Asus PadFone Review Roundup: This Android Impresses but Not an iPhone or Galaxy S3 Killer
In releasing the new Asus PadFone Infinity, its maker envisions the fusion of two gadgets in one premium package that commands an asking price of €999, in Euro because for the time being this gizmo is exclusive for Europe.
But many experts greeted its arrival with dilemma not because it has too many shortcomings but because it may have been too perfect that Asus thought you need to give up arms and leg to own it.
The specs, admittedly, speak volume and consider these: a quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 chip with an Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB of RAM, up to 64GB of internal storage, a 13MP rear snapper paired with a 2MP front cam and JellyBean 4.2 presiding over the phone's behaviour.
Asus insist that the 2400mAh battery will last through a day of intensive usage even when connected most of the time on LTE network, just one of the host of connectivity options packed with this new PadFone
And the two screens are part of viewers' wet dreams - a 5-inch 1080p for the stand-alone smartphone and a 1920 x 1200 resolution on the 10.1-inch tablet dock, which also serves as the phone's extra charger thus extending its usefulness.
Early reviews showed that the PadFone Infinity lives up to its name and is a strong candidate to replace consumers' prevailing gadget of choice. It measures up with the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 and actually delivers more thanks to the docking station that makes it an iPad and Galaxy Note 10.1 rival.
But UberGizmo is lusting after the new Asus gadget for its phone functions only. Too bad the Infinity comes as a package. You want the phone, get the tablet too. Asus seems firmly convinced that all consumers would want the best of both worlds and the company is somewhat forcing them to realise that.
Not a chance, BGR News said, considering the high price tag plus the limited availability.
It's a pity though, Gizmodo said, because finally the PadFone has come of age with this latest Asus take.
But there is a flaw and it lies on Asus' vision for the handset, which apparently is geared to carve out a niche market. Such approach will not exactly prop up the company efforts of joining the big leaguers in the mobile device market.
At its present form, the PadFone infinity deserves the attention because it exudes power and class (despite its design too akin to iPhone) but with the manner it is being deployed and the price attached to it, it's far from being an iPhone or Galaxy killer.