ASUS ZenPad 7 and 8 release date, specs, rumors: Leaks point to resolution similar to Nexus 9; tipped for July launch
After recently launching ZenFone 2, Asus now plans to soon release two new Android tablets, according to information from the FCC and leaks by Russian online stores. The Taiwanese company is preparing to unveil two new tablets called ZenPad 7 and ZenPad 8 at the upcoming Computex 2015 to be held in Taiwan from June 2-6 2015. Some Russian online stores have already begun updating their lists, revealing the features and prices of both the models, ASUS ZenPad 7 (Z170C) and ASUS ZenPad 7 3G (Z170CG).
The new tablets in the ZenPad series will reportedly come in a variety of sizes and variants. However, both the tablets have a design very similar to that of FonePad, with a polycarbonate frame and a rough finish on the cover. The ASUS ZenPad 7 weighs 270 grams and measures 189 x 108 x 9 mm, and comes with a 7-inch display offering a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The tablet is powered by Intel's new Atom x3 line, either C3200RK or x3 x3 – C3230RK (SoFIA 3G – R), clocked at 1.4 GHz, and paired with 1GB of RAM.
The ASUS ZenPad 7 will be available in 8GB as well as a 16GB versions, with the option for expanding storage up to 64GB via a microSD card slot. The tablet will feature an integrated module WiFi 802.11n and Bluetooth, and run the Android 5.0 Lollipop series OS. The ASUS ZenPad 7 will pack a 3950 mAh battery, capable of running for 9 hours video playback, 30.9 hours of web browsing with WiFi active and 29 hours of 3G.
The ASUS ZenPad 8 will feature an 8-inch display with 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to the Nexus 9. The tablet is expected to be powered by an Intel Atom Z3560 processor, which also powers the current Zenfone 2.
Based on the prices mentioned on the websites of Russian online stores, the ASUS ZenPad 7 will be a Wi-Fi only version priced at the equivalent of $159 USD, while the ASUS ZenPad 7 3G is priced at the equivalent of $181 USD. No pricing details are available of the ASUS ZenPad 8. With the devices expected to be unveiled in June, both the tablets should hit the stores by July.