ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) – updated lineup ASUS tablet with phone functionality. New to replace the old model is not very FE170CG, bringing potential users a better screen and ergonomics. In this review we try to figure out how much good happened this update.

Design and usability

ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) refers to the available solutions manufacturer, so the device has received the appropriate design – strict and without striking details.

Since the tablet refers to the lineup Fonepad, the faceplate received “phone design.” Most of it takes the screen, underneath is the manufacturer’s logo. Above the display are a grid dynamics and the front camera lens. The panel is covered with a protective glass, surrounded by slightly protruding frame.

Sidewall ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) completely straight, they are the power button and volume control, memory card slot, MicroUSB connector and 3.5mm. Under the cap hiding two slots Micro-SIM.

Compared with its predecessor, Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), tablet design has received several important changes. Novelty has become thinner and lighter, and because the sidewalls to make a direct, keys has become much easier to use.

Material of back cover has also changed, plastic knurled replaced matt version with soft-touch coating, it is more pleasant to the touch and does not slip in your hands.

Gamma Available colors remained almost unchanged, buying FE171CG, you can choose black, white, red or gold color back cover. Almost all versions will have a black front panel, and only white Fonepad 7 it will be painted in the color of the cover.

New Fonepad 7 received a similar predecessor Case MagSmart Cover. It is equipped with magnets on and off the screen, not only protects the front, but the back of the tablet can be folded acting as a stand.

For ease of use, and build quality ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) no complaints. Moderate width allows the tablet to hold with one hand, it is equally easy to use in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. In the hands of FE171CG felt more expensive device that goes in his favor.

Display

Updated screen – another improvement trends. Unfortunately, its resolution remains low – only 1024 by 600 pixels, would like to see in such a device HD (1280 × 800) matrix. However, a modest TN-panel replaced more current IPS screen with no air gap.

The screen brightness is regulated manually, it varies from 10 to 264 cd / m2, the contrast ratio is 1: 992. Minimum level of illumination would be comfortable for reading in the dark, but the level of maximum brightness is low, it will not be enough for comfortable use ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) outdoors on a sunny day.

Screen calibration is not perfect, but the colors look quite natural and pleasing to the eye. There Splendid firmware application to configure the color of the screen and a special “reading mode” reduces the amount of blue component images and makes the picture more pleasing to the eye, so that the user is less tired, spending a lot of time behind the screen of the tablet.

The display has an oleophobic coating of medium quality, allowing fingers to slide better on the glass and making prints less visible.

Hardware Platform

Hardware platform ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) has not changed in comparison with Fonepad 7 (FE170CG). Use all the same sufficient budget dual-core Intel Atom Z2520, clocked at up to 1.2GHz. The RAM is 1 GB built-in – 8 GB, there is a slot for memory cards (up to 64GB).

Communications opportunities presented modules Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0 and 3G-modem (GSM / UMTS), provides simultaneous operation of two SIM-cards in standby mode. The tablet is able to replace the phone with him, you can make calls and send messages in the same way as with any smartphone, setting work simok, application interface is similar to the line of smartphones ASUS Zenfone.

Since we got to review the engineering model of the tablet, to judge the speed of his work is difficult. However, the performance of the underlying platform, given the small screen resolution, should be enough for comfortable use a basic set of programs, smooth running animation and game level Real Racing 3. Work GPS and Wi-Fi did not cause any complaints.

ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) got only one speaker. He plays the role of both the spoken and multimedia speaker and is located on the front panel. Talk it sounds loud and clear voice interlocutors remain recognizable, while there is a significant margin volume. When an incoming call on the same speaker does not sound very expressive, and the volume level can be described as average. Vibrate at the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG), as for the tablet, strong enough.

Operating system and shell

ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) is running an operating system Android 4.4.2 KitKat c interface ZenUI.

Proprietary shell functionality similar to other solutions manufacturer and competitors. In general, the interface looks fresh and ZenUI restraint, small changes in the standard functionality make using the tablet a bit better and the desire to use a third-party launchers does not arise.

Operation time

The tablet got built-in battery capacity of 4000 mAh (15 Wh). Despite the fact that the capacity of the battery remains the same, ASUS state that runs until a new Fonepad 11.5 hours, in contrast to 10 hours for the old model. In the two-hour tests of autonomy hero review showed quite good results:

Camera

ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) received the standard for the modern affordable tablet set of cameras. The front has a resolution of 2 megapixels, and the main 5 megapixel auto-focus and equipped.

The camera application is the same as in smartphones ASUS Zenfone :

The front camera is typical of budget tablets and shows only acceptable photo quality. Unfortunately, our pre-production test sample did not work the main camera, therefore assess its photographic capabilities failed.

Results

ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) – modern affordable tablet. The device has a practical quality housing of plastic, good ergonomics, normal for this class equipment, with natural color screen and low resolution. Taking into account the full telephone functionality, Fonepad 7 can successfully replace Phablet budget if the buyer will look like. As a model update ME170CG, the novelty has several significant improvements that will be appreciated by users, the more the price will remain the same ($ 175). At the same time, if you are not sure that you need a tablet with 3G module and the possibility of phone calls, do not pay for them – even in the line of ASUS can find at least a few alternatives.

Liked:

+ Plastic housing with soft-touch effect

+ Ease of use

+ Good color screen, no air gap and the presence oleophobic coating

Did not like:

– Low screen resolution

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