Zenfone 2 doing well in Japan - ZenFone 2 General

http://m.pocketnow.com/2015/07/24/budget-smartphone-demand
Nice to see that demand for the Zenfone has been high in Japan. I actually got mine imported from Expansys because I wanted the cheaper 550 model, which wasn't released here, and because the 551 sold officially here is significantly marked up in price (though still about the cheapest thing you can find in Japan with decent specs). But it seems ASUS have been shifting a lot of the official JP model 551 nevertheless. Japan has up until recently been terrible for freedom of competition and choice in mobile, with the three big established carriers holding a cast iron grip of the market in a cartel-like manner. A combination of the rise of dirt-cheap MNVO carriers and government intervention (forced unlocking especially) to curb the anti-competitive practices of the big 3 has started to change this. ASUS are obviously one of the main beneficiaries of this - breaking into the market with the Zenfone 5 and seemingly expanding their presence with the Zenfone 2.

Asus is a Taiwanese Tech company since 1989 and one of the 1st to release computer components to consumers. I am sure that they are able to bring down cellphones price/performance ratio considerably. Found this on wikipedia:
'ASUS is the world's -largest PC vendor by 2014 unit sales . ASUS appears in BusinessWeek’s "InfoTech 100" and "Asia’s Top 10 IT Companies"
They are partners with Intel (Created in 1968 ; released world's 1st CPU in 1971) since their release so they pretty much know what to build and how to code for their products.
I still remember building my 1st desktop with an Asus motherboard 16 years ago LoL Hands-down, I only use Asus motherboards as they are know to rarely fail and even then, their support is top notch. They always use their products in Overclocking Tournaments for a reason.

aziz07 said:
Asus is a Taiwanese Tech company since 1989 and one of the 1st to release computer components to consumers. I am sure that they are able to bring down cellphones price/performance ratio considerably. Found this on wikipedia:
'ASUS is the world's -largest PC vendor by 2014 unit sales . ASUS appears in BusinessWeek’s "InfoTech 100" and "Asia’s Top 10 IT Companies"
They are partners with Intel since their release so they pretty much know what to build and how to code for their products.
I still remember building my 1st desktop with an Asus motherboard 16 years ago LoL Hands-down, I only use Asus motherboards as they are know to rarely fail and even then, their support is top notch. They always use their products in Overclocking Tournaments for a reason.
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Agreed. Running an asus motherboard and asus monitor on my current build. I have never had an "indian call center" support experience with them. Always competent english speaking operators. Very nice people and very knowledged.

kanagawaben said:
http://m.pocketnow.com/2015/07/24/budget-smartphone-demand
Nice to see that demand for the Zenfone has been high in Japan. I actually got mine imported from Expansys because I wanted the cheaper 550 model, which wasn't released here, and because the 551 sold officially here is significantly marked up in price (though still about the cheapest thing you can find in Japan with decent specs). But it seems ASUS have been shifting a lot of the official JP model 551 nevertheless. Japan has up until recently been terrible for freedom of competition and choice in mobile, with the three big established carriers holding a cast iron grip of the market in a cartel-like manner. A combination of the rise of dirt-cheap MNVO carriers and government intervention (forced unlocking especially) to curb the anti-competitive practices of the big 3 has started to change this. ASUS are obviously one of the main beneficiaries of this - breaking into the market with the Zenfone 5 and seemingly expanding their presence with the Zenfone 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recently, I realize that config_init.sh has the description "ZE550ML_JP" in firmware 2.19.40.22 and 2.19.40.23. There was no this description in 2.19.40.12.
I don't know this means ASUS is trying to sell ZE550ML here in Japan or not.
If so, ZE550ML will accelerate to change the market share of carriers in Japan.

Related

[INFO] TF101 AU Release and pricing

Asus Australia post on Facebook:
...the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer will be available in leading national retailers like Harvey Norman and JB HiFi from second week of May. And sorry, we are not taking pre orders.
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No pricing yet...
Asus Australia response to me on Facebook:
Asus Australia
Hi Hugo, the RRP for Eee Pad Transformer is from AU$599.
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Not confirmed yet if that price is with or without the keyboard dock.
What?
Asus Australia Hi Hugo, the RRP of AU$599 is for the pad only, and does not include the keyboard docking station. RRP for the docking station is still to be confirmed.
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Asus Australia Hi Hugo, please kindly noted that the ones selling in USA are slightly different from what we are going to sell here. The ones in USA haven't got back camera and GPS, hence the price gap.
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I have never seen a reference that the devices in the US are different to the anywhere else. Looks like we have to look very closely what we buy.
EDIT:
Not according to the US press release - the Transformer in that press release does have a back camera and a GPS:
http://usa.asus.com/news.aspx?N_ID=NrkcfmDMc162TlqA
Hugo: Can you please ask Asus Australia where they get that information from??
Yes, we should rip them a new one for this as I am sure that our friends from the US are not aware of this.
I have never seen any reference about hardware differences for different regions...
Posted on FB a few minutes ago:
Asus Australia
Redefining computing - the incredible ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101.
This new dual personality device comes with a 10.1” scratch resistant display and is powered by a NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 1.0GHz dual-core CPU that delivers excellent multitasking performance & 1080p video playback. The Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS gives you access to literally thousands of applications. Coupled with SRS premium sound, Adobe Flash support, WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, plus up to 16hrs of battery life, you have a complete communication & entertainment solution. The TF101 is scheduled for delivery from the end of May, with an RRP of $A599 for the 16GB and $A799 for the 32GB with docking.
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And it's finally listed on Asus Australia website:
http://www.asus.com.au/product.aspx?P_ID=gHh4q7I8dvWJzhdV
That's quite expensive for you guys
XpediencY said:
That's quite expensive for you guys
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International warranty FTW!
The biggest problem is that no one seems to have any stock...
It was supposed to have launched today in AU...
ASUS Australia is a FAIL!!!
No store has stock, and most of them don't even have it listed on their system.
What I think it's even worse is that salespersons from big retailers like Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi never even heard of it before.
Everybody knows I hate Apple with a passion, but at least they know how to launch a product.
ASUS FAIL!!!
Weren't you going to get yours overseas?
twirtle2 said:
Weren't you going to get yours overseas?
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Yes, I am waiting for it.
But I would have liked to see one in person, maybe even be able to play with one for a minute.
I'll probably have mine before any retailer has it in stock in AU...
And I don't like liars, that's why me and others are "spamming" ASUS AU Facebook page, not just for the outrageous price difference, but for this fake launch.
Lol. I don't know if they were lying per se. I'd attribute it to misinformation and a poorly managed division.

GT-N5100 Note 8.0 3G

Does anyone know when the 3G version will be released? I have read in many reviews that battery life on the WiFi is not that impressive, do you think Samsung would ship the 3G version with a larger battery?
in Malaysia the Note 8 is launched with the 3G version already, on Friday.
all specs remain the same throughout
Shame it could have done with a bigger battery by all accounts. I'll still get one, (im)patiently waiting for a 3G version, any colour, any storage size in the UK.
I have been using Galaxy note 8 n5100 as my main phone since i bought it last april 13 here in the Philippines, the battery is pretty good it can last 10 to 12hour, with moderate calls and always connected data, autosync on moderate browsing and email with minimal gps use, the battery on this phone is way better than galaxy tab 7 plus which it replaced as my primary phone
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 2
genius24k said:
I have been using Galaxy note 8 n5100 as my main phone since i bought 7t past april 13 here in Philippines, the battery is pretty it can last 10 to 12hour, with moderate calls and always connected data, autosync on moderate browsing and email with minimal gps use, battery is way better than galaxy tab 7 plus which it replaced as my primary phone
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 2
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Thanks for your mini review! Waiting for it to launch in India.
How much did it cost you (in USD)? Are any freebies like PlayStore credit or Dropbox available as well?
agambhandari said:
Thanks for your mini review! Waiting for it to launch in India.
How much did it cost you (in USD)? Are any freebies like PlayStore credit or Dropbox available as well?
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Around 530USD, yeah the samsung book cover is free, they also did a free phone promo, you get to take home the samsung phone you draw from lot, most guy went home with the cheapest samsung phone including myself
Drop box is installed, if thats what you mean
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 2
Do anyone know the release date of the 3G model and the possible price on US, because I am planning to buy it?
Fireman123456 said:
Do anyone know the release date of the 3G model and the possible price on US, because I am planning to buy it?
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Currently, Samsung does not seem to have any plan or intention to launch a phablet version of the device in the US. You'll likely either have to wait for them to come to their senses, or buy an international version.
Juvenall said:
Currently, Samsung does not seem to have any plan or intention to launch a phablet version of the device in the US. You'll likely either have to wait for them to come to their senses, or buy an international version.
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I'm interested for the the international version.
Heard anything about that?
The 3G price would seem to be hovering around the $800 mark based on eBay listings for the GT-N5100, but it's availability still seems up in the air. Hopefully someone outside of the US can point you towards a reputable international seller with stock.
Wow. It will be so expensive.
Thanks for your help.
The 3G version retails around $580 in Asia. Prices will come down on eBay very soon.
I'm waiting for it in the US as well. There's a site called Negri Electronics located in Las Vegas, that has a pre order page for it, listed at $660 at the time of this post. From what I've heard, the international version should be released April 30, but I haven't found any confirmation. As far as releasing s US version, I'm sure they'll release an LTE version sooner or later for use with CDMA networks like Verizon and US Cellular, but if you plan on getting it going on T-Mobile (like me), it'll only run on their 1900mhz frequency, which allows phone calls, but mostly 2g data speeds, unless you're in an area where they've refarmed the 1900mhz frequency to run HSPA speeds. Good luck and let's hope they bring this bad boy to T-Mobile!
Sent from my ARCHOS 80G9 using Tapatalk HD
^Yeah, I went ahead and put in my preorder for the 16GB 3G + WiFi N5100 from Negri Electronics last week. It was the least expensive site that I could find, and I know that they are a reputable seller. And since they are in Las Vegas shipping is relatively fast to the Los Angeles area.
Up until early yesterday the site said that the "Expected Availability" date was April 23rd, but just this morning (Los Angeles time) I checked again, and now it says May 8th. Gotta wait a bit longer now and I'm chomping at the bit as it is, LOL. Still, I wish it were closer to just ~$100 (or less) of a premium for the 3G/Phone version instead of the blatant raping that it is.
And we all know that Samsung would sell EXPONENTIALLY more of these if they matched the iPad Mini pricing, and actually released the 32gb versions at the same time as the 16gb base model, and for just $30-$40 more. At least we DO have the option to add microSD cards at a reasonable cost, but really Samsung?...a $100 more for a measly 16gb additional? That's just cwazy. (Yes, I have the same issue with Apple regarding this!) And Samsung makes the RAM memory chips so it's probably something like 50¢ more in actual production cost. :/
Yes. I still ordered one, but it was not an easy (or rational) decision that I made, LOL! It's actually just a bit depressing to contemplate spending so much for their "shiny plastic products", when the competition offer much nicer physical or cosmetic designs and materials (IMO), and at less cost.
I really believe that Samsung creates amazing products, and ergonomically I prefer most of their products over Apple's in that regard. However, they did miss the mark with the speaker and capacitive button placement on the Note 8.0. And I don't know what the designers were thinking with the camera protruding so much that the tab rocks from side-to-side when placed on a table, desk, etc. :/ So much for accurate use of the S-pen (the hero feature of this device)!
IMO, the Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the ONLY Samsung mobile electronics device that I can think of where I feel they came even close to matching the build quality and physical design of their competition. But once again, they priced it way out of the market. :/
And I don't mind the use of plastics one bit if they are used properly like the polycarbonates used in some of the higher-end Nokia and HTC devices. I truly feel that when Samsung gets their build quality up to par that the vast majority of the public will have no problem paying Apple-level prices (or more), and they'll sell a bazillion just like Apple does. But they're demanding premium prices, even over what Apple demands, but for an inferior physical design/build quality (IMHO). Why does Samsung not "get this"?!? People expect a BMW or Mercedes when they pay the price for one, not a Citroen (no offense to any Citroen owners).
With the Galaxy S4, if Samsung had just stepped-up the build quality alone (plus the 13mp camera), and nothing more as compared to the GS3, I would have purchased it. But with the same 'ol shiny plastic, its just a "Meh" product to me.
Also, I was really hoping that they would have included the hardware FM Radio tuner on the International version of the Note 8.0, just as they did on the Int'l SGS2, SGS3, Note (N7000), and Note 2. Initially, I didn't think that I would use the FM tuner at all, but I've found that I use it quite a bit...saves quite a bit on data as opposed to streaming.
LOL, sorry that I veered so off topic, haha. /END OF RANT
I am very much looking forward to using the new Note 8.0!
Does the Note 8.0 Jelly bean android has the Profile option? Can multiple users work on one Note 8.0 with different profiles with thier own custimazations like Nexus 10?
livetech2 said:
Does the Note 8.0 Jelly bean android has the Profile option? Can multiple users work on one Note 8.0 with different profiles with thier own custimazations like Nexus 10?
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I don't see that option anywhere on the phine, so i'm assuming 7ts not a feature
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 2
Note 8 LTE
Any news about the LTE version? Which LTE bands? It should be already on the market.
genius24k said:
Drop box is installed, if thats what you mean
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I meant to ask whether you also got the complementary 50 GB dropbox space with the 8.0.
Sent from my Mi320 using xda app-developers app
bbfoto said:
And we all know that Samsung would sell EXPONENTIALLY more of these if they matched the iPad Mini pricing, and actually released the 32gb versions at the same time as the 16gb base model, and for just $30-$40 more. At least we DO have the option to add microSD cards at a reasonable cost, but really Samsung?...a $100 more for a measly 16gb additional? That's just cwazy. (Yes, I have the same issue with Apple regarding this!) And Samsung makes the RAM memory chips so it's probably something like 50¢ more in actual production cost. :/
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I suspect the a good chunk of the additional cost here is the license for the Wacom digitizer and related technology. Samsung is being extremely aggressive in their pricing and product diversity as a way to combat Apple, so I don't think they would risk letting a well loved brand like Apple undercut them without reason.
Juvenall said:
I suspect the a good chunk of the additional cost here is the license for the Wacom digitizer and related technology. Samsung is being extremely aggressive in their pricing and product diversity as a way to combat Apple, so I don't think they would risk letting a well loved brand like Apple undercut them without reason.
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Agree, but Do you think that even more diversification would help Samsung?
I think they should think of introducing a Note 8.0 sans the digitiser. Then they can really target the iPad Mini. It would still be a great product as many online reviews (Engadget) claim so.
That would be the true spiritual successor to the 7.7
Sent from my Spice Mi-310 using XDA

Sagging sales...really?

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/11/21/lg-release-g-pad-tablet-more-overseas-markets.html
Gee, I wonder why sales are below expected in the US? Could it be Best Buy's epic failure at promoting the product? The people at BB should be running the NSA; they're better at keeping secrets.
Maybe LG should just rename it the Area 51 Pad...lots of people have heard of it but BB continues to deny it's existence.
No kidding! The Best Buy help weren't aware of it and took forever to find it in "the cage".
LG has officially jumped the shark.
I don't know who is to blame LG or Best Buy or both but it does make you scratch you head in wonder how they plan to sell this tablet based on current marketing an store display. Why give Best Buy an exclusive if they don't plan to display it and sell it? They need to get this in more stores out on display. They also need to drop 30-50 off the price here in the states if they want it to sell it needs to be cheaper than the first iPad mini and the Samsung Tab 3 8 regardless of the specs and it being a better product most Americans don't know specs they know brand name and price.
Ya, BB has this thing in their phone department next to the G2. Like what?
They need this over with the other tablets, let alone the other 8" tablets. Luckily I knew where to look so i can get a hands on before deciding on a purchase online
The two BB near me do not even have it out in the phone area they have a picture of it in the G2 display but not the actual device.
It does feel like that what is otherwise a fantastic tablet will again fail to sell properly. Just like the Samsung 7.7 did in its time. You have to wonder...
BB has no interest in promoting specific products. If the G Pad fails, it makes no difference to them. They are just as happy selling an iPad or a Samsung Note. LG is the one who loses when this product is a flop. It's up to LG to make sure that retailers sell the product. If they made the product attractive to BB, then BB would sell it. The real problem is that LG has not advertised the product, they've priced it too high, and they haven't provided the right incentives to retailers.
A retailer isn't going to give shelf space or attention to a product that is as poorly marketed as the G Pad. If a lot of people were coming into the store asking for it, BB would pay more attention. It's LG who's keeping the product a secret. BB is just following their lead.
And why are BB and Newegg the only authorized dealers?? Why isn't Amazon, Target, Costco, Sam's Club and Walmart selling this? Where are the magazine and TV ads? The billboards? The point of sale kiosks, etc? LG seems to have no serious interest in this product. Any product that was as poorly marketed as this one would fail in the market.
At least my local Best Buy has a white one up for display *in the phone section* away from all the other tablets and readers.
TonyBigs said:
At least my local Best Buy has a white one up for display *in the phone section* away from all the other tablets and readers.
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I got mine on release date. They didn't have any on display and only one left in stock (other than the one that the guy tried to sell me the display unit and then noticed the computer said it was $1000 for it).
I visited my local Best Buy last night and they still don't have it on display (in tablet or phone area) or in stock. I really don't understand why LG has dropped the ball on this but it seems to be in line with about every other mobile company minus Apple and Samsung. Every display other than the Apple and Samsung displays looked cheap and run down. The Nexus 7 display looked fine, but they have a demo running on all of their models so you can't even get a real feel for how it works. If LG would put a nice display in the tablet area, these things would sell fast. I just hope enough sell to have a decent development community.
LG must not. want to be successful. they had it on display only at. best buy with the mobile phones. No advertising, ovepriced and lackluster support.
Whose poor ideas were this? only. 1 retailer in the US?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Apparently, US sucks *JOKE*
Here in Europe you can get your G Pad in 95% of all the electronics shops. Its really strange what's going on in the US...
I don't know how well the tablet is selling worldwide but at the biggest electronics store here in Zurich, I think it's doing quite well with the Black version sold out and only a few white versions left. Of course, this could be due to low stock to begin with, I'm not sure. I really hope it does well because I just got mine and it's probably one of the best electronic gadgets I have ever bought.
I'm no stranger to Android (although I haven't spent a great deal of time on the latest hardware such as the HTC One, G2 or Galaxy S4) but I was always a little disappointed by the promise of "buttery smooth performance" from the Jellybean. I have a One X and also another tablet from Pipo running the RK3188 so it's no slouch but both are not what I would call a smooth experience (although my One X became a heck of a lot better after flashing Cyanogenmod). I originally came from iPhones and iPads so I was very disappointed in this regard.
Now with the G Pad, I finally know what "buttery smooth" feels like on an Android. The machine is just incredible with next to no interface lag at all and all the apps zip around without any effort. The Wi-Fi strength is also incredible, picking up my router from distances that my One X, iPad mini or iPhone 4S could never have.
For the sake of LG, I hope it really does well. They deserve it and will hopefully release more products like this in the future.
marcolorenzo said:
I don't know how well the tablet is selling worldwide but at the biggest electronics store here in Zurich, I think it's doing quite well with the Black version sold out and only a few white versions left. Of course, this could be due to low stock to begin with, I'm not sure. I really hope it does well because I just got mine and it's probably one of the best electronic gadgets I have ever bought.
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As you pointed out low stock could mean heavy selling or it could mean low stock. Considering the way it started off in the US, i.e., few retailers and high prices, I'm inclined to think that LG does not have a lot of capacity to manufacture the units. Currently, we're seeing more discounting in the US and few more options for retailers, but it is still not widely sold. Could be that the situation will get better as they produce more units.
Awesome tablet but I just returned mine to BestBuy. I've been burnt before buy buying a killer device that no one else bought. Software updates don't come and accessories don't fit. Very sad that LG made this ridiculous exclusive distribution deal.
globiboulga said:
It does feel like that what is otherwise a fantastic tablet will again fail to sell properly. Just like the Samsung 7.7 did in its time. You have to wonder...
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I'm moving to the G Pad from the Lenovo A2109. A great device for the money...
GTabJosh GPadJosh
I played with one at best buy in southern il today it was next to the lg g2. I think I'll love this thing it's the perfect size and seems fast. I figure I'll keep for at least a year maybe longer if no one comes out with a better 8 inch tab. Samsung's note screen sucks I also looked at it today.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2(The midrange Note)
MarkLI88 said:
I don't know who is to blame LG or Best Buy or both but it does make you scratch you head in wonder how they plan to sell this tablet based on current marketing an store display. Why give Best Buy an exclusive if they don't plan to display it and sell it? They need to get this in more stores out on display. They also need to drop 30-50 off the price here in the states if they want it to sell it needs to be cheaper than the first iPad mini and the Samsung Tab 3 8 regardless of the specs and it being a better product most Americans don't know specs they know brand name and price.
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Well Said Mark..
Even though they had no choice but to drop the price, still BestBuy does not even display it.
woody1 said:
BB has no interest in promoting specific products. If the G Pad fails, it makes no difference to them. They are just as happy selling an iPad or a Samsung Note. LG is the one who loses when this product is a flop. It's up to LG to make sure that retailers sell the product. If they made the product attractive to BB, then BB would sell it. The real problem is that LG has not advertised the product, they've priced it too high, and they haven't provided the right incentives to retailers.
A retailer isn't going to give shelf space or attention to a product that is as poorly marketed as the G Pad. If a lot of people were coming into the store asking for it, BB would pay more attention. It's LG who's keeping the product a secret. BB is just following their lead.
And why are BB and Newegg the only authorized dealers?? Why isn't Amazon, Target, Costco, Sam's Club and Walmart selling this? Where are the magazine and TV ads? The billboards? The point of sale kiosks, etc? LG seems to have no serious interest in this product. Any product that was as poorly marketed as this one would fail in the market.
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Well Said Woody.
Fast forward to the present and it's still the same.. BestBuy could care less about this Tablet.. a lot of sales reps still don't know about it and it's still to this day not on display..
And that's sad.
I have posted similar thoughts about lack of promotion and availability for this tablet in other forums. It's very strange to have such a product available only at one B&M retailer (BB), and one online store (Newegg), and as a GPE version. With that approach you would think LG would have dumped a bunch of money into promoting the G Pad at BB. I've seen enough complaints in the reviews at Newegg (and elsewhere for units purchased from Newegg) to think they were chosen to handle the returns, refurbished units, and otherwise 'unclean' units.
Having said that, our BB started displaying a black version and a white version G Pad a couple of weeks ago. Last week they price matched Newegg's $280 for the black version for me when they were selling theirs for $350. The sales rep I got knew all about the G Pad and started trying to sell me on it but I already knew everything I needed to know.
Now VerizonWireless has started to sell it as well, with LTE. That could be a breakthrough for this tablet, especially with the pricing model they have ($100 with a 2 year contract through tomorrow, $149 after that, and $300 with no contract). Those prices are pretty enticing, I think, especially compared to BB's $350 everyday price for the WiFi only model. It will be interesting to see what happens with this tablet now that VW is in the picture.
Another thought. I've wondered, especially since the GPE came out, if maybe the G Pad is a trial run for a Nexus 8 replacement for the Nexus 7 and maybe a new Nexus 10 as well that a lot of folks are waiting for. Google got a lot of heat for the issues many folks had with the Gen2 Nexus 7 built by ASUS. Maybe they are testing the waters with LG for their next generation Nexus tablets and they and LG aren't necessarily concerned about how much money they make from this one. Just a thought.

I hope Asus sticks with the Intel Atom

With all the speculation on the Snapdragon 810 breathing fire and the Lg G4's 808 subjected to throttling (as evident in the Asus ZF2 Vs Lg G4 video from Lb s on YouTube) I hope that the statements made by the Asus bigwigs to switch to SD from Intel Atom are back tracked and even Intel should continue with the ZF2 as a prime example for its performance where others are quite simply failing to deliver for the sky high price being asked!
your thoughts!?
SBFarooq said:
With all the speculation on the Snapdragon 810 breathing fire and the Lg G4's 808 subjected to throttling (as evident in the Asus ZF2 Vs Lg G4 video from Lb s on YouTube) I hope that the statements made by the Asus bigwigs to switch to SD from Intel Atom are back tracked and even Intel should continue with the ZF2 as a prime example for its performance where others are quite simply failing to deliver for the sky high price being asked!
your thoughts!?
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I think i've watched an interview before where ASUS said they will make the next model packed w/ SD. Not so sure since I cant quite remember where I watched the video interview.
MrKoji said:
I think i've watched an interview before where ASUS said they will make the next model packed w/ SD. Not so sure since I cant quite remember where I watched the video interview.
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I know about that interview and it is exactly my point, they shouldn't, I mean with all the evidence now pointing towards the dragon why tinker with something which isn't requiring a fix?
Hmmm a switch from Intel to SD 810 (as mentioned here) wouldn't be useful. Let's think about: All devices with SD 810 or 808 are in the highend category. Prices around 600 bucks and upwards.
We shouldn't forget that an ZenFone 2 is still midrange (regarding the price). So as long as ASUS isn't going for an high-end device, there is no need for an such a pricey SOC .
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using XDA Free mobile app
Hudrator said:
Hmmm a switch from Intel to SD 810 (as mentioned here) wouldn't be useful. Let's think about: All devices with SD 810 or 808 are in the highend category. Prices around 600 bucks and upwards.
We shouldn't forget that an ZenFone 2 is still midrange (regarding the price). So as long as ASUS isn't going for an high-end device, there is no need for an such a pricey SOC .
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using XDA Free mobile app
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the soc actually makes up a fraction of the total phone cost.. so a switch probably wouldnt necessarily result in the phone price increasing by that much (just take a look at xiaomi)
that aside.. the S810 is seriously a disappointment this time around.. and it would make sense for asus to stick to the atom for this generation
It surly is just a small amount of the price. But it is not a question of material costs. It's a dicision how to enter a special market segment. And that would be the high end class.
Even Xiaomi isn't cheap here in Europe. If you purchase the Mi Note Pro at the moment at a reliable shop and paying normal taxes, we are talking about 650 Euros. Galaxy S6 is here 730 (64GB) or 600 (32GB)...LG G4 for 650Euros. The M9 goes for 550 Euros.
There would be no need for ASUS aiming at price below 550 Euros due to not enough competition in this segment.
And that 550 Euros are nearly twice as much I have payed for my ZenFone 2.
The only manufacturer showing us how you could possibly go below that point is OnePlus. But I really don't want to wait on somebody who is kind enough to give me at least an invite to buy a phone...
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using XDA Free mobile app
But I think of this situation slightly differently... Price being subjective, it's more about the quality that you would end up with... Would you in all honesty buy a flagship with a chipset used as an oven or pay half price for something which works right now.... The problem with ZF2 is going to be its own success ... The ZF3 would be required to out perform and outsell naturally but at what price .. If the current value stands at 390$ then I would want to see something in the area of 450/470$ .... No holds bared ... Mean machine
For the ones who can't spend 1000$ on a G4.. Let them have the S6/7 or M9 or G5s... Just give us our chance to geek out over a phone which doesn't require an arm or a leg to own!
SBFarooq said:
But I think of this situation slightly differently... Price being subjective, it's more about the quality that you would end up with... Would you in all honesty buy a flagship with a chipset used as an oven or pay half price for something which works right now.... The problem with ZF2 is going to be its own success ... The ZF3 would be required to out perform and outsell naturally but at what price .. If the current value stands at 390$ then I would want to see something in the area of 450/470$ .... No holds bared ... Mean machine
For the ones who can't spend 1000$ on a G4.. Let them have the S6/7 or M9 or G5s... Just give us our chance to geek out over a phone which doesn't require an arm or a leg to own!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True story. If i wouldn't say that price / value are well balencend on this device, i wouldn't have switched from my Note 4 (and earning money for using a phone for 3 months )
I think they will be capable to deliver a "new" ZenFone 2, whitch is able to outperform this generation in a year. At the same price range. We will have the a new generation of SOCs, camera sensors... and so on. And there will still be a "midrange" or the "old" high end. The only question is: Is ASUS willing to to do so?
ASUS is faceing a really hard competion in midrange market. Aspecially in asia. You have all the Jiyavu's, Siswoo's, elephone's, Xiaomi's, etc. And they all have quiet good price / value ratio. And nearly the same hardware.
For example: I could choose between a Jiyavu S3 Advance for nealy 300€ or the ASUS for 320€ (normal price with shipment around 390€). Differences 3GB RAM vs. 4GB RAM, CPU and Graphics power will be nearly the same in reallife, camera sensor Sony vs. Toshiba, both Dual-Sim, screensize / resolution and Mirco SD extension.
I choose ASUS because i got more RAM and a slightly better CPU for 20€... Would it be the normal price i maybe had choose the Jiyavu... (At the moment I ' m happy for going with ASUS ).
Back to Topic. If ASUS wants to deliver more midrange phones, i think they will stick with Intel. Price / Value seems to be at a sweetspot. Only MediaTech is able to deliver kind of compareable hardware for midrange phones (there seems to be a reason why the MT 6752 is in nearly every new "Chinaphone").
If ASUS wants to build a highend device, well, SD will be an option also MediaTech. I'm not quiet sure what Intel got in there portfolio.
SBFarooq said:
But I think of this situation slightly differently... Price being subjective, it's more about the quality that you would end up with... Would you in all honesty buy a flagship with a chipset used as an oven or pay half price for something which works right now.... The problem with ZF2 is going to be its own success ... The ZF3 would be required to out perform and outsell naturally but at what price .. If the current value stands at 390$ then I would want to see something in the area of 450/470$ .... No holds bared ... Mean machine
For the ones who can't spend 1000$ on a G4.. Let them have the S6/7 or M9 or G5s... Just give us our chance to geek out over a phone which doesn't require an arm or a leg to own!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This makes sense if smartphone tech wasn't rapidly improving and getting cheaper by the minute. By the time Zenfone 3 comes around, a more powerful SoC will be available at a cheaper price point.
On a side note, I've found the MT6752 based phones to be significantly snappier all-around than Z3560.
Hudrator said:
It surly is just a small amount of the price. But it is not a question of material costs. It's a dicision how to enter a special market segment. And that would be the high end class.
Even Xiaomi isn't cheap here in Europe. If you purchase the Mi Note Pro at the moment at a reliable shop and paying normal taxes, we are talking about 650 Euros. Galaxy S6 is here 730 (64GB) or 600 (32GB)...LG G4 for 650Euros. The M9 goes for 550 Euros.
There would be no need for ASUS aiming at price below 550 Euros due to not enough competition in this segment.
And that 550 Euros are nearly twice as much I have payed for my ZenFone 2.
The only manufacturer showing us how you could possibly go below that point is OnePlus. But I really don't want to wait on somebody who is kind enough to give me at least an invite to buy a phone...
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree that going with a high end SD SoC means entering a different segment of market, but the current situation has changed, at least with 2015. SD810 is no longer the to-go SoC for a flagship.
qualcomm screwing up this year really means something for everyone else in the market. think about it, now that Sammy has debuted its in-house Exynos that successfully, how likely will they use a SD next gen? assume they don't screw up their design, not likely isn't it? look at HTC, they are slowly moving towards mediatek for flagships also.
It used to be that to be flagship you gotta have a qualcomm chip, but now that trend is slowly disappearing. qualcomm no longer has the reputation it used to have.
Chinaphonearena said:
This makes sense if smartphone tech wasn't rapidly improving and getting cheaper by the minute. By the time Zenfone 3 comes around, a more powerful SoC will be available at a cheaper price point.
On a side note, I've found the MT6752 based phones to be significantly snappier all-around than Z3560.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But then again isnt Z3560 pushing around 80% of the processing power of the Z3580 right now, and all respect to MTK aside I think they have ventured on the "More Cores = More Power" route results of which are still awaited! I think Intel has gained a huge boost to their brand name in mobile tech and should carry their future chips (subsidized) with Asus to carry this wave over!
Hudrator said:
True story. If i wouldn't say that price / value are well balencend on this device, i wouldn't have switched from my Note 4 (and earning money for using a phone for 3 months )
I think they will be capable to deliver a "new" ZenFone 2, whitch is able to outperform this generation in a year. At the same price range. We will have the a new generation of SOCs, camera sensors... and so on. And there will still be a "midrange" or the "old" high end. The only question is: Is ASUS willing to to do so?
ASUS is faceing a really hard competion in midrange market. Aspecially in asia. You have all the Jiyavu's, Siswoo's, elephone's, Xiaomi's, etc. And they all have quiet good price / value ratio. And nearly the same hardware.
For example: I could choose between a Jiyavu S3 Advance for nealy 300€ or the ASUS for 320€ (normal price with shipment around 390€). Differences 3GB RAM vs. 4GB RAM, CPU and Graphics power will be nearly the same in reallife, camera sensor Sony vs. Toshiba, both Dual-Sim, screensize / resolution and Mirco SD extension.
I choose ASUS because i got more RAM and a slightly better CPU for 20€... Would it be the normal price i maybe had choose the Jiyavu... (At the moment I ' m happy for going with ASUS ).
Back to Topic. If ASUS wants to deliver more midrange phones, i think they will stick with Intel. Price / Value seems to be at a sweetspot. Only MediaTech is able to deliver kind of compareable hardware for midrange phones (there seems to be a reason why the MT 6752 is in nearly every new "Chinaphone").
If ASUS wants to build a highend device, well, SD will be an option also MediaTech. I'm not quiet sure what Intel got in there portfolio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha! but here is where Asus is ahead of the curve .... "Brand Recognition".... I agree 100% to the competition it might face in the Asian market but it would have a very much paved path in Europe and America as it already is an established brand in these markets due to its PC/Laptop ventures and thus a partnership with Intel (also a De facto processor for laptops) is something which already sells (Republic of Gaming anyone??) and would be easily presented in Zenfone.
Intel needs a way in the mobile market, and I think that if Zenfone sells anywhere near the target of 25Mil sets, the next phone might see even more subsidized support from Intel ... meaning better quality on a cheaper price and the winner is the buyer ... (If google doesn't flushes android compleatly down the drain like the latest updated which left some nexus 7 tabs bricked )!!!
Only problem with Intel is the locked bootloader and being stuck on 32-bit Android
resident0915 said:
Only problem with Intel is the locked bootloader and being stuck on 32-bit Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bootloader unlock will come.. its just a matter of when...
and yeah the 32bit android is a letdown
what abt openness of the source code?
I don't really know how open source intel are abt there product
but we need open source codes so that developers can support zenfones
lyeith said:
bootloader unlock will come.. its just a matter of when...
and yeah the 32bit android is a letdown
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is 32 bit a letdown? Does this mean that being 32 forces you to underutilize RAM as in PCs?
hellbraker said:
Why is 32 bit a letdown? Does this mean that being 32 forces you to underutilize RAM as in PCs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ram utilization isn't an issue cuz we only have 4GBs..
its the fact that certain instructions benefit from the 64bit mode.. and thats not counting the extra registers available too..
more to the point.. the device could perform even better
---------- Post added at 10:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ----------
yakub234go said:
what abt openness of the source code?
I don't really know how open source intel are abt there product
but we need open source codes so that developers can support zenfones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
asus has already released the source codes on their website.. and i believe at least 1 person here has managed to compile the kernel..
the only missing piece is the bootloader unlock to flash it
SBFarooq said:
But then again isnt Z3560 pushing around 80% of the processing power of the Z3580 right now, and all respect to MTK aside I think they have ventured on the "More Cores = More Power" route results of which are still awaited! I think Intel has gained a huge boost to their brand name in mobile tech and should carry their future chips (subsidized) with Asus to carry this wave over!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I take a look like a "normal" consumer, i wouldn't be intrested in how they achieve more power. If they develop a CPU with 100 cores, that wouldn't bother me as long as the power and battery consumption getting better.
SBFarooq said:
Aha! but here is where Asus is ahead of the curve .... "Brand Recognition".... I agree 100% to the competition it might face in the Asian market but it would have a very much paved path in Europe and America as it already is an established brand in these markets due to its PC/Laptop ventures and thus a partnership with Intel (also a De facto processor for laptops) is something which already sells (Republic of Gaming anyone??) and would be easily presented in Zenfone. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the Brand name is quiet common in Europe and USA but as you statet for PCs, Laptops... They could make a use of this
but for example in Germany, we don't really have a big market for mid-range devices. The users here, change there phone when their contract is finished. So they get there hands on the high end devices for 150 € and cheaper (I know, prices for contracts are higher... but not many people are looking it that way).
So even if they have a name, without the right Phone they aren't able to sell many...
Buk-Lau said:
I do agree that going with a high end SD SoC means entering a different segment of market, but the current situation has changed, at least with 2015. SD810 is no longer the to-go SoC for a flagship.
qualcomm screwing up this year really means something for everyone else in the market. think about it, now that Sammy has debuted its in-house Exynos that successfully, how likely will they use a SD next gen? assume they don't screw up their design, not likely isn't it? look at HTC, they are slowly moving towards mediatek for flagships also.
It used to be that to be flagship you gotta have a qualcomm chip, but now that trend is slowly disappearing. qualcomm no longer has the reputation it used to have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So whitch SOC would you choose? Nearly all big manufacturers showed theire Flagships for 2015. We have LG with SD808, HTC with SD810, Xiaomi with SD810, and expecting Sony with SD810, too
There are just a few SOCs at the moment playing in that Class... SD 808, SD810, MT6795 (still waiting for a real life test), Exynos 7420 (own League), Tegra K1 (just for Tablets).
And now it seems that Qualcomm fixed some things with SD810v2 it still is a player in that league. It would have been a big problem for Qualcomm if Mediatek had the MT6795 at the markets a few months ago. But that chance is over.
I hope HTC will go ahead on the MediaTek-Road.
I share your opininion regarding Samsung. Will be interesting if they are willing to share there newest SOCs with other companys. I would just give them my "last year version" and use the "new" just for my products or make it quiet expensive.
Hudrator said:
So whitch SOC would you choose? Nearly all big manufacturers showed theire Flagships for 2015. We have LG with SD808, HTC with SD810, Xiaomi with SD810, and expecting Sony with SD810, too
There are just a few SOCs at the moment playing in that Class... SD 808, SD810, MT6795 (still waiting for a real life test), Exynos 7420 (own League), Tegra K1 (just for Tablets).
And now it seems that Qualcomm fixed some things with SD810v2 it still is a player in that league. It would have been a big problem for Qualcomm if Mediatek had the MT6795 at the markets a few months ago. But that chance is over.
I hope HTC will go ahead on the MediaTek-Road.
I share your opininion regarding Samsung. Will be interesting if they are willing to share there newest SOCs with other companys. I would just give them my "last year version" and use the "new" just for my products or make it quiet expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You seem to be missing an idea. yes, nearly all big OEMs went with qualcomm this year, but do they have a choice? keep in mind that OEMs design their flagship at least 1 year prior to their launch date, so whatever SoC they use, it's chosen long before it's out. Will OEMs be fully aware what potential problems the SoC will have?
don't take sammy's words for real, they were thinking of using Exynos regardless. they just waited for a chance when the SD810's heating issues got widely spread.
this year is already set in stone no matter what happens next, but what will OEMs consider now for 2016? sure qualcomm's next gen SoC seems promising on paper, but hey was there a time that the 810 didn't look promising to you on paper? that is something OEMs consider more carefully than before, since the days of just blindly taking qualcomm for granted is over with the 810. now that doesn't mean there won't be OEMs that will choose qualcomm no matter what anymore, it just means that qualcomm no longer is the only choice when it comes to flagships, and by then how do you know if others still don't have high end SoCs? intel has 14nm finfet with no 20nm interconnects unlike sammy ready to go, with this much power efficiency they can easily crank up their CPUs. mediatek has the helios 10 core thing coming out.
btw, the mi note pro also has overheating issues, the whole rev 2.1 thing is just marketing bs.
Buk-Lau said:
You seem to be missing an idea. yes, nearly all big OEMs went with qualcomm this year, but do they have a choice? keep in mind that OEMs design their flagship at least 1 year prior to their launch date, so whatever SoC they use, it's chosen long before it's out. Will OEMs be fully aware what potential problems the SoC will have?
don't take sammy's words for real, they were thinking of using Exynos regardless. they just waited for a chance when the SD810's heating issues got widely spread.
this year is already set in stone no matter what happens next, but what will OEMs consider now for 2016? sure qualcomm's next gen SoC seems promising on paper, but hey was there a time that the 810 didn't look promising to you on paper? that is something OEMs consider more carefully than before, since the days of just blindly taking qualcomm for granted is over with the 810. now that doesn't mean there won't be OEMs that will choose qualcomm no matter what anymore, it just means that qualcomm no longer is the only choice when it comes to flagships, and by then how do you know if others still don't have high end SoCs? intel has 14nm finfet with no 20nm interconnects unlike sammy ready to go, with this much power efficiency they can easily crank up their CPUs. mediatek has the helios 10 core thing coming out.
btw, the mi note pro also has overheating issues, the whole rev 2.1 thing is just marketing bs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to your statement LG planned one year ahead to use a SD808 and not the SD810 ? Seems a little bit strange in my opinion.
Did they have a choice. I think they had. Trust in MediaTek for example. Talk to Nividia. Talk to Intel.
Will OEM be fully aware of Problems?
No, but who do you trust. A Partner that delivered Cutting-Edge-SoC's for years (and maybe to give you better order conditions to keep you as a partner) or a company that had there first really fully comparebale generation this year (trying everything to get a grip at premium brands)?
It's going to be really interesting what 2016 will bring.
I really would like to see highend devices with SoC from Intel, MediaTek, Samsung AND Qualcomm.
Regarding Mi Note Pro: could you provide any further sources? Read about this but also got first Infos from (how i think trustworthy) resellers that they aren't facing problems during stress tests....

yota phone rival - or not? the oukitel u6 dual screen

just seen something similar to yota phone the oukitel u6 dual screen - dont think its as good but its cheaper
take a look
Oukitel U6 dual-screen smartphone up for pre-order for $270
kam1962 said:
just seen something similar to yota phone the oukitel u6 dual screen - dont think its as good but its cheaper
take a look
Oukitel U6 dual-screen smartphone up for pre-order for $270
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, China is at it again.
Quality-wise their EPD looks similar, but the software side seems to be severely lacking when compared to Yotaphone 2. Not to say that Yotaphone 2's current software was something out of this world. Anyways, competition is always welcome.
The price is also much more in line with what they are offering.
OUKITEL U6 - worth it
Jeopardy said:
Ah, China is at it again.
Quality-wise their EPD looks similar, but the software side seems to be severely lacking when compared to Yotaphone 2. Not to say that Yotaphone 2's current software was something out of this world. Anyways, competition is always welcome.
The price is also much more in line with what they are offering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is said that OUKITEL U6 pre-sell online, and it starts shipping from September 15, 2015.
but the shipping date of Yota has not announced to the public. Because all I've seen so far is CGI renders, concepts, and pre-orders with no definite release date. I even don't know if it exists.
Any updates?
Last year I've researched the dual screen phones before I purchased YP2, as of January there were 4 manufacturers in China in various stages with one manufacturer saying they release the phone in January but didn't. There is another startup in U.S. with plans to release similar phone as YP, but as of January not available yet.
I decided to go with SISWOO R9 DARKROOM simply because it had the best specs, a relatively active user forum (the company SISWOO was even actively looking for ideas) and they already build a good reputation for high quality phones in Europe. SISWOO is higher quality than say XIAOMI and price is a bit higher. They have distributor network in Europe compared to XIAOMI which only sells online.
So I put down money in Aliexpress waiting waiting for the R9 ..and nothing. Wasn't ready to ship by the date it was originally announced (Jan 18). I cancelled order, got money back eventually.
I decided to purchase YP not only because it was the only dual- screen phone commercially available to me but also had best software for dual screen.
However, as OP saying hardware-wise they are similar to YP - with exception to screen (better scree), internal memory and processor - plus DUAL SIM card (every Chinese phone) and SD card. The Chinese phones have no software, so it's just mirroring you can do and running aps - but no native apps for ink screen. The design of YP is so much better and it's a quite a looker, the only other area would be shape - it's easy to slip. The Chinese phones appear to be safer to hold.
Price - YP costs about double but you get pretty good hardware for it.
If somebody looking for value phone with dual screen ink, it's best advice to wait for a few months, there will be more choice.
Honestly, Oukitel and Siswoo are just copying Yotaphone... Specs may be higher, but implementation and software are poor and I don't trust much in updates in next 2 years... even one year... IMHO
TKPL said:
Honestly, Oukitel and Siswoo are just copying Yotaphone... Specs may be higher, but implementation and software are poor and I don't trust much in updates in next 2 years... even one year... IMHO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though haven't Yota basically given up support for the YP2 already? I mean they stated no more version updates, just some EPD apps is to come. It's a great phone, but in light of the stagefright metaphor it feels a bit irresponsible of them not to patch it asap seeing as if I recall correct they made the first YP after the news about NSA snooping on everyone. It at least gave me the idea that security as main focus with their phones.
Now I can't think of any brand that has patched the metaphor exploit yet except for the Nexus line of phones so they are not alone in sharing the irresponsibility, just not as security concerned as would be expected.
I am wondering if it's a question of market viability or copyrights for the dual screen feature. I am surprised there is no major phone manufacturer that would come with dual screens. It's the only way to go to differentiate phones since the screen is the biggest energy consumer and there are plenty of people who use ebook readers. Not sure why is YP and only handful of Chinese manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon and nobody else.

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