We go hands-on with the PadFone mini!

While we liked the concept of ASUS’ PadFone series of hybrid tablets/smartphones, their relatively prohibitive cost prevented them from widespread adoption, confining them to the bags (and pockets) of the gadget elite. It seems that ASUS has finally seen the light and has developed an affordable version of the PadFone: the PadFone Mini.

PadFone mini specs

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2560 dual-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4-inch IPS+ LCD, 480 x 800 resolution (phone), 7-inch IPS+ LCD display, 800 x 1280 resolution (tablet)
• 8GB of storage, expandable via microSD up to 64GB
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 2-megapixel front camera
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
• 3G, HSDPA
• 1200mAh battery (phone), 2100mAh battery (tablet)
• Android 4.3 with ZenUI, upgradable to KitKat 

Initial Impressions: has all the PadFone features in a smaller, more affordable package

Like with any PadFone product, there are two parts to the PadFone mini: the phone and the tablet. The phone component of the PadFone mini is eerily similar to the ZenFone 4. In fact, if you put the two side by side, it’s hard to tell either apart if you don’t know what to look for.

 

The PadFone mini’s phone has an IPS display rather than the TN display on the ZenFone 4.

The back of the phone for the PadFone mini has the words PadFone in the lower part of the body, and has slots on the bottom that allow it to connect to the tablet component.

When you slip the phone into the back of the tablet, the tablet’s screen takes over. The phone slots easily and securely on the back, and the switch-over is pretty quick.

Because the phone has to go into the back of the tablet, the PadFone mini is relatively thicker than most tablets in the market. Once the phone goes in the tablet, it’s slowly charged by the tablet’s reserve 2100mAh battery. It’s sort of like an oversized powerbank, although in this case the powerbank has a 7-inch display attached to it. Unfortunately, even with the two batteries combined the PadFone mini only gives you around 3300mAh of battery, which may not be enough for an entire day. Of course, only a full review will determine if the battery can indeed last.

While we like the concept of the PadFone series of devices, we’ve never really been too fond of the execution. Because of its unique system, you’re left with a relatively thick and bulky tablet to lug around when you’re using it in tablet mode. Still, it saves most people from buying two gadgets if they’re actually looking to purchase both a tablet and a smartphone, and if ASUS Philippines prices it right, there may be a market for the company’s innovative phone/tablet solution.

The PadFone Mini will be launched by ASUS Philippines alongside the ZenFones on July 17.

EDIT: Looks like CMK Cellphones spilled the beans early as far as pricing for the FonePad mini is concerned. According to them, it carries a pricetag of  Php 14,500.