A phone and a tablet in one do-it-all device; that’s one of the many gadget trends happening around, and for those who have a specific budget, the new Asus FonePad 7 is looking to be a great package, holding every essential element to a good experience. Is it worth the buy? Read our full review to find out.
Asus has already released a FonePad 7 before; this new model got trimmed down in specs, but the price tag has been also shaved off. Below is our unboxing video:
Design and Construction
At first glance, the new FonePad 7 looks just like any other 7-inch tablet with a black slate design upfront. However, turn the device around and you’ll find that despite the affordable price, the back is far from cheap and is in fact a lot better than the competition by not feeling flimsy at all. It’s well-put and textured, and if there’s one complaint that we have, it’s that the FonePad 7 attracts quite a bit of dirt on our white model.
The speaker and the earpiece is found above the front-facing camera and the display, while only the rear-facing camera is found on the back – all together with some branding. On the left side, you have the slots for the dual micro SIM cards and the micro SD card, while on the right you’ll find the volume rocker and the power button that is quite undistinguished, and finally, up top, you’ll find the place for audio equipment and charging.
Display
One of the things that downgraded with the new FonePad 7 is the 7-inch display – now at 1024 x 600 with a few more problems. First, the resolution can be an eyesore for long periods of use, as lots of details are really jagged. Second, the viewing angles are messy, giving you different colors from specific angles.
Under the right light however, colors can be really accurate, and the display is very responsive. If you want to tweak a few elements on color, Asus has bundled Splendid software for that, which is nice.
OS, Apps and UI
We’ll be saying it here first, and we’re sure we will be saying it again in future Asus device reviews: the company’s new Zen UI is mind-blowing on Android 4.3. Really. No other manufacturer comes close to its consistent design and simplicity. It doesn’t put its services right in your face all the time, and some prove to be really useful and clean.
Together with the UI, Asus has also bundled in beautiful and clean widgets that we’re enjoying at the moment. As for the apps, you’re not forced to use them anyway, but they’re there and can be hidden – AudioWizard, Do It Later, Splendid, What’s Next and a lot more.
In our time of use, we have received two software updates already, but none of them updated the tablet to Android 4.4 KitKat. Maybe in the future as promised.
Multimedia & Camera
Thank the heavens, for Asus has placed the speakers on this device up front, facing all of us. It’s no BoomSound and it’s far from being the best, but it’s really good and loud, giving a really pleasurable experience. Sadly, the display can’t compliment it with good viewing angles for watching video.
In addition to the low-res display, say hello to the low-res cameras – VGA & 2 megapixels. We won’t really recommend using them, but they’re there for quick selfies and shots that simply need capturing whatever the quality.
Performance & Benchmarks
With a dual-core Intel Atom CPU and 1GB RAM, the device can manage mostly everything basic without sweat. There are still a few slowdowns loading apps and I may still see a few stutters playing Smash Hit on low settings, but the firepower behind it is more than enough for a tablet of this price.
Call Quality & Battery Life
The FonePad 7 is also, well, a phone, having dual-SIM support – and for the most part, the connectivity experience is just average. The earpiece produces clear and loud audio, and we didn’t have any problems with it overall.
As for our battery draining test, video playback at 50% brightness and 50% audio volume, the FonePad 7 lasts 11 hours on a full charge! We suspect it is because of the efficient internals paired with the low-resolution screen, so there you have it. Standby times have surprised us even more.
ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG)Â specs:
7.0-inch WSVGA (1024 x 600) LCD, 170ppi
1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 dual-core CPU
PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU
1GB RAM
4GB internal storage
up to 64GB via microSD
2MP rear camera, f/2.8
0.3MP front-facing, f/2.8
dual-SIM (micro), dual-standby
HSPA+, 3G, 2G
WiFi 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS, GLONASS & AGPS
Android Jellybean 4.3 (upgradable to Android 4.4 Kitkat)
3,950mAh battery
192 x 110 x 10.7 mm
290g
Conclusion
A lot of people have been really excited about the new Asus FonePad 7, us included, and it proves to us why it’s worth all the attention. For a price of just Php5,995USD 102INR 8,660EUR 97CNY 744, you get a really solid design with decent internals and a software experience that is almost unmatched. Not only does it have loud front-firing speakers and great battery life, it’s also a phone with dual-SIM functionality!
Asus made two big sacrifices here to attain this extremely attractive price tag – the display and the cameras. For a tablet whose main purpose is to give a great multimedia experience, the display is a big downside, lacking in resolution and good viewing angles. As for the cameras, we’re sure a lot can live without it, especially since it’s not ideal to take pictures with a 7-inch device, but if you’re looking for the complete package with decent cameras, this is not it. If, however, you can survive with the display and the cameras – the new Asus FonePad 7 is a killer.
What we liked about it:
What we didn’t like about it:
YugaTech.com is the largest and longest-running technology site in the Philippines. Originally established in October 2002, the site was transformed into a full-fledged technology platform in 2005.
How to transfer, withdraw money from PayPal to GCash
Prices of Starlink satellite in the Philippines
Install Google GBox to Huawei smartphones
Pag-IBIG MP2 online application
How to check PhilHealth contributions online
How to find your SIM card serial number
Globe, PLDT, Converge, Sky: Unli fiber internet plans compared
10 biggest games in the Google Play Store
LTO periodic medical exam for 10-year licenses
Netflix codes to unlock hidden TV shows, movies
Apple, Asus, Cherry Mobile, Huawei, LG, Nokia, Oppo, Samsung, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Infinix Mobile, Pocophone, Honor, iPhone, OnePlus, Tecno, Realme, HTC, Gionee, Kata, IQ00, Redmi, Razer, CloudFone, Motorola, Panasonic, TCL, Wiko
Best Android smartphones between PHP 20,000 - 25,000
Smartphones under PHP 10,000 in the Philippines
Smartphones under PHP 12K Philippines
Best smartphones for kids under PHP 7,000
Smartphones under PHP 15,000 in the Philippines
Best Android smartphones between PHP 15,000 - 20,000
Smartphones under PHP 20,000 in the Philippines
Most affordable 5G phones in the Philippines under PHP 20K
5G smartphones in the Philippines under PHP 16K
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2024
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2023
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2022
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2021
Smartphone pricelist Philippines 2020
the_jabroni says:
with a very limited internal storage of 4 gig are you able to save apps to sd or at least move it there w/o rooting it….tia
JFV_noB says:
The low-res display is another reason to have a long battery life. The viewing angles are indeed bad but it looks fine in portrait and color quality is acceptable. Cameras are not that competitive but the camera app have premium features like HDR, Time Rewind, and Smart Remove… oh, and GIF too!
This Fonepad 7 lite-like is still awesome and I’m proud to own one.
Still waiting for KitKat though…
D3X says:
I got this one for my daughter where she now uses it as her primary phone (just need to get a bluetooth headset so you don’t look funny when answering phone calls because of its size). Nevertheless it’s just what you need for phone + tablet. Navigation and apps are also quite fast as it uses an Intel processor. And of course it is also value for money at only 6k.
Dave says:
Hi Yugatech,
Regarding that unit
Where can i buy it? Mandaluyong area po..
Thanks
robbie says:
may i know 4gb storage after deducting system file,remain how much storage for us to install apps?
Jackson says:
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and
I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a
good platform.
jc lazaro says:
selling ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) cases (green, blue, black) P450 or P550 for case+screen protector+free pluggy stylus. msg me here or viber/sms me 099855*****
Jillian says:
Bill said that using more than one service was a
good thing, because most article distribution services have
their own unique reach, enabling the writer to get published in more ezines and on more
websites. ve advertiser you should be aware of the competition you
are facing and thereby understand and launch the campaign.
This means, you are able to set which website page you will count as
a goal.
pogs says:
buy at sm north edsa cyberzone ( ELECTROWORLD)
very polite and friendly service.
quality items.trusted shop..
pogs says:
congratulations asus!
great phablet with amazing quality…
im going to recommend this fpad to my friends, families, neighbors and to anyone…
rating: 9/10
bongyeah says:
Meron pa bang game na nasesave sa SD???lahat yata ng ininstall ko hindi namomove…puno na memo, badtrip…simpleng games hindi masave…haist…napaatras tuloy aq sa zenfone…
Almeda says:
I do not even understand how I stopped up here, however
I believed this put up used to be great. I don’t recognize who you might be however certainly you are going to a well-known blogger should you are not already.
Cheers!
eric says:
just bought an asus fonepad 7 fe 170cg. the user manual said the unit needs 8hrs initial charging but must be disconnected afterwards for it is not designed for auto disconnect. now im concerned with how long does it take to normally charge afterwards.
Mp3 ???? says:
I know this site proovides quality based content and other stuff, is there any other weeb
sjte which gives these kinds of information inn quality?
Here is my site: Mp3 ????
Find Duplicate Files says:
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site.
I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you
later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me
to get my very own blog now ;)
FunkyMonkey says:
i would like to ask for those who already bought the asus fonepad 7, if its possible that you can transfer large size apps to SD card? and does this tablet support sdcard up to 32gb? im still earning more money hopefully to buy one :) purposely for watching anime,music,surfing and gaming, i really don’t mind if they didn’t put a front cam also i’m not really in to selfies anyway, i’m not ugly tho. ^.^
Www.youtube.com says:
Thanks for the good writeup. It in truth used
to be a enjoyment account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
However, how can we keep in touch?
http://www.youtube. says:
Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers
and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you
suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price?
Cheers, I appreciate it!
jewelry sales says:
It’s awesome designed for me to have a web page, which is valuable in favor of my experience.
thanks admin
ultimate wrestling says:
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme oor did you modify iit yourself? Anyway keep uup the nce quality writing,
it is rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.
twitter.com says:
how do you resist those strong temptations to eat wrong foods and hurt your health and your light level.
The Japanese speaking searchers spent 43% of their 391
thousand searches looking for specific gluten free foods.
Find more helpful informative articles at our website.
simply click the up says:
Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clearness
on your submit is simply nice and i can suppose you are an expert in this subject.
Well together with your permission let me to take hold of
your feed to stay updated with forthcoming post.
Thank you one million and please continue the rewarding work.
Gem Dionisio says:
My Fonepad 7 got a Android 4.4.2 firmware updat 2 weeks ago to tell you, performance slowed down.
Kandi Cane says:
I just bought this today and it’s on sale for only Php 5,450. I was a bit disappointed when I found out that the storage is only 4GB but then, it has a Cloud storage of 16GB so I guess that makes it worth it. Not too familiar with Cloud storages, though, but it can be learned. ^_^ Camera is a bit disappointing but all in all, great buy!
By the way, glad to hear that this is upgradable to KitKat.
Software Download says:
Really its a great budget tab from the brand of Asus. It easily competes with all cheap companies.
next level tricks says:
humm Nice…eview…