Asus ZenPad 8.0 Z380KL Review - First tablet with interchangeable integrated speaker within a protective tablet cover
This weekend I got hold of Asus ZenPad 8.0 and so far it looks pretty impressive. So far I have used different versions of iPADs and Nexus tabs. In fact, most of the folks around me have been using either iPAD or Samsung tablets. Somehow Asus doesn't come to your mind when we talk about Tablets, but most of the folks don't know that Nexus7 was built by Asus and is still a popular tablet.
The ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z380KL has a interesting design with high specification technology at an affordable price. ZenPad features world’s first integration of DTS-HD Premium Sound (and I loved the audio quality), has 4G network compatibility and a high-definition screen with 76.5% viewing area. It runs a newly-designed ZenUI 2015 interface on Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system.
Battery & Camera -
Whenever I think of phones or tablets, two factors play a major role in my decision. Battery life and Camera performance. Asus ZenPad 8 has 4000 mAh battery, which is reasonable as compared to price but in 2016 people would expect more battery power in tablets. Few of the phones are already getting more than 4000 mAh but comparison is unfair, because those phones easily cost to more than double of the cost of Asus ZenPad. The good part is charging capabilities. Asus ZenPad charges fast because of it's USB-C charging port.
The ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z380KL features two PixelMaster cameras. The Rear Camera is 8MP in quality and has auto-focus while the Front Camera is 2MP. There is no shutter lag.
The Rear Camera has 15 effects modes to choose from while there are 8 on the Front Camera. These include Low Light mode, HDR (for better backlit images); Beautification (to improve portraits by adjusting the softness or brightness of the skin, eye size and cheek width); a Selfie mode with 140 degree Panorama if used with the front camera; Time Lapse; Time Rewind and Smart Remove, which deletes moving objects such as passers-by from the background of your shot.
If it comes to me, I would probably not
use the camera when my phone is handy with me. But I don't mind clicking
some candid shots at home with front camera of Asus ZenPad. At the same time, I would like to share that I am trying to spend lot of time with ZenPad Camera and will be sharing detailed review in coming weeks.
Screen (Colors, Contrast and Sharpness) -
Screen of Asus ZenPad 8 is sharp but colors are not as impressive as you get on iPAD Mini or Samsung tab. Screen of Asus Zenpad is a charm and you love playing with it. Since I heavily use photography apps, the interaction with greyscale photographs is much better as compared to colorful photographs. The simple fact is that sharpness of the screen improve the visuals of greyscale while colorful photographs don't look good at times.
The display is made up of two layers rather than four using ASUS TruVivid technology – the conventional air gap has been eliminated and the cover glass and touch panel layers have been combined to offer a higher optical transparency >94%.
Tru2Life is able to detect different lighting conditions and automatically adjusts the display to make it easy to view even when outdoors in bright sunlight. When using other competitor tablets, it is very difficult to read due OTHER BRANDS Difficult to read due to sunlight reflection ASUS Tru2Life Outdoor readable to the reflection of the sun. However with ASUS Tru2Life Outdoor Readable technology, contrast and backlight enhancement makes the text much easier to read.
If I look at the price, Asus ZenPad is a great deal as compared to iPAD Mini. The performance while navigating the web, watching videos or even playing games (although I don't play much). After this realization, I thought of checking out on the web, if someone has compared Asus ZenPad with iPAd Mini side by side. I came across http://www.cnet.com/products/asus-zenpad-s-8-0/ , which shares very interesting details.
Built and physical looks -
Asus ZenPad 8.0 tablet is a sleek & light gadget but as you put the audio cover, the weight increases a bit. Personally I found it bulky with audio cover, when I need to carry it out for official purposes. Because it's very easy to change covers, so I remove the audio cover before moving out. At home, Audio cover remains with the tablet because the audio quality is amazing and I am sure no one would want to miss that.
Audio Cover -Above photograph shows the audio cover which comes with Asus ZenPad 8. On the base, you see speaker which is for special audio quality you get with Asus ZenPad 8. Asus has tried to place this as a multimedia Tablet and I would say that it's a good attempt. When I say audio quality is good, it also depends upon the media files you are using the enviornment around you. Audio may not be that interesting, if you have some noise around. But as I said earlier, I keep this cover on the tablet while I am at home and want to enjoy music when working. The ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Z380KL is the world’s first tablet to integrate DTS-HD Premium Sound transforming the audio experience. It creates an immersive cinema-style experience with deep, rich bass enhanced from 300Hz to 700Hz and treble enhanced from 7kHz to 15kHz.
I was super excited to local language support in Asus ZenPad. Below are some of the useful details of Asus ZenPad 8.
Note for Readers - By now, you must have guessed that I have received this Zenpad from Asus and I will be using it at home.