The Asus PadFone series was a bold experiment in the early days of hybrid devices, aiming to seamlessly blend smartphone and tablet experiences. Today, we revisit two key models – the PadFone 2 and the PadFone S – to see how they stack up against each other and whether they hold any appeal in a modern context.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The PadFone S is the clear winner. While the PadFone 2 boasts impressive battery life, the PadFone S's significantly faster processor and more modern chipset provide a vastly superior user experience. The PadFone 2 is a nostalgic look at a unique concept, but the S is the more capable device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 20 | LTE 700 / 900 / 1700/2100 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | LTE 800 / 900 / 1700/2100 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, December | 2014, March. Released 2014, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.9 x 68.9 x 9 mm (5.43 x 2.71 x 0.35 in) | 143.4 x 72.5 x 10 mm (5.65 x 2.85 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| | Optional Padfone Station with 10.1 inches IPS display, 1280 x 800 pixels @ 514 g, 5000 mAh battery. | Padfone Station with 9 inches IPS display, 1920 x 1200 pixels, 4990 mAh battery, front camera. 250.4 x 172.3 x 11.6 mm, 514 grams |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~64.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super IPS+ LCD | Super IPS+ LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro | Qualcomm MSM8974AB Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 320 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps | 4K@12-25fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.2 MP | 2 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ASUS WebStorage (50 GB storage)
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo viewer/editor | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 352 h | Up to 417 h (2G) / Up to 528 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 22 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2140 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Titanium Black, Platinum White, Dark Ruby |
| Models | - | T00N |
| Price | About 450 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -82.7dB / Crosstalk -82.9dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 56h
| - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1256:1 (nominal) / 911:1 (docking station) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 57dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
| - |
Asus PadFone 2
- Exceptional battery life (56h)
- Good display contrast (1256:1)
- Unique hybrid concept
- Compact size
- Outdated processor
- Limited app compatibility
- Older software
- Difficult to find parts/support
Asus PadFone S
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 801)
- Improved performance
- Better camera image processing
- More modern design
- Shorter battery life than PadFone 2
- Difficult to find in good condition
- Limited software updates
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display, but the PadFone S likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to its newer panel technology. The PadFone 2's contrast ratio is impressive at 1256:1 when not docked, but drops to 911:1 when docked. Docking station display quality varied.
Camera Comparison
The PadFone 2 featured a 13MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. The PadFone S also had a 13MP rear camera, but with improved image processing capabilities thanks to its newer chipset. Low-light performance and video recording are likely better on the PadFone S. Front camera specs are similar.
Performance
This is where the PadFone S truly shines. Its Snapdragon 801 chipset with a 2.3 GHz Krait 400 quad-core processor is a substantial upgrade over the PadFone 2's Snapdragon S4 Pro with a 1.5 GHz Krait CPU. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the PadFone S.
Battery Life
The PadFone 2's endurance rating of 56 hours is remarkable, a testament to its efficient hardware and software optimization. The PadFone S, while having a smaller battery capacity, still offered decent battery life, but not on par with the PadFone 2. The PadFone 2 wins this category hands down.
Buying Guide
The Asus PadFone 2 might appeal to collectors or those seeking a device with exceptional battery life and a retro feel. However, the PadFone S is the better choice for anyone prioritizing performance and a more contemporary user experience, assuming they can find one in working condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are PadFone 2 and PadFone S still supported with software updates?
No, both devices have long ceased receiving official software updates from Asus. Expect limited app compatibility with newer Android versions.
❓ Is it worth buying a PadFone 2 or PadFone S today?
It depends on your priorities. If you're a collector or want a unique device with incredible battery life, the PadFone 2 might be interesting. Otherwise, the PadFone S offers a better overall experience, but finding one in good working order is a challenge.
