News & Reviews:   ASUS Fonepad 7 FE170CG

While many ASUS users are wondering when they'll get their Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrades, quite a few of the tablet users have already started receiving theirs. This includes those who got the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG. Powered by a 64-bit 1.83GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor, the new update offers native 64-bit processing. While many ZenFone users are silently screaming "why not us too?" this order does make sense as the Fonepads and other ASUS tablets did get their 64-bit Intel processors first. It does indicate that there is progress so those users should get their updates eventually. So far, the interface looks to have been revamped with some smoother animations and nicer layouts but this is just what we've seen so far at a glance. You also get some new apps and bloatware so make sure you have some extra space available. If you're interested in the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG do check out our full review of the tablet but for now you can see the screenshots of the update along with some design changes and an early benchmark in this article.

While the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE171CG tablet with calling capabilities was announced for Malaysia quite recently, it is now officially available in Malaysia for RM529. Featuring a slimmer 7.9mm thin chassis and more premium looking metallic body, the Fonepad 7 FE171CG also packs in an 8MP PixelMaster auto-focus rear camera capable of taking clearer low-light shots. As our previous reports, it does not replace the previous ASUS Fonepad 7 FE170CG but offers a different form factor and some upgraded tech specs and features for those who want a bit more. Check out the full tech specs and features list using our Fonepad 7 FE171CG vs the Fonepad 7 FE170CG tech spec comparison tool. Stay tuned for the unboxing and hands-on videos in a bit.

ASUS Malaysia recently launched a trifecta of affordable yet feature-filled devices with the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE171CG, ASUS ZenFone C and ASUS EeeBook X205. The Fonepad 7 FE171CG doubles tech specs and features by offering a slimmer 7.9mm thin body, 8MP rear camera, 16GB storage and 2GB RAM for just RM529. While it doesn't replace the Fonepad 7 FE170CG, the ASUS ZenFone C replaces the ZenFone 4 smartphones for RM349. Notable tech specs for the ZenFone C includes a 4.5-inch display, larger 2100 mAh battery, 5MP PixelMaster camera with Low-Light function and SonicMaster audio with external amplifier. The third device is the ASUS EeeBook X205 which is a stylish and thin Windows 8.1 notebook computer with an 11.6-inch display for just RM699 for the 32GB storage version and RM799 for the 64GB storage version. Check out our hands-on photos of the three ASUS devices.

Those looking for a larger smartphone or tablet with phone capabilities may often find that these devices are rather larger than the actual screen. For those looking for a more compact 7-inch display smartphone or 3G tablet, ASUS have come out with their ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG. Noticeably more compact, slimmer and thinner, this tablet with smartphone capabilities offers a good amount of features and tech specs including a new 64-bit processor. However, is it the all-in-one device you're looking for? Check out our review of the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG below.

ASUS Malaysia continues it's Android 4.4 KitKat roll-out for many of it's devices with the Fonepad 7 FE170CG tablet. Users can now download it via their Firmware Over-the-Air or FOTA update. To do so manually, go to Settings > About > System Update but as long as you are connected to the Internet you should get your FOTA update notification soon. Just in case, this latest system firmware has a build-number of KVT49L.WW_fonepad-11.2.3.17.3-20141006 release-keys. Further enticing users, ASUS Malaysia have now dropped the price for the Fonepad 7 FE170CG 8GB version down to RM429 from it's original pricing of RM599.

ASUS Malaysia recently announced that they would hold a roadshow for various ASUS products that would include the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100 and ASUS ZenFone smartphones at Centre Court in Mid Valley Megamall from 20 august 2014 to 24 August 2014. The roadshow would include various activities and the chance to redeem ASUS Zen Owl premiums and freebies. In addition, the first 50 customers in the queue on 23 to 24 August will get the chance to purchase certain ASUS products (ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100, etc.) at just RM1 or get free ASUS accessories. Lucky draw winners who Like the ASUS Facebook Page and fill out the Zen Owl Survey Form may also win either an ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) tablet or ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. Check out the full promo in this article.

Calling all large smartphone fans (especially those looking to replace their current 7-inch smartphones), ASUS Malaysia is now offering their slim and trim 8GB ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) smartphone for just RM429. The tablet with smartphone capabilities features the new ASUS ZenUI which can be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat and connects to 3G at speeds of up to 42Mbps. It supports Dual SIM and offers tech specs which include a 1.2gHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor, 1GB RAM and for this promotion, 8GB worth of storage. A 2MP rear camera and VGA front camera round up the other features along with GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and up to 64GB microSD support. The slimmer bezels on this version of the Fonepad 7 make it more compact and easier to carry around while the low promo price of RM429 should be available at the larger stores and authorized distributors here in Malaysia.

ASUS Malaysia recently held a media briefing revealing their tablet plans for Q4 of 2014 and beyond. As recently leaked at TechNave.com, ASUS Malaysia confirmed that we'll be seeing 64-bit Intel processor powered tablets here in Malaysia in the near future. This includes the ASUS Transformer Pad (TF103), ASUS MeMo Pad 8 (ME181), ASUS FonePad 7 (FE375CG), ASUS FonePad 7 (FE170CG) and ASUS FonePad 8 (FE380CG). While all of these tablets will be sporting smaller bezels and a slimmer form factor and are headed for the affordable below RM1K price range, there will be higher-end tablets as well. This includes the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 (ME581) tablet which will have tech specs that include an 8-inch full HD display and 4G LTE connectivity. Check out the details in the slides in this article.

ASUS Malaysia recently announced their new refreshed ASUS Fonepad 7 variant for their range of 7-inch tablets with 3G connectivity and phone capabilities. Bearing the model number FE170CG, this Fonepad 7 version offers a number of new features and tech specs over the previous version. This includes a narrower look than before, utilizing slimmer bezels for an overall width of just 11cm so you can hold this new Fonepad 7 in a one-handed grip more comfortably. Featuring the new ASUS ZenUI interface that comes with various other software features the refresh also offers tech specs which include the following:

• 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB / 8GB storage + 5GB Life Time ASUS Webstorage + up to 64GB microSD
• 7-inch display (1024 x 600 pixel resolution, anti-fingerprint coating)
• 2MP rear camera (720p video recording, f/2.8 aperture lens) + 0.3MP front camera (f/2.8 aperture lens)
• Supports 3G, HSPA+, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Miracast, GPS,
• features ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone
• 192 x 110 x 10.7mm | 290g
• Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (upgradeable to Android 4.4 KitKat)