Asus has long been known on the market for its tablet computers. Obviously, she intends to conquer part of this segment, including with the help of budget devices with good performance.
Just one of these computers is the object of today's review. Meet the Asus 7 Fonepad, a compact device that can take on any task you set! Read more about it in our review.
Positioning
The tablet in question clearly belongs to the budget class. You can understand this, firstly, by its final price - within 120 dollars (the most expensive version), and secondly, by the general technical characteristics presented in the description for this model. In addition, Asus 7 Fonepad also clearly belongs to the compact devices, bordering on the size of its display with large smartphones, due to which it is convenient to work with it literally on the go.
I would also like to note the versatility of this gadget. Judge for yourself: it is affordable, has small dimensions, is equipped with a camera and a powerful processor. Everything points to the multitasking of the tablet. It can be bought both as an assistant for a schoolboy or student, and as a “handy tool” for the bulkthe population from which you can access the Internet, check your mail, and so on. Also, the device will fit for game lovers, since its processor is able to play them at a sufficient level. However, more on that later, but now let's talk about the appearance of the tablet.
Body, design
In general, to tell the truth, Asus is not famous for the colorfulness of its devices. At least, it does not prioritize the design of the gadget, as can be seen from a number of other manufacturers. Here they do not copy Apple, nor do they create their own special fashion parameters. You can trace this on the described Asus Fonepad 7 FE375CXG (8GB), and on other models, such as Nexus 7. The developers create a “rectangle” with rounded corners, which they fill with a modern processor, the latest version of the OS and other “chips”.
The same approach is used on the described device - the tablet is made of white or black plastic (depending on the modification), which has a matte texture. Around the display you can see a thick frame, in the upper section of which there are slots for the speakers. The Asus 7 Fonepad navigation keys are on the right - this is the display unlock button and the rocker to change the sound. They are placed at an angle to avoid pressing when the device is in contact with the surface of the table for example.
The headphone jack was placed at the bottom - this format, apparently, involves the use of the device in vertical mode. Hole for connecting the tablet with microUSBis on the top edge. An interesting decision of the developers is to place a stub on the right side of the tablet, under which two SIM cards and a slot for installing a memory card are hidden.
In general, the Asus Fonepad 7 3G tablet can be called quite nice. The texture of the body material is pleasant to the touch, and due to the small size and the edges smoothed from the side of the lid, it is convenient to hold the tablet both in a vertical and in a horizontal position.
Memory
As you have already noticed, the device contains an index of memory capacity in its name - 8 GB. That's how many Asus 7 Fonepad developers offer their users in the "basic" variation. Of course, if we are talking about a full-fledged tablet computer (which is the gadget we are describing), then this volume is not enough even for minimal needs. Therefore, the manufacturer provides the ability to install a memory card up to 64 GB. This is how you can expand your storage space to download apps, movies, music, photos, and more.
Screen
One of the most important elements in the device is the display, because with the help of it we interact with our tablet. The Asus Fonepad 7 FE375CXG (8GB) has a 7-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels. This allows us to talk about a density of 216 pixels per inch.
The brightness settings of the device are quite flexible - the screen has a wide range, which allowsIt is comfortable to work with the tablet both at night, in complete darkness, and in bright daylight. As for the touch control, the reviews do not contain any complaints about this. Users note that the tablet display quickly responds to commands, does not freeze or bug.
Processor
Still, when reviewing an electronic device, of course, one should mention its “heart” - the processor, on the basis of which the device functions. In the case of Asus Fonepad 7 FE375CXG (white version of the device), we can talk about the Intel Atom Z3560 - a quad-core processor. The RAM of the tablet is 1 GB. As the recommendations of buyers show, there are no hitches in the operation of the gadget on such a hardware basis.
Another modification of the tablet - Asus Fonepad 7 FE170CG (8GB), made in black, is equipped with another processor - Intel Atom Z2520, running on two cores. The clock frequency of this, weaker version of the device, reaches 1.2 GHz. This is quite enough, again, to work with modern colorful games.
Camera
Of course, no one expects a tablet computer to have a powerful camera for taking high-resolution pictures. Especially if we are talking about a budget device, which is Asus Fonepad 7 3G. However, it has two cameras - front and rear, with different technical parameters. So, if you want to talk on “Skype” or take a “selfie”, the internal camera with a resolution of 0.2 megapixels will be used. In other cases, to create photos and videosthe main 2-megapixel camera is used (in a more expensive version, its resolution is increased to 5 megapixels).
As the reviews show, it is quite enough for taking pictures of some landscapes or for taking pictures in good light. The color reproduction of such optics, as you can guess, is not the best. Asus Fonepad 7 does not have a flash.
Battery
As you might guess, the tablet we describe is used as a portable entertainment device or an electronic assistant for everyday tasks. This indicates that the battery installed on it must have a large capacity and the ability to provide sufficient operating time for the device.
Since Fonepad, as you understand, has different modifications (they differ not only in the color of the case), the batteries on them are also different. The Asus Fonepad 7 FE170CG 8GB has a less durable battery with a capacity of 3150 mAh. It should be enough to ensure the operation of the tablet for 6-7 hours of active use. The more expensive version of the computer has a battery that lasts longer - up to 8-9 hours. Its capacity is 3950 mAh.
Operating system
On Asus tablets, only Android OS is installed. Only the older generation Fonepad 7 has version 4.4.4; and on the newest, obviously, it is immediately updated to 5.1.0 after launch. There is not much to say about this - the developers use an Android modification developed specifically for the Zenfone series of devices,called ZenUI. Here are slightly modified icons, fonts and styles compared to the “native” modification. True, even if you have never worked with such a graphical interface, you will still get used to it quickly enough.
Additional features
Despite the fact that the Asus Fonepad 7 tablet belongs to the budget category, it is also equipped with some additional modules. In particular, we are talking about proximity and lighting sensors that allow the device to interact with the environment. In addition to them, communication add-ons are also installed here - GPS (for geopositioning the device), Wi-Fi, 3G. Together, this makes the Asus Fonepad 7 FE170CG a universal tool for working in any conditions and for performing any task.
Reviews
We managed to find a lot of feedback about the device about how it functions and what it is. Users like inexpensive but functional devices, and the Asus Fonepad 7 FE170CG is one of them, believe me. Due to this, we can say that such popularity of the device was achieved. Hence the large number of reviews.
Users write that the tablet is very convenient to use. It is not buggy, has small dimensions, pleasantly lies in the hands while reading, watching movies or surfing in the browser. With it, you can literally fall asleep and wake up - flexible display settings allow you to reduce or add brightness as needed. Another Asus Fonepad 7 FE375CXG pulls almost any application hosted on GooglePlay, which further expands its scope.
Also, buyers praise the body of the device, noting the high quality of assembly and materials used in production. Due to this, firstly, an aesthetic effect is created from working with the tablet (since the device really looks beautiful), and secondly, the device’s resistance to bumps, scratches and chips increases. This makes the tablet less demanding in terms of care during use, eliminating the need for a case and a film.
From the negative, we can note the remarks about the heating of the device - they say, during prolonged operation, there is an increase in the temperature of the case in the camera area. Also, some people write about an obvious marriage - a broken port or stuck keys. All this is revealed immediately after purchase and is rented out for free repair at the expense of the manufacturer.
Results
What results did we come to while writing this article? Firstly, to the fact that if there is an ideal value for money in nature, then it is clearly in front of our noses. For a small price, the Asus Fonepad 7 8GB tablet shows the wonders of functionality in such a way that the user does not feel any problems in working with it. As already noted, the device is not buggy, like some cheap Chinese gadget, assembled at a primitive level.
Should I buy this tablet? It all depends on your goals. Of course, he, rather, will not add status due to the lack of a stylish design,an attractive metal case and the “high cost” of the manufacturer’s brand, which can be observed in the case of Apple, Samsung, LG and Sony. If you're looking for a workable yet affordable solution to not having a tablet, then the Zenfone is perfect for you. Again, we recommend that after purchase, carefully check all its systems to identify possible defects or defects. This is the main thing you should pay attention to when buying it.
As for the rest, our verdict is that the device deserves attention. If you are just at the selection stage, then go to the electronics store and twist the device in your hands for review - it's time. Use it. And good luck!
