Asus has launched a new tablet range, called the ZenPad, which consists of two devices. However, while rumors prior to the announcement indicated we would get a 7-inch and an 8-inch model, Asus has actually confirmed four models: A 7-inch, two 8-inch tablets, and a 10.1-inch version with an optional keyboard. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
Updated on 06-01-2015 by Andy Boxall: Added in official release information for the ZenPad 8 and ZenPad S8.
ZenPad S8.0
The ZenPad S8 is the more technically impressive of the two 8-inch models. The 8-inch screen has a high 2,048 x 1,536 pixel resolution IPS LCD screen, placed on the front of a super thin 6.6mm metallic-look body, which weighs just under 300 grams. An Intel Z3580 quad-core processor running at 2.33GHz and working with 4GB RAM — a first on an 8-inch tablet, according to Asus — powers the tablet, and there’s is an option of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB internal storage space, plus a MicroSD card slot.
There are two cameras, an 8 megapixel on the rear and a 5 megapixel on the front, and Android Lollipop is installed as standard. Interestingly, Asus has fitted the S8 with a USB Type-C connector to recharge the battery, but decided to only offer the tablet as a Wi-Fi model. Asus will release a stylus for the ZenPad S8.0, called the Z Stylus, which has a 1.2mm tip and 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity.
ZenPad 8.0
A more modestly specced tablet, the ZenPad 8.0 also has an 8-inch screen, but the resolution is just 1,280 x 800. Another Intel processor powers the slate, and this time it’s a Rockchip-produced 1.2GHz Atom with either 1GB or 2GB of RAM. An 8GB or 16GB version will be produced, and there is the option of buying it with 4G LTE connectivity.
The cameras are less capable at 5 megapixels and 2 megapixels, and the metal finish chassis is thicker at 8.5mm. The Android Lollipop OS remains, but the charging system reverts back to the usual Micro USB port.
However, don’t pass by the ZenPad 8.0 just yet. Asus has come up with a series of rear covers that enhance the little tablet in interesting ways. The ZenCase comes in leather and a selection of different colors, while the Zen Clutch turns the tablet into a fashion accessory, while making it easier to carry around. The Power Case adds an extended life battery that’s good for an additional 15 hours of use. Finally, in another tablet world first, the Audio Cover gives the tablet 5.1 channels of surround sound.
While Asus has stated a 7-inch and a 10.1-inch ZenPad will be released, it hasn’t provided any information on either, so we’ll have to wait to discover how they stack up against the two 8-inch models. It’s the same situation for the price and availability of all the ZenPad tablets, but we’ll update here when we know more.
CONTINUE TO PAGE TWO FOR ALL THE RUMORS REGARDING THE ZENPAD TABLETS
Leaked pictures could show the ZenPad up close
The two Asus tablets first showed up on the FCC and in leaks from Russian stores, where the majority of the possible specs became known. A short time later, press-style images of an Asus ZenPad was leaked by AusDroid.
The image may show one of either the 7-inch, or 8-inch ZenPad models. On the front there is a set of stereo speakers shown, along with a front facing camera, and a distinctly iPad Mini-like design. The rear reveals a large camera lens, and what looks like a leather (or leather look) base for extra grip. Alongside the ZenPad branding is Intel’s logo, suggesting that like the ZenFone smartphones, the ZenPad will use an Intel processor.
Both ends of the spec spectrum for the ZenPad range
Starting with the Asus ZenPad 7, there looks to be both Wi-Fi (Z170C) and Wi-Fi/3G (Z170CG) variants of the tablet. In terms of specifications, they both have the same 7-inch IPS screens with 1,024 x 600 pixel resolutions, as well as the same Intel Atom x3 chipset backed up by 1GB of RAM. There will be 8GB and 16GB configurations of the tablets, though both will include a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion.
The ZenPad 7 will have two cameras, but your only color options are black and white. Based on information leaked by Russian stores, the Wi-Fi-only ZenPad 7 will go for €140, while the 3G variant will go for €160.
Moving on to the ZenPad 8, which passed through FCC certification, we’re looking at an 8-inch screen with a 2,048 x 1,536 pixel resolution. Unlike the two ZenPad 7 versions, which differed in radios, the ZenPad 8 versions differ in terms of internals — You can choose between an Intel Atom Z3560 or Z3450 processor, both of which are backed up by 2GB of RAM, and either 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal storage. Regardless of the amount of storage you choose, you can increase it with the MicroSD card slot.
Thankfully, the ZenPad models will run Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box. However, pricing and availability information were not revealed for the ZenPad 8, nor whether we will see 3G variants of the tablet. Even so, much like with the Asus ZenWatch 2, we should get more information on both the ZenPad 7 and ZenPad 8 during Computex in Taipei, which goes from June 2 to June 5.
Previous Updates:
Updated on 05-26-2015 by Andy Boxall: Added in more leaked details and images, potentially showing the tablets.
