ASUS is gearing up to wow consumers at the upcoming MWC 2013 in Barcelona, after a relatively subdued appearance at the CES 2013. Earlier reports quote an ASUS exec proclaiming the mobile trade show would be “huge” for the company. Now the latest reports, according to “players in the upstream supply chain” say that there will indeed be something huge coming out; a 7-inch ASUS phablet called the Fonepad.
ASUS has sent out its MWC 2013 invites headlined “In search of the incredible”. Commentators think the 7-inch ASUS Fonepad device is what it could be referring to. Following the DigiTimes reports a further independent source confirmed the Fonepad unveiling to c-net. Also, earlier in the week the Indonesian postal/telecoms regulator detailed a very similarly specced ASUS K004 Fonepad device.
What constitutes an ASUS Fonepad?
- Processor: Intel Atom Z242 Lexington 1.2GHz
- Graphics: Imagination PowerVR SGX540
- Screen: 7-inch 1,280x800 IPS touch screen
- RAM: 1GB
- Storage: 16GB + microSD slot
- Communications: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS
- Imaging: 3-megapixel rear camera, 1.2-megapixel front facing camera
- Power: 4,270mAh battery
- Construction: Aluminium back, 196.6 х 120.1 х 10.4, 340g
- Software: Android Jelly Bean OS
- Priced around US$275
A leaked "photo" of the ASUS Fonepad from a Bulgarian site, showing the back of the Fonepad’s aluminium case. Logo placement looks a bit skewed and off-centre!
This is a very interesting set of specs, especially with the use of the Intel Lexington and the enabling of telephony functions. Unfortunately we will have to wait a few weeks to see how the Fonepad fits in, both price and performance wise, between the previously announced ASUS MeMO pad 7-incher and the ASUS Google Nexus 7 options already on the market.
