As expected, ASUS today unveiled the Padfone 2, the Android smartphone that transforms into a tablet with its optional Padfone 2 Station accessory. The event was held in both Milan, Italy and Taipei, Taiwan. The Padfone 2 smartphone itself boasts improved specifications, including a quad-core processor and LTE connectivity, over its predecessor while the dock has been completely redesigned.
ASUS Padfone 2 specifications:
- Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (APQ8064)
- Operating system: Google Android 4.0.3
- Cellular connectivity: LTE / HSPA+ / EDGE / GPRS
- Other connectivity: A-GPS & GLONASS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
- Display: 4.7-inch HD (1280×720) Super IPS+
- Input: Touchscreen
- Memory: 2GB RAM
- Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB onboard and 50GB free ASUS Webstorage for 2 years
- Rear-facing camera: 1.2MP
- Front-facing camera: 13MP AF with f/2.4 aperture
- Battery: 2,140mAh
- Dimensions / weight: 137.9 x 69 x 9 millimeters / 135 grams
- Colours: Black, White
ASUS Padfone 2 Station specifications:
- Display: 10.1-inch WXGA (1280×800) IPS
- Input: Capacitive touchscreen
- Rear-facing camera: None
- Front-facing camera: 1MP
- Connectors: ASUS 13-pin dock connector
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Weight: 514 grams
The ASUS Padfone 2 will launch before the end of December in a number of European and Asian countries. No mention was made of a North American launch and it remains unclear if the Padfone 2 will ever launch here. It will sell for €799 (about CA$1030) for the 32GB model and €899 (about CA$1160) for the 64GB model with the Station included.
Read more: ASUS