says an Android 4.4 KitKat update is on the way.
The FonePad has a 2MP rear camera, 0.3MP front-facing camera, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Miracast wireless display support, GPS, and support for HSPA+ networks.
Asus will offer models with single SIM or dual SIM support. The Dual SIM model will be available in black, white, red, or blue, while the single SIM phone/tablet will come in white only.
The device measures 7.6″ x 4.3″ x 0.4″ and weighs 10.2 ounces.
While most of the specs are pretty underwhelming, the new Asus FonePad 7 has a few things going for it including up to 10 hours of battery life, a front-facing speaker, and the ability to use one device as both your phone and tablet, which could potentially save you some money. And if you don’t want to hold a 7 inch tablet up to your head to make calls, you could always use a Bluetooth or wired headset.
Asus will also offers accessories including a magnetic smart cover that can function as a kickstand.