OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£200RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:8 GBScreen size:7 inchesChipset:Intel Atom Z2420

Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 38 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

35%

5.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.0

Reviews score

10%

8.3

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 85% of tablets
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 78%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

22%

4.2

Performance

20%

4.9

Display

16%

5.5

Camera

14%

3.3

Battery

12%

5.9

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Software

5%

6.3

Design

3%

6.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 89%
5.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models

5.0

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.4

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (38)
28 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 91%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £200
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB)

Based on 28 · 10

Reviewers praise long battery life and solid build, but the cameras, gaming and speakers disappoint; opinions split on calls and screen.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB)

Based on 71 owners sharing their experience in online comments

55%positive14%mixed31%negative

Owners praise the battery fix, phone features and affordable gaming, while charging failures and sluggish performance frustrate them.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the tablet stops charging, or charges slowly, after a few months and may not connect to a computer over USB, and charging can return after the battery trick.10
  • Owners report slow startup and shutdown, lag over time, and some games running poorly on the Atom processor.8
  • Owners say the battery wears out after about two years of heavy use, and the battery can be replaced by removing the back cover.5
  • Owners report the tablet stuck in a boot loop on the logo, or failing to start past the logo, sometimes with a USB icon showing.4
  • Owners report that mobile data does not work on some SIMs, 3G does not connect, and tethering fails over both WiFi and USB.4
  • Owners say the back cover is hard to open, and it lifts off more easily when a credit card is slid under its corners.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

22%

4.2

Performance

20%

4.9

Display

16%

5.5

Camera

14%

3.3

Battery

12%

5.9

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Software

5%

6.3

Design

3%

6.9

Audio

5.0
Reviews score
5.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.1
RAM capacity
2 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 2 GB of RAM, which is less than 61.3% of tablets and equal to 15.5% of tablets.
Process node
32 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 32 nm process, which is larger than 82.7% of tablets and equal to 4.2% of tablets.
Internal storage
8 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 8 GB of internal storage, which is less than 93.6% of tablets and equal to 4.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
Intel Atom Z2420
This tablet runs on Intel Atom Z2420, which is less advanced than 84% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1280×800
This tablet has a 1280×800 screen, which is less sharp than 68.1% of tablets and equal to 21.7% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
216 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 216 ppi, which is lower than 52% of tablets and equal to 3.7% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is more durable than 45.4% of tablets and the same as 32.8% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
3 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 3 MP resolution, which is lower than 92.5% of tablets and equal to 0.9% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
1.2 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 1.2 MP resolution, which is lower than 86.3% of tablets and equal to 4.8% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.4
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.4, which is narrower than 70% of tablets and equal to 17.5% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
4,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 4,000 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 84.6% of tablets and equal to 4.5% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 10 W, which is slower than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 33.3% of tablets.
Battery life
9 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 9 hours, which is shorter than that of 62.7% of tablets and equal to that of 6.9% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This tablet uses the Android operating system, which is more advanced than the one used by 23.2%.
Update support duration
short
This tablet offers short update support, which is shorter than the support period of 52.4% of tablets and equal to that of 47.6% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
340 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 340 g, which is lighter than 84% of tablets and equal to 0.9% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
?
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 2, which is more than 55.1% of tablets and equal to 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
?
FM radio
yes
This tablet includes an FM radio. 81.1% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • 30.6% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (340 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    340 g vs 490 g
  • Supports multithreading
    This tablet supports multithreading, while the average tablet does not. 9.9% of tablets support multithreading.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 1 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    2 vs 1
  • 55.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (120 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    120 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • Supports multithreading
    This tablet supports multithreading, while the average tablet does not. 9.9% of tablets support multithreading.
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 30.6% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (340 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    340 g vs 490 g
  • 55.3 mm narrower
    This tablet is narrower than the average tablet (120 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    120 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 1 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    2 vs 1
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • 3.8 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • 28.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models

    5.0

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (38)
    28 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.0 vs 7.0
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 5 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (3 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    3 MP vs 8 MP
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 40% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 28.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models

    5.0

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (38)
    28 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.0 vs 7.0
  • 6.6% worse value for money
    Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.08 vs 7.6).
    7.08 vs 7.55
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (2 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • 40% lower CPU speed
    This tablet has a lower CPU speed than the average tablet (1.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    1.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 87.5% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (8 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2.29x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (32 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    32 nm vs 14 nm
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (PowerVR SGX540 vs Mali-G51).
    PowerVR SGX540 vs Mali-G51
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 800 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (1,066 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    1,066 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 57% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (6.4 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    6.4 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 29.7% slower GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU slower than the average tablet (457 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    457 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • More basic memory type
    This tablet uses less advanced memory than the average tablet (LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3).
    LPDDR2 vs LPDDR3
  • 5 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2014 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    2014 vs 2019
  • 3.1 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (7 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    7 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 300 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (100 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    100 nits vs 400 nits
  • Less sharp display
    This tablet has a less sharp screen than the average tablet (1280×800 vs 1920×1200).
    1,280×800 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 3.8 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • 5 MP lower rear resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution rear camera than the average tablet (3 MP vs 8 MP). The average tablet has a rear camera of 8 MP.
    3 MP vs 8 MP
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • Worse main-camera video
    This tablet supports worse main-camera video recording than the average tablet (720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not support manual exposure, while the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets support manual exposure.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 39.4% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • 1 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (9 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    9 hours vs 10 hours
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    This tablet has an older Wi-Fi standard than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This tablet supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average tablet (2.4GHz vs 2.4GHz/5GHz). The average tablet supports 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4GHz vs 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • No split-screen
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No multi-user mode
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average of independent expert reviews and videos, graded by us; missing reviews count as 7/10.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how independent test sites and video reviewers rate the product in real use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Asus Fonepad 3G
    the average tablet
    Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB) does not support multi-user mode, while the average tablet does. 73.8% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No location privacy
    This tablet does not support location privacy, while the average tablet does. 76.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • 2.4 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (10.4 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    10.4 mm vs 8 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.6
Tablet-News.com
✓ explicit
01/06/2013
Full review · design, apps, performance and verdict
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is a well-built budget phone-tablet with an excellent screen, rated highly despite a single-core processor.
8.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
31/05/2013
Full review · hands-on use, call quality and battery
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is clearly no smartphone replacement, but it is a very good 3G tablet at a reasonable price.
9.0
BASIC thinking
≈ estimated
08/05/2013
Hands-on review · media, apps, battery and performance tests
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is more than good enough for general use, though not for demanding graphics gaming.
7.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
30/04/2013
Hands-on review · phone calls, battery and camera
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is more a capable 3G tablet than a great phone, suited to people who want one device for both.
8.0
GadgetsToUse
≈ estimated
03/03/2013
Hands-on review · UI performance, display and build
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is fast and smooth for everyday use, with a decent display and solid build quality.
8.0
TechRadar
≈ estimated
10/05/2013
Short review · performance, battery and build
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is an affordable hybrid tablet with good battery life, though performance can feel laggy at times.
9.0
Geekanoids
≈ estimated
26/04/2013
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Asus Fonepad 3G is better than expected, good-looking, and really good value for money at this price.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
25/02/2013
Full review · 7in 3G tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a good-value 7in tablet with 3G, but its screen is a little too low quality to recommend as a first tablet.
6.0
t3.com
≈ estimated
26/02/2013
Hands-on preview · 7in phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a 7in tablet that makes calls, but few people will use it as a phone, though its low price stands out.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
25/04/2013
Lab test · 7in phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus FonePad is a budget 7in tablet with long battery life and expandable storage, though its lack of a rear camera and large size limit phone use.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
30/04/2013
Full review · 7in phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus FonePad is a well-made 7in tablet with a sharp screen and metal back, but its phone features are impractical and it has no rear camera.
8.0
head4space.com
≈ estimated
04/05/2013
First impressions · 7in phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad gives good value with excellent battery life and 3G, but its ordinary screen, tinny sound and no video output hold it back.
6.0
itpro.com
✓ explicit
08/05/2013
Full review · 7in phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is good value and well built, but it is likely too cumbersome for most people, and its Wi-Fi caused problems in testing.
9.0
theregister.com
≈ estimated
12/06/2013
Week-long test · Phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus FonePad makes a sharp, long-lasting 3G tablet and capable phone, but it has no main camera and struggles with demanding 3D games.
6.0
eurogamer.net
≈ estimated
30/06/2013
Full review · Gaming performance
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a sturdy, portable 7-inch tablet, but its weaker single-core chip makes it a poor choice for demanding games.
6.0
digitaltrends.com
≈ estimated
25/02/2013
Hands-on look · Phone use
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a 7-inch tablet with 3G and phone calls, handy for everyday tasks, but its low microphone makes calls awkward.
4.0
gadgetguy.com.au
✓ explicit
07/06/2013
Hands-on review · Phone-tablet hybrid
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad suits buyers who want one device for calls and tablet use, but its large size and missing 4G are the main limits.
5.0
pcwelt.de
✓ explicit
04/07/2013
Lab test · Phone and tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a smooth, long-lasting, lightweight tablet with phone calls, but its dim screen and slow Wi-Fi hold it back.
9.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
22/05/2013
Lab test · Mobility and battery
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is slim, light and long-lasting, a good choice for carrying around, but its dim screen struggles in sunlight.
7.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
26/02/2013
Hands-on test · Phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a quick 7-inch tablet with a good screen that can make calls, but using it as a phone is awkward.
5.7
connect.de
✓ explicit
07/06/2013
Lab test · Phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a cheap, long-lasting tablet that also makes calls, though its weak display and 320g weight limit it.
7.0
nextpit.de
≈ estimated
16/04/2013
Hands-on test · Phone tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad feels sturdy and offers useful floating apps, but it is bulky, its display is paler than the Nexus 7's and its battery drained fast in testing.
7.0
smartdroid.de
≈ estimated
06/05/2013
Hands-on test · Aluminium 3G tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a solid 3G tablet for everyday browsing and battery life, but its pale, low-contrast screen and dated graphics hold it back.
8.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
25/03/2013
Hands-on review · Phone and tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a 7-inch tablet with 3G that suits anyone wanting mobile data, though its hardware is not the most powerful.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
16/04/2013
Full review · Budget 3G tablet
Verdict
The Asus Fonepad is a solid, well-built 3G tablet whose phone features work fine, though hands-free echo is its main drawback.
6.0
eurogamer.es
≈ estimated
01/07/2013
Analysis · Single-core tablet
Verdict
The Asus FonePad is a light, good-value 3G tablet, but its single-core Intel chip and weak graphics make games and multitasking disappointing.
7.0
revista-gadget.es
✓ explicit
No date specified
Test · Tablet with calls
Verdict
The Asus FonePad is an attractive Android tablet with good build quality and value, but its screen, average battery and later Android updates hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB)

  • Integrated 3G cellular functionality for voice calls and mobile data
  • Premium build quality with a sleek aluminum rear finish
  • Excellent battery life that can last a full day of moderate-to-heavy use
  • Affordable price point compared to similar 3G-enabled tablets
  • Expandable storage via a microSD card slot up to 32GB
  • Crisp IPS display with wide viewing angles and good color balance

What customers don't like about Asus Fonepad 3G (2GB + 8GB)

  • Awkward and 'silly-looking' ergonomics when held to the ear for calls
  • Lack of a rear-facing camera on many standard models
  • Underpowered single-core Intel Atom processor leads to stuttering in high-end games
  • Reflective screen surface and lower peak brightness than premium competitors
  • Weak internal speaker quality that struggles with audio performance
  • Absence of NFC and dedicated video output

Verdict

The Asus Fonepad 8 (FE380CG) is a versatile 8-inch tablet featuring 3G telephony and dual-SIM capabilities, powered by a 1.33GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3530 processor. This specific variant is equipped with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, expandable up to 64GB via microSD, alongside a 1280x800 IPS display and dual front speakers with SonicMaster technology. Key pros include its slim 8.9mm design, long-lasting 4000mAh battery providing up to 12 hours of use, and smooth multitasking performance for its class. However, notable cons include the relatively low pixel density of the screen, underwhelming 5MP rear and 2MP front cameras that lack an LED flash, and the limited 8GB of base storage which is quickly consumed by the operating system.

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