What is VisualMaster Asus Tru2Life Technology and TV HDR – Should you care?

June 13, 2015 Categories: Specs by 9 Comments

During the Computex presentation, Jonney Shih went through some details about Tru2Life technology that’s built into most of the ZenPad tablets. It’s what Asus describes as their VisualMaster technology. There are two technologies, one is simply Tru2Life (images) and the other is Tru2Life+ (video). The ZenPad S series is the only tablets featuring the Tru2Life+ technology. The budget ZenPad C 7.0 series uses the Asus TruVivid technology that is different than Tru2Life technology. That’s an overview, but should you care?

asus-visualmaster-technology

Main selling points:

  • brings high-end TV HDR technology to a tablet (first time ever for tablets)
  • increases contrast (up to 200% higher levels) and increases sharpness (more lifelike images)
  •  Tru2Life+ provides blur-free motion and extra smooth playback for video content

TV HDR Explained – What Is It?

We did notice during the Computex presentation that when Jonney Shih trumpeted the TV HDR abilities of the ZenPad, the crowd has no real response. In hindsight, it’s pretty clear that the feature of TV HDR was something the audience didn’t quite understand. Let’s look into this feature and see if it’s a real “value added” feature.

HDR exists for photos and has been used in various devices. This technology is about increasing contrast and details. When it comes to photos, think of it like an increased amount of light information. Thus, images pop more with greater details.

When it comes to TV HDR, it’s the same idea, but the effect is more pronounced.It’s really the brightness increase that’s the story. Today’s televisions have about 400 nits of brightness, going up to about 750 nits. If a TV is truely HDR, then it’s going to have 1000 nits.

However, keep in mind that it’s early days for TV HDR. To really maximize HDR, content needs to be recorded in HDR. Keep in mind all this talk about 4K video. Well, HDR is going right along side 4K, almost as an opposing technology.

The industry however appears poised to support HDR already with Nexflix. So it may come down to 4K vs. HDR. In many senses, HDR is superior because it doesn’t bloat file sizes for streaming (Netflix for example) yet the video quality will be incredible. It has been clearly stated that in most instances, the human eye will not be able to distinguish 4K resolution, based on TV size and how far back you are viewing it. Thus, if you have the HDR technology that will be apparent to anyone and any viewing distance, it becomes a more compelling technology.

If this HDR technology really catches on, we could see some remastering being done. However, it’s early days. The compelling argument that might see industry support of the technology is in the fact that it’s a far less data intensive. If our human eyes are at the limits, then 4K may end up falling to the HDR technology. Just keep in mind that ZenPads with TV HDR, it’s a future proofing feature. You may see some benefits, or shall we say true HDR content out there, but just don’t assume that in mid 2015 there is going to be copious amounts of HDR content. It’s cautionary because industries need to put their support into these types of new technologies and if they don’t, then they simply don’t take off and you won’t find a lot of true HDR video content. However, when Netflix takes a liking to HDR, then this can sway the industry. If they like it, it’s going to influence other companies.

My personal view is that 4K is cumbersome and the benefits are negligible for a lot, if not most TV viewing experiences. If HDR provides superior video quality and without that large data requirement that 4K demands, and if Netflix continues to go the way of HDR, then this will become something. Streaming video is more and more mainstream and if there is a technology that brings better video quality without having to deal with massive data, then it’s going to take over the market. Watch closely over the next 6-months because you will possibly see a shift. Nexflix has already stated that by 2016, resolution technology will not be the holy grail. Remember, our eyes can only see so many pixels and no technology (other than eye implants) can change that fact.

 

 

ZenPad 8.0 vs ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)

June 12, 2015 Categories: comparison, vs, ZenPad 8.0, ZenPad S 8.0 by 2 Comments

asus-zenpad-s-8-0-pre-orderWe’ve been trying to come up with every conceivable comparison vs. article that will benefit you our reader. In this case, even brothers and sisters fight from time to time. ZenPad vs ZenPad? Sure, why not. In this situation, you might be asking whether the extra price for the ZenPad S is worth it for you. Perhaps those customizable features of the ZenPad 8.0 are tempting to you. Let’s have a closer look.

First off, ZenPad S is about premium. Top of the top. Even then, both of the S models are not equal. The Z580CA is ultra premium compared to the Z580C premium model. We think for this comparison, we will compare the ZenPad 8.0 vs. ZenPad S Z580C. This would be a more fair comparison.

I think the initial discussion point should be in the unique qualities that the ZenPad 8 has over the ZenPad S and vice versa.

If you like style and customization, then the ZenPad 8.0 is worth looking at. The fact is the ZenPad S does not have the swappable back covers and the custom case accessories from Asus that simply snap into place. A quick overview, the customizable accessories include: multiple color options for back plate covers, Audio Case with 5 speakers built into it (including a subwoofer), the Clutch Case (looks like a purse), and a Power Case (built in battery). You just don’t see that type of customization in tablets. These accessories match the style and color of the ZenPad 8.0 so there is no extra bulk.

One big difference is the fact that the ZenPad 8.0 (Z380KL) has 4G LTE and voice. That makes it the next generation FonePad. The ZenPad S 8.0 simply doesn’t offer cellular connectivity. Is a 8-inch tablet too big as a phone? That’s a personal decision of course. However, it’s still a feature that the S Series simply doesn’t offer at this point.

However, what you get in customization/accessory options, you will sacrifice in sheer specs when comparing to the Z580C tablet. Let’s break down the specs so you get a better idea.

ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580)
ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C) (Z380KL)

Resolution:

  • 1536 x 2048
  • 1280 x 800

Processor:

  • Intel Atom Z3530 @ 1.2GHz
  • Intel Atom x3-3200 (Z380C) and Qualcomm MSM8916 quad-core MSM 8929 octa core (Z380KL)

Ram:

  • 2GB
  • 1GB or 2GB (Z380C) and 1GB or 2GB or 3GB (Z380KL)

Size:

  • 203.2mm (L) x 134.5mm (W) x 6.9mm (H)
  • 209mm (L) x 123mm (W) x 8.5mm (H)

Weight:

  • 317g
  • 350g

Most of the other specs, like storage and cameras are quite similar. Audio wise though, there is quite a significant difference. The ZenPad 8.0 has 1 front facing speaker, in comparison to the ZenPad S which has 2 front facing stereo speakers.

Price is obviously going to be quite a bit different. It will be what separates the flagship ZenPad S from the rest of the models. Perhaps you don’t need the latest and greatest, and the customization holds more value to you.

 

White or Black ZenPad – Which is best?

June 10, 2015 Categories: Opinion by 0 Comments

zenpad-s-8-0I’m going to draw on some personal experiences from the various tablets that I’ve owned over the past couple of years. If you’ve spent some time as we have over the past while looking at all the hands-on videos and high resolution images, you may have a color preference already.

Most all of the other ZenPad models come in colors that are not just black or white. They also have a metallic color. Add to the fact that most back covers, like on the ZenPad 8 and ZenPad 7 Series are removable and customizable. The ZenPad S 8.0 comes in either black or white, so your decision is a bit more taxing.

This article though is still relevant to any prospective ZenPad owner regardless of what model you’re looking to buy. The reason is because we’re talking about the bezel color. The ZenPad S 8.0 is quite obvious in that the black model has a black bezel and the white model has a white bezel. Other tablets, like the ZenPad 8 that had a metallic color option, the bezel is white.

So on the topic of bezel, that’s where we need to look at. The white ZenPad S is beautiful. If I could choose without rationale, I would gladly take the white one. However, when it comes to a white bezel, consider this. How much movie watching will you be doing on the tablet? Watching full screen videos much? If you’re answering yes, then consider a white bezel vs. black bezel.

The 4:3 aspect ratio of the ZenPad S 8.0 means that movies will mostly show with the black bars on top and bottom. Notice I said black bars? This is where you can think about the benefit from a viewing perspective on having that black bezel. On that basis, I would personally have to opt for a black ZenPad S, solely based on watching videos and movies. Trust me, the white ZenPad is absolutely amazing looking. It’s my choice for looks, but for practicality, the black bezel is going to make more sense for me from a usability perspective.

Everyone has an opinion, so what yours? White or Black ZenPad for you?

iPad Air 2 vs. ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)

June 9, 2015 Categories: Asus Z580C, comparison, vs, vs. iPad Air 2, ZenPad S, ZenPad S 8.0 by 0 Comments

We are going strong with vs. comparison articles in hopes of helping you decide what tablet is right for you. In this case, the ZenPad S is 8-inch whereas the iPad Air 2 is 9.7-inch. Why wouldn’t we compare the iPad Air 2 to the ZenPad 10? I think it’s safe to say that the ZenPad S is the premium product and considering the iPad Air 2 is an Apple premium product, this is a more reasonable versus battle.

We will first look at the weight and thickness of these two tablets. Weight wise, we will be looking at a scale of weight per inch so that the size won’t affect the comparison. It levels the field as it were. So the ZenPad Z580C weighs 40g per inch and the iPad Air 2 weighs 45g per inch. Surprisingly, the ZenPad S is a lighter tablet. In terms of thinness, the ZenPad S 8.0 is 6.9mm thick, whereas the iPad Air 2 is 6.1mm thick. Close, but the iPad Air 2 is the thinner of the two tablets.

zenpad-s8-tablet-reviewResolution vs. resolution, both these tablets have a 2048 x 1536 resolution, but because of the extra size of the iPad Air 2, the ZenPad S gets a higher pixel per inch score. ZenPad is 324 ppi and the iPad Air is 264 ppi. The real life screen comparison isn’t possible just yet, but they will be very comparable and similar.

Camera comparison shows that the ZenPad Z580C actually beats the iPad Air 2 front facing camera with a 2MP vs. 1.2MP. The rear cameras are both 8MP but it’s fairly safe to assume that the iPad Air 2 photo quality will be better. Apple has a history of having the best mobile photo taking devices. We need some real life comparisons to make a final verdict however.

Storage is going to be a no contest situation. First, the Z580C ZenPad S has a microSD slot (max. 128GB card) which the iPad Air 2 does not have. The iPad Air 2 however does offer up models with 64GB and 128GB of storage which the ZenPad S (Z580C) does not offer. Beyond these specs, Asus offers a lifetime of 5GB free cloud storage. Clearly the cheaper and better storage belongs to the Asus ZenPad S tablet.

Battery life is absolutely going in favor of the iPad Air 2. The reason? The battery in the ZenPad S is 15.2Wh, but the iPad Air 2 has a 27.3Wh battery. Although the screen of the Air 2 will draw more power, the batteries are quite different and that’s going to make the iPad Air 2 the winner even without real life testing results.

Let’s look at RAM and processing power. The ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C) comes with 2GB of RAM and the iPad Air 2 comes with the same 2GB of RAM. With processors, the ZenPad S comes with an Intel Atom Z3530 quad-core 64bit @ 1.2GHz and the iPad Air 2 comes with triple-core processor @ 1.5GHz. The processors are very similar, but perhaps put a small edge to the iPad Air 2, although the Intel Atom in the ZenPad S is the latest and greatest architecture.

Speakers, the win is going to the ZenPad S 8.0 because it has dual front facing stereo speakers. The side mounted iPad Air 2 speakers might be okay, but front facing has to beat out side facing speakers any day of the week. We don’t need audio samples. If you tell us you prefer side mounted speakers vs. front facing speakers we wouldn’t believe you. Ever.

In terms of what one tablet has over the other tablet? The iPad Air 2 has the finger print sensor which the ZenPad S does not have. The iPad Air 2 also has 3G and 4G LTE models available which the ZenPad S does not have. There is nothing extraordinary with the ZenPad Z580C in terms of unique features or specs that it has over the iPad Air 2.

Price? We know for certain that Asus wins on the pricing and being cheap in comparison. The question is by how much does the ZenPad S beat the iPad Air 2? If price is a big factor in your shopping for a new tablet, then you would have to take the Asus ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C).

So the final verdict? It depends what is important to you. Build quality? Likely the iPad Air 2 is going to look and feel slightly more premium. But with a premium build, Apple charges substantially more money. So cost comes into play here, or at least for many consumers. Spec wise, these tablets are very similar. The speakers on the ZenPad are actually a big deal and should weigh on your decision. Music and movies on a tablet? Those are very common tablet uses and speakers facing you will mean a more pleasant user experience.

If you’re like us, it’s a bit surprising to see the 2nd from the top Z580C tablet stand up so well to the flagship tablet from Apple. It makes one realize that Asus and the ZenPad S Series is going to be a real contender for moving up the market share rankings.

 

 

Google Nexus 9 vs. ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)

June 8, 2015 Categories: Asus Z580C, comparison, vs. Nexus 9, ZenPad S 8.0 by 0 Comments

We have already rolled out a Nexus vs ZenPad S (Z580CA) comparison article here. To be honest, it turned out not to be a very fair fight. Technology moves fast and in six months a lot can happen. We think comparing the Nexus 9 to the second best ZenPad S (Z580C) will be closer, but we certainly don’t expect the Nexus 9 to fare that well in this fight.

The Google Nexus 9 will get the Android updates first and that is one aspect that Asus and the ZenPad S cannot match. These updates tend to create a sense of inferiority, but don’t stress. Android in the early days saw vast improvement from update to update. These days, updates are essentially tweaks. Nice to have but certainly not dramatic. None the less, in terms of running the most current Android version, the Nexus 9 will beat out the ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C).

Let’s first have a look at build quality and features. The Z580C is slightly thicker and slightly heavier than the Z580CA model. So comparison wise, the ZenPad Z580C is 6.9mm and the Nexus 9 is 7.95mm. ZenPad is the thinner tablet. With the Nexus 9 being a larger tablet, we have adjusted the scale to reflect the weight on a per-inch basis. So weight wise, the Z580C is 40g per inch and the Nexus 9 is 47g per inch. ZenPad Z580C is the lighter of the two tablets.

Both tablets share the same screen resolution at 1536 x 2048, but the Nexus 9 is larger and thus the pixel per inch density is not as good as what the ZenPad S offers. Asus has 324 ppi whereas the Nexus 9 has 288 ppi. Quality of display is a win for the ZenPad Z580C.

Let’s look now at processing power. Both these tablets share the same amount of RAM at 2GB. Processor wise, the ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C) has the Intel Atom Z3530 which is clocked at 1.33GHz. The Nexus 9 is packing a more powerful processor that clocks in at 2.33GHz. The Nexus 9 is a clear winner in terms of processing power over the ZenPad S (Z580C).

Looking at storage, the ZenPad S is going to win quite easily over the Nexus 9. Part of the advantage is that the Z580C has a microSD slot which allows for 128GB additional storage. The Nexus 9 doesn’t have microSD slot expandability. Both tablets come with 16GB and 32GB models. The ZenPad S also offers 5GB free lifetime Asus cloud storage. It’s quite clear at this point that

 

 

 

Samsung Galaxy S2 8.0 vs. Asus ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C)

June 8, 2015 Categories: Asus Z580C, comparison, vs, vs. Galaxy Tab S2 8.0, ZenPad S, ZenPad S 8.0 by 0 Comments

vsWe are starting to roll out a number of vs. comparison articles for the first to market ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C). We’ve already created a number of Z580CA comparison articles, but we think that the Z580C is going to be the first ZenPad that you can pre order and buy.

Because the Z580C is not quite at the same level as the Z580CA, we expect this comparison to be closer than the Galaxy S2 8.0 vs. ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA) comparison. A lot of times specs are quite similar between devices but it’s the unique features that will ultimately make one a better choice over the other.

First off, the ZenPad S (Z580C) does not have Z Stylus support and does not have a USB Type C port. Those were two features that the Z580CA held over the Galaxy S2 8.0 tablet. To clear up any confusion we thought it was best to get this information cleared up at first.

So here we have 2 current tablets in a vs. battle. If we call the Asus Z580C their 1B tablet, can it possibly hold its own against the newest Samsung flagship? This should be juicy.

We should get this out of the way at the top. Samsung and the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 is the thinnest tablet in the world. In addition, it’s extremely light. This vs. comparison puts the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 as a clear winner. Thinness wise, the Tab S2 is 5.4mm and the Asus Z580C is 6.9mm. That’s quite a difference, although when cases and covers are added, it diminishes this spec. Weight wise, the ZenPad S Z580C is 317g and the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 is 260g. Again, Samsung wins the weight vs. weight battle by a good margin.

Let’s have a look at processors and RAM. The ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C) has 2GB RAM and the Samsung S2 has 3GB RAM. That’s another win for Samsung and their flagship S2 8.0 tablet. Processor comparison, there is a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3530 quad-core 64bit processor in the Asus ZenPad S, and the Samsung Tab S2 8.0 has 1.9GHz processor. From power and speed, the Galaxy S2 8.0 takes both categories.

So far, the Z380C is getting a bit of a beat down. However, let’s just keep in mind that the Z380C is not the true comparison, but rather the Z380CA is the true ZenPad flagship. However, let’s continue.

Battery appears to be one category where Asus can beat the Samsung S2. The ZenPad S 8.0 packs in a 4,000 mAh battery, and the Galaxy S2 has a 3,850 mAh battery. It’s close, but spec wise Asus edges out Samsung. It’s hard to say which tablet will get the better battery life at this early point.

Camera wise, we have pretty much a tie in terms of megapixels. The rear 8MP is a tie and the front for Samsung is 2.1MP but the ZenPad S has a 2MP. Close right? We need to see real life performance before claiming a victor in the best camera clash.

Are speakers important in mobile devices like tablets? I would say yes, certainly. So in this case, the ZenPad S 8.0 tablet beats out Samsung based on placement alone. The ZenPad has dual front facing stereo speakers but the Galaxy Tab S2 has side mounted speakers. Under what circumstances do you want a side speaker vs. one that is facing you and the screen? Give Asus the big win on speakers.

Both tablets feature microSD slots for cheap storage expansion. That’s a win for consumers! Screen resolution, we have a tie and both of these tablets feature the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Price? Asus is certainly going to beat out Samsung, but it’s just a question of by how much. It’s going to come down to making a decision on build quality vs. price.

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