We reviewed the ZenPad 7.0 last year and we thought that the device gives users the chance to have the all-important phone features on hand while serving as a long-lasting smart multimedia device with the latest version of Android. It’s a device made as an all-rounder but for people who are looking for a device that provides unprecedented mobile media consumption experience, the ASUS Zenpad S 8.0 is just the right device for them.
What is special about the ZenPad S 8.0? For starters, the device rocks an Intel Atom Z3580 processor (quad-core, 64-bit) and 4GB RAM. These configurations are more than enough to keep yourself busy like playing games, watching videos and creating content.
Apart from its core configurations, the ZenPad S 8.0’s 2K display is its secondary crowning glory. The screen is gorgeous – colors are accurate and the amount of detail I can see on it is enormous. Its screen occupies 74% of its front panel. Its bezel width isn’t too wide, which is a good thing but sometimes make it quite difficult to hold when being used vertically.
Software-wise, the device is pre-installed with Android 5.0 Lollipop with ZenUI on top of it. The ZenUI supercharges the device and in fact has just made the overall device experience immersive. We’ll cover more of this when we review this product pretty soon.
One of the features I really love about the ZenPad S 8.0 is its blur-free video playback. This is where software and hardware coalesce. Without the technologies behind the tablet; this neat feature wouldn’t not have been really possible. Below is a video showing how its blur-free feature works:
Without Blur-Free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GtU_PmZHwfw
With Blur-Free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_rsRquzsW-Q
There are more software features available on the tablet, and we’ll surely cover the most important ones when we review the device soon.
On the looks department, the ZenPad S 8.0 does not disappoint. Its design is an embodiment of the core philosophy of ASUS on its Zen line – beautiful yet strong. Its back panel is designed with a hairline diamond-cut pattern on metallic surface. Its second-tone that basically wraps the lower section of the device has a leathery look and almost rubbery feel. These functional design implementations add to the premium-ness of the device.
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- ASUS ZenPad S 819
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- ASUS ZenPad S 818
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- ASUS ZenPad S 817
The tablet is crazy thin! It is in fact ASUS’ thinnest tablet measuring at 6.6 thin from lowered edge of its two-layer seam on device rear to the screen. We placed it beside a sign-pen, the ZenPad 7 and an iPhone 6 Plus to show you how thin this device. Check out the photos below.
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- ASUS ZenPad S 84
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- ASUS ZenPad S 85
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- ASUS ZenPad S 87
There are more things to cover on our comprehensive review. While it is still too early for me to say a final verdict, I’d like to give an initial numerical verdict to aid your purchase decision when it finally comes out next week. Oh, and before I forget, the device retails for PhP16,995 only.
[su_spoiler title=”Initial Verdict” style=”fancy”]
- Build: 3.5/5
- Design: 4/5
- Software: 4/5
- Camera: 3.5/5
- Connectivity: 3.5/5
- Value for Moneyt: 4/5
[/su_spoiler]
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
