AT&T adds the ASUS ZenFone 2E to the GoPhone line-up
Budget friendly phones have gained a ton of traction in the US in the last couple of years. More and more people are opting for prepaid plans as they are a great alternative to high-priced contracts. As a result, budget phones have gotten more attention from manufacturers, as they know customers still want a phone that can handle the day-to-day tasks without the price of a flagship.
Asus and AT&T have partnered to bring a no-compromise budget smartphone called the ZenFone 2. For $119.99, you will get a 5-inch 1280×720 IPS display with 294ppi pixel density, Gorilla Glass 3 to keep things scratch free, 4G LTE, 1GB RAM, 8GB of on-board storage with the option to add a Micro-SD card up to 64GB, and it also comes with a 8MP rear camera with HDR mode. In a comparison to a highly reviewed budget smartphone, the 2nd generation Moto G, all specs are the same with exception to the processor choice. The 2nd generation Moto G uses a Snapdragon 400 whereas the ZenFone 2E uses the dual-core Intel Atom processor. In regards to the price, the almost identically spec’d Moto G retails for 179.99, so if you’re trying to decide which phone is best, I think it is safe to say the Asus ZenFone 2E should be the phone to go with. Keep in mind that Motorola has a reputation for providing the best service when it comes to updates to the software.
Specifications
| Model | ASUS ZenFone™ 2E |
| Operating system | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with ZenUI |
| Display | 5-inch IPS display with 1280×720 (HD) resolution and 294ppi pixel density
Corning® Gorilla Glass® 3 with anti-fingerprint coating |
| PixelMaster Cameras | 8MP front F/2.0 aperture, auto-focus, LED flash, 5-element lens
2MP rear, F/2.0 aperture |
| Video recording | 1080p HD video recording |
| Network standards | AT&T 4G LTE
FDD LTE 2/3/4/5/7/17/20 3G 850/900/1900/2100 2G 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Memory & Storage | 1GB RAM
8GB eMMC storage Micro SDXC slot (up to 64GB, sold separately) |
| Wireless | 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth® 4.0 |
| Connectors | 3.5mm audio jack |
| Location sensors | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Battery | 2500mAh non-removable lithium-polymer |
| Colors | White and black covers included |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5.83″ x 2.81″ x 0.43″ |
| Weight | 5.47 oz. |
| MSRP | $119.99 with AT&T pre-paid GoPhone plan |
ASUS press release – If you click the source be aware of the press release automatically switching to the ASUS homepage.
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This is the ASUS ZenFone 2E, AT&T’s latest GoPhone device
AT&T has revealed that the ASUS ZenFone 2E will be joining GoPhone, its line up of prepaid smartphones. The device has a price point of $119, with AT&T’s prepaid plans starting at $45 per month for unlimited talk, text, and 1.5GB of data.
The ASUS ZenFone 2E features a 5-inch IPS HD display, a dual-core Intel Atom CPU, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front camera, and a 2,500mAh battery. AT&T says users should be able to get 20 hours of talk time and up to 8 hours of stand by time out of this device.
The device can be purchased at brick-and-mortar stores Walmart and Target for $119. It should arrive at AT&T locations on July 24, with availability at Best Buy starting on August 2.
Prepaid devices have been in the spotlight lately, with the LG Tribute 2 and Tribute Duo landing on Sprint Prepaid and Virgin Mobile earlier this week. The LG G Stylo, LG Tribute 2, and Volt 2 also recently landed on another Sprint subsidiary, Boost Mobile.
Prepaid phones are an economical option for those that can’t afford the higher rates that come with flagship devices and full-fledged data plans. However, prepaid devices have never been that great in terms of hardware, but the selection is slowly getting better with more impressive devices on the horizon.
source: Asus
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Asus Padfone S2 to continue phone/tablet hybrid with top-end specs
If you thought that Asus’s previous flagship phone, the Padfone S, would be outdone by the more popular Zenfone series, a specs leak suggests that the phone/tablet hybrid system will keep going.
According to a report via Mobipicker, the Asus Padfone S2 is being prepared for a March 2016 launch and will be rocking some top-end specs:
- SoC: Snapdragon 820
- Display: 5.5″ QHD
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB/64GB on-board
- Cameras: 20.7MP rear and 8MP front
- Battery: 3,060mAh
This is quite a list for a device that is far away, but in-line with specs we expect to see soon.
And what would the Padfone be with the corresponding tablet? It is said that the Padfone S2 will dock onto a slab with a 10″ screen and 5,100mAh battery.
As always, especially with a report so early, take this word with a grain of salt. Would you be looking forward to the Padfone S2 if this is what’s in store, or do you think it’s a tired concept?
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Asus ZenWatch now available for just $129 on Google Play Store
If you are planning to buy an Android smartwatch, consider yourself lucky as the price of the Asus ZenWatch has been dropped to $129 on Google’s Play Store. Not only the ZenWatch is $70 cheaper than before, its shipping is completely free of cost.
The slash in the price has come in the wake of Asus’s announcement of the ZenWatch 2, the successor to it flagship smartwatch. Although we cannot confirm whether the price drop is for a limited period or permanent, there is no mention of a last date on the offer page.
The ZenWatch features 1.63-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 400 SoC, 512 MB RAM, 360mAh battery, IP55 water-resistant certification and Bluetooth 4.1. If that is not enough to impress you, the smartwatch also happens to run the latest Android 5.1.1. If you want to know more about the offer or buy the watch, follow the link provided below.
Source: Google Play Store
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Deal: ASUS ZenWatch available for just $129.99 from the Google Store ($70 off)
ASUS may have already taken the wraps off the new ZenWatch 2, but that certainly doesn’t mean the company’s first Android Wear device is a bad option. The original ZenWatch is normally offered for around $199.99, but today you can pick up your own for much cheaper than that. Right now, you can purchase the ASUS ZenWatch from the Google Store for just $129.99, and that includes free shipping.
We’re not sure if this is a flash sale or a permanent price cut. But considering the massive $70 savings, you should probably pick this one up soon if you’re interested.
Don’t miss: Our list of the best Android Wear smartwatches
The ASUS ZenWatch features a 320×320 AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. It was also one of the first Android Wear devices to receive the big Android 5.1.1 update, bringing along with it a ton of notable features. The ZenWatch also comes with a premium feeling leather band, which still makes it one of the best looking Android Wear devices on the market. If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself, be sure to check out our full review and head to the Google Store link below for more information.
Snapdragon 820-powered ASUS Padfone S2 being prepared for March release
You may recall last year when ASUS released its Padfone S. According to a new report, that phone could be getting a revamp early next year. The Asus Padfone S is nearly a year old, but was praised highly for the innovation brought to the market.
According to Leaksfly, the new product will be called the Asus Padfone S2. The device will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 chipset, which is going to debut in late quarter four. The new chipset will bring crazy high speeds while keeping battery consumption at a minimum.
According to leaked specs, the Asus Padfone S2 will sport a 5.5-inch 2K display. Inside, the Padfone S2 will come with a large 3060mAh battery, feature 4GB of RAM, 32GB / 64GB internal storage, and 20.7MP / 8MP cameras.
Via: Mobipicker
Come comment on this article: Snapdragon 820-powered ASUS Padfone S2 being prepared for March release
Asus launches the Chromebook Flip C100, featuring a 1.8GHz processor and 4GB of RAM
Asus has launched a new hybrid machine, the Chromebook Flip C100. It features a 10-inch IPS display, and can comfortably be flipped around to transform it into a tablet. The device runs Chrome OS, however, it can run Android applications as well.
The Chromebook Flip C100 comes in at at just under 2lbs and is 0.6-inches thick. It features a Rockchip 3288-C quad-core 1.8GHz CPU, 2GB or 4GB of RAM configurations, 16GB of internal storage, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a micro HDMI port, and a integrated SD card reader.
Users will also find the device lasting up to 9 hours on battery. Additionally, you’ll get 100GB of Google Drive storage for two years upon the date you redeem the offer.
It costs $249 or $399, depending on your RAM configuration, and is available through Asus’ own online store, Newegg, or Amazon.
Come comment on this article: Asus launches the Chromebook Flip C100, featuring a 1.8GHz processor and 4GB of RAM
ASUS Chromebook Flip 2-in-1 convertible laptop now available for $249
Finding an inexpensive, capable Chromebook isn’t too difficult nowadays, but what if you’re looking for something with a bit more functionality than a normal laptop? ASUS‘ Chromebook Flip C100, which was first announced in March, is a convertible laptop/tablet hybrid that is now available for purchase starting at just $249.
The Flip sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 1280 x 800 resolution, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz, 2 or 4GB of RAM, an aluminum chassis, and a battery that’s supposed to last up to nine hours on a single charge. It also weighs under 2 pounds, measures just .6-inches thin and comes with 16GB of on-board storage and a built-in HD webcam. The big story with this Chromebook is its ability to be used as a notebook computer or a tablet just by flipping the keyboard around. If you’d like to use it as a tablet, flipping the keyboard around to the back will automatically pull up the on-screen navigation buttons.
With its 10.1-inch screen, the Chromebook Flip’s size may not be ideal for everyone. But if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 hybrid device and would like to give Chrome OS a try, this may be the device for you. Depending on which configuration you choose, you can purchase the Chromebook Flip from Amazon, ASUS or Newegg for $249 or $299.
ASUS’ slim and sharp ZenPad S tablet arrives in the US
Looks like you didn’t have to wait long for ASUS’ ZenPad S 8.0 to show up in the US — Best Buy is now selling the 8-inch Android 5.1 slate for an easy-to-swallow $200. While this isn’t the highest-end version (it’s carrying ‘just’ 2GB of RAM and a slower 1.33GHz Atom chip) it’s far from a slouch. You’re still getting an iPad mini-rivaling 2,048 x 1,536 display, 5-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front cam and 32GB of storage in a frame that’s just 0.27 inches thick. You’ll have to like ASUS’ custom software for the ZenPad S to float your boat, but it’s otherwise a solid deal.
Via: Android Central
Source: Best Buy
Asus Zenfone Selfie and HTC Desire 728 pass TENAA certification in China
Once a device has passed through a government’s telecommunications regulatory committee, it’s an almost sure-fire bet a release window will open up soon after. China’s TENAA (think FCC) has recently certified two new smartphones, the Asus Zenfone Selfie which we had taken a look at before, and the relatively lesser known HTC Desire 728.
The Asus Zenfone Selfie
Announced just over a month ago, the Asus Zenfone Selfie is visually reminiscent to the ZenFone 2 with a similar design and rear-mounted buttons. Opting for a more soft, friendly approach the device comes in various pastel colors. It features a 5.5-inch Full HD TFT display and a capable 64-bit Octa-Core Snapdragon 615 SoC. Just as with the Zenfone 2, there is both a 2GB and a 4GB RAM variant of the device, and will be available in 16, 32, or 64GB of on-board storage with microSD support included.
The phone’s name is indeed its claim to fame, as the Selfie comes with 13MP cameras both on the front and back, and both make use of dual-tone LED flashes. Much like LG’s recent flagships, the f 2.0 rear camera is equipped with a laser-assisted auto-focus system. On the front is an f 2.2 lens with an 80-degree viewing angle. The phone includes the obligatory “beautification mode” as well as a panorama selfie mode that tethers multiple pictures to create a larger image.
It’s unknown if this pastel-Zenfone Selfie from Taiwan is the same product that was just certified in China.
Regional Differences?
Interestingly enough, the device certified by China’s TENAA has model number ASUS_Z00UDA and may in fact, be slightly different than the product Asus unveiled in Taiwan (mentioned above). Specifically, this device has only 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage, and will apparently be available in Black, Gold, Grey, and Red colors which would essentially give it the same color scheme as the Zenphone 2. It is currently unknown as to if this model is exclusive for China, or if Asus has decided to rethink the pastel rear covers and go with more solid ones. It is also unclear as to if the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop build running on this certified device will be the same on the international product.
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The HTC Desire 728
Also certified by the TENAA is a mid-range HTC product, the Desire 728 (model number D728w) is a definitively mid-range phone with a 5.5-inch 720p HD display, 2GB of RAM, a 1.3GHz octa-core CPU (believed to be a MediaTek MT6753), 16GB of internal storage, a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera.
Rounding out the specs are a 2,800 mAh battery and Android Lollipop 5.1. The phone is just under 150 grams and will be sold in white, black, orange, red, gold and grey color variants. While the Desire line has been around for some time, this will be one of the rare times orange makes the cut, with the company typically sticking with more traditional black/blue/white/red colors.
Given the rather standard-affair specs, as well as our own impressions from the Desire 626, we don’t expect the world from this piece of hardware, nor is it likely to be released outside Asia, where HTC seems content to announce product after product while the remainder of the world receives a scarce few, such as the One M9.
Do either of these products pique your interest? Curious what Asus’ take on the “selfie phone” craze will pan out to be? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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