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Looking for a phablet that docks in a tablet? PadFone X coming soon to AT&T

Published Jan 6th, 2014 1:30PM EST
AT&T PadFone X Release Date

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While companies like HTC (One max) and Nokia (Lumia 1520) are launching monstrous new devices that stretch the definition of a phablet to new heights, literally, Asus is taking a slightly different approach to expanding the popular category. AT&T on Monday announced from CES 2014 that it will soon launch the Asus PadFone X, a convertible device that stuffs a manageable 5-inch phablet into a perfectly sized 9-inch tablet. The phone itself includes a full HD display and Android 4.4 KitKat but when docked, it powers the larger tablet, which also features 1080p resolution and has its own battery.

“We are committed to delivering our customers the most innovative and compelling device portfolio,” said AT&T’s SVP of devices, Jeff Bradley. “The PadFone X is first of its kind in the U.S. It combines leading technology, a beautiful design and a remarkably seamless application experience – all on the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network. This allows consumers to run their smartphone apps instantly on a vivid 9-inch tablet display. The magic of it is that the experience is not just bigger, it’s better than on a traditional smartphone.”

Pricing and a firm launch date have not yet been announced.

ASUS PADFONE X TO ARRIVE IN THE U.S. EXCLUSIVELY FROM AT&T

innovative SMARTPhone and tablet in one to join THE NATION’S FASTEST AND MOST RELIABLE 4g LTE NETWORK

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2014 – AT&T1 today announced that it will carry the ASUS PadFone X, a smartphone and tablet in one, exclusively in the U.S. Pricing, detailed specifications and availability will be announced at a later date.

“We are committed to delivering our customers the most innovative and compelling device portfolio,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “The PadFone X is first of its kind in the U.S. It combines leading technology, a beautiful design and a remarkably seamless application experience – all on the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network. This allows consumers to run their smartphone apps instantly on a vivid 9-inch tablet display. The magic of it is that the experience is not just bigger, it’s better than on a traditional smartphone.”

“AT&T and ASUS share a passion for innovation and we are very excited to bring the ASUS PadFone X to the U.S market,” said Jonney Shih, chairman, ASUS. “Our technology is capable of instantly turning a premium smartphone into a tablet, giving consumer the ultimate experience on both devices. Together, we look forward to bringing more choices to consumers.”

A Great Screen for Every Scenario

The PadFone X is a 5-inch full HD smartphone that activates a 9-inch full HD tablet when the phone is docked. It runs Android KitKat 4.4. and features a thin and light design with a brushed metal frame, a soft-touch back cover and dual front speakers that deliver captivating audio.

The PadFone X combines both smartphone and tablet into a thin and light package with seamless transitions that lets the user choose between two screen sizes dependent on the task at hand. Its unique design and features include:

  • Seamless Transition – Simply dock the smartphone and Apps running will instantaneously auto-adjust to fit the larger PadFone station display.
  • Optimal Experience – Consumers can effortlessly select the display experience that’s optimized for the application and their environment at that moment – whether they are watching a video at their kitchen table or taking a call as they run out the door. The PadFone X delivers a uniquely seamless experience that enables today’s mobile life.
  • Large Battery – The companion PadFone station includes a large battery. It charges the smartphone’s battery when docked, providing two times longer battery life. This allows users to do more of the things they love, for longer.

State-of-the-Art Technologies

The PadFone X supports LTE-Advanced technology, including Carrier Aggregation. The new product also supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and HD Voice.

ASUS and AT&T started working together in 2012 with the launch of VivoTab RT and continued through 2013 with the MeMO Pad FHD 10 LTE. For more information about the PadFone X visit att.com/PadFoneX or watch the ASUS press conference live on Jan. 6 at 12:00 p.m. PST at http://press.asus.com/events. Follow the conversation on Twitter with #PadFone.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.