[MWC 2013] ASUS Padfone Infinity Hands-on and Initial Impressions

ASUS Padfone Infinity: Massive Power in an Elegant Package

If you’re a regular reader of Unbox then you should know that we’re big fans of the ASUS Padfone 2. We liked it so much that we went as far as saying that it was one of the best Android devices we’ve ever used. That’s why we were thrilled when ASUS announced at Mobile World Congress the evolution of the Padfone 2. Ladies and gents, meet the ASUS Padfone Infinity.

What’s so special about the Padfone Infinity? Other than the transformative capability from smartphone to tablet, this device has monstrous specifications. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s under the hood:

ASUS Padfone Infinity Spec Sheet

1.7GHz Quad-core CPU, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Chipset
Adreno 320 GPU
2GB LPDDR2-1066 RAM
32GB or 64B Internal Storage
5-inch Super IPS Display, 1920×1080 resolution (~441ppi)
13.0-megapixel rear-facing camera with Sony BSI sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 5-element lens, autofocus,, LED flash, 8FPS burst mode
2.0-megapixel front-facing camera
WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, A-GPS with GLONASS, DC-HSPA+
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
2,400mAh Battery
Comes in Titanium Gray, Champagne Gold, or Hot Pink

And that’s just the phone! Here are the specifications for the Padfone Infinity (docking station to transform it into a tablet).

ASUS Padfone Infinity Station Spec Sheet

10.1-inch Super IPS Capacitive multi-touch display, 1920×1200 resolution (~244ppi)
1-megapixel front-facing camera
GSM, WCDMA & LTE antennas
Speaker with ASUS SonicMaster audio technology
5,000mAh Lithium polymer battery
Comes in Titanium Gray

Definitely impressive. Can’t wait to get my hands on one for a long time so we can put it through the paces and run all the necessary benchmark tests. Anyway, read on for our initial impressions.

All that power packed in a finely crafted body

There’s no question that the insides of the ASUS Padfone Infinity has power levels akin to a rampaging beast. It ain’t no slouch as well when it comes to hardware design and aesthetics. The ASUS Padfone Infinity is one of the most beautiful devices we saw on the exhibition floor (probably tied with the HTC One and the Xperia Z). The phone has a very thin candybar form factor. It has metal edges and some sort of metal finish as well for the backplate giving it a cool high techie feel.

Display quality was equally as amazing. Images, text, and videos just burst into life on the 5-inch Super IPS Display with full HD resolution (allegedly beating the iPhone 5’s Retina Display).

How does all the power translate into real life user experience? During our hands-on time with the device we literally did not encounter any lag spike, delay, or even the slightest stutter. Animations, transitions, and app launches were all insanely buttery smooth that we almost forgot we were using an Android-powered smartphone.

Over-all as a standalone smartphone the ASUS Padfone Infinity is already way up there at the top when it comes to performance and chasis design. The good news though is that we’re not done yet.

Voltron mode! From 5.0-inch Smartphone to a 10.1-inch tablet

ASUS Padfone Infinity docking station. Turn your smartphone into a full blown tablet!

What truly sets the Padfone Infinity (and the Padfone line in general) apart is that you slide in and dock your phone into the accompanying Padfone Infinity Docking Station and viola~~~ you have a 10.1-inch screaming tablet! To those wondering how this works: you need to dock the Padfone Infinity smartphone on the Padfone Infinity Dock. This set-up is ideal for people who love using portable devices while on the sofa or in the bed. The bigger screen is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading ebooks.

The Padfone Infinity Station uses the processor, RAM, and storage of the smartphone. Fortunately it has its own battery which means you can actually use it as some sort of mobile charger if the phone runs out of juice. Note that just like the Padfone 2, the moment you slide out the phone from the tablet it ceases to exist as a tablet and just becomes some sort of cool paperweight, hehe.

The ASUS Padfone Infinity docked in the Padfone Infinity docking station

The design of the Padfone Infinity station is very similar to the docking station of the Padfone 2: curvy, refined, and classy. Sliding in the Padfone Infinity is easy. Just slip in the phone and the push until you hear a satisfying “click”. Also, don’t worry about your phone when it’s docked into the Infinity Station. It’s secured in its place and the only way to take it out is by pushing it upwards hard.

It’s potentially one of the best Droids for 2013… however it will cost you an arm and a leg!

As far as initial impressions go, we’re completely blown away. It truly is one of the very best Android devices we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing around with. There is one huge catch though. ASUS announced that the SRP for the ASUS Padfone Infinity is a whopping 799 euros. In pesos that’s around Php43,000. Boom! Pow! Wapak!

Hopefully we get it at a more affordable price when it finally becomes available locally. As a huge fan of the Padfone series I’m seriously thinking of getting one. If that happens then you guys can watch out for a full review. 😛