The 8-inch ZenPad S packs a 64-bit processor and 4GB of RAM
Asus blends beautiful design with Intel processing power for the ZenPad S 8.0 tablet.
TAIPEI -- As part of its showcase of new products here at Computex 2015, Asus has revealed a range of ZenPad premium tablets, including the ZenPad S 8.0.
The ZenPad S boasts Intel's 64-bit Atom Z3580 processor and props it up with 4GB of RAM -- the first 8-inch tablet to do so, according to Asus. The ZenPad S also has a PowerVR 6430 GPU.
According to Jonney Shih, Asus Chairman, the ZenPad offers 3.4 times the browser performance of some competitors and 2.2 times the GPU performance.
The S also features an optional stylus, hence the "S" in its name. Despite being an extra, the Zen Stylus was designed especially for the ZenPad S and offers an impressive 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity with a 1.2mm writing tip.
Asus seems to have pulled out all the stops in designing the new ZenPad, offering a metallic finish with "diamond cut edges".
The S is just 6mm (0.25 inches) thick and weighs 298 grams (10.5 ounces), comparing very favourably to the iPad Mini 3, which comes in at 7.5mm (0.29 inch) and 331 grams (11.6 ounces) for the Wi-Fi only model.
The screen is a 2K (2,048x1,536-pixel) IPS panel, offering 324 pixels per inch. It has a number of Asus' proprietary enhancements, such as TruVivid and Tru2Life (known collectively as VisualMaster), both of which are designed to increase screen clarity, contrast and brightness. The TruVivid technology actually alters the traditional screen manufacturing process to eliminate the "air gap" between the touch panel and the LCD model, increasing optical transparency, according to Asus. The Tru2Life+ technology, on the other hand, is a software addition to improve video playback.
Accessories include the Clutch "fashion" cover, as well as a Power Cover that offers an additional 15 hours of battery life.
Other options in the ZenPad range include the ZenPad 8.0, which has an Intel x3-C3200 processor, embossed leather and an interchangeable rear panel. It has the option of an Audio Cover, which adds six speakers for 5.1 DTS sound. The ZenPad 7.0 and 10.1 change the screen sizes, and the 10.1 has an optional keyboard.
While the company hasn't specified what operating system the ZenPad range will be using, press images suggest Android. That said, Asus is no stranger to running both Windows and Android across its tablet range and the Atom processor means a Windows option isn't off the cards.
All of the ZenPad range will have 4G LTE and Wi-Fi only versions, though the availability of these will differ from region to region. Full pricing and release dates haven't yet been announced.