Getting the best of both with Asus PadFone (pictures)

As a smartphone/tablet combo, the rebooted PadFone from Asus features many improvements compared with its February predecessor. Namely, it features a faster Snapdragon 800 processor, updated software, and a microSD card slot.

To secure the 5-inch, 1080p HD handset into the back of the PadFone Station, two pairs of angled pads located on the dock station's side edges are meant to keep the device in place. Unfortunately, we noticed that with enough force, the handset can be accidentally separated.

The 10.1-inch tablet's IPS screen has a 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution with 224 ppi. Above the display is a 1-megapixel camera and the device comes in two colors: gray and white.

The tablet itself weighs about 1.17 pounds and is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery. On 3G, the battery generates a reported talk-time of about 40 hours, and 6.5 hours of Web browsing time on 4G LTE.

Both the PadFone and its tablet can be charged independently. And while the latter's battery can charge the PadFone's battery if the tablet's plugged in, it doesn't work the other way around.

The PadFone's 2.26GHz Snapdragon 800 processor is fast, and scored a bit higher in benchmark tests than the Nvidia Shield

A side view of the Asus PadFone fully docked with the PadFone Station tablet.

The tablet can connect to a 4G LTE network and users can take calls on the PadFone station. It has two internal storage options: 16GB and 32GB.

The handset runs Android 4.2.2 and features NFC, Bluetooth, and an FM radio tuner. It also features a 2,400mAh battery, which yields a talk time of up to 20 hours on 3G.

On the back is a 13-megapixel camera and flash, and in the front is a 2-megapixel camera. The rear camera can record in HD video as well as slow-motion.

One new feature to the PadFone September 2013 edition is the addition of a microSD card slot that can hold up to 64GB of extra space.

We find the idea of the PadFone unique and useful, and we like the handset's slim design (it measures 1.35 inches thick), and brushed-metal aesthetic. Unfortunately, Asus has no plans for it to come to the US, but it will launch in Europe and Asia.