We unbox ASUS’ ZenPad S 8!

Today, we’ll be unboxing ASUS’ the highest tier model in ASUS’ Zenpad lineup: the Zenpad S 8. The Zenpad S 8 sports the best specifications of the series, and has a lot of things in common with ASUS’ high-end Zenfone 2 model – primarily the processor used and the RAM. Today we’ll be taking a look at what’s inside the package, as well as take a look at the overall performance of the device. But first, the specs:

ASUS Zenpad S 8 Z580CA specs:

• 2.3Ghz Intel Atom Z3580 quad-core 64-bit processor
• PowerVR Rogue G6430 GPU
• 4GB of RAM
• 8-inch QXGA panel with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 2048 x 1536 resolution
• 64GB of storage
• 8-megapixel rear camera
• 5-megapixel front camera
• WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS, Miracast
• 15.2Wh Li-polymer battery
• Android 5.0 Lollipop

Packaging and contents:

The ZenPad S 8 comes in a box that’s a bit big, especially since the tablet itself is so thin. Just like ASUS’ other products, you get a sense of the contents, specs and color of the device before you open the box, which is a good thing, as you won’t be surprised when you peel it open when you get home.

Once you open the box, you’ll see why it’s so thick – the retail package that we got contained the tablet itself, along with a premium leather clutch accessory that’s tucked into another box.

Aside from that, there aren’t any other freebies included – you just get the tablet, the clutch along with a USB Type-C connector and a USB charger.

Initial impressions: powerful, luxurious tablet that won’t break the bank

We’ve already seen just how nice the ZenPad S 8 was in person when ASUS launched it, along with its other brothers in an event a few months ago. Finally seeing it again without the associated crowd and bad lighting really makes you appreciate how great it looks. The tablet uses a mix of metal and faux leather in its construction and is designed with fashionistas in mind. It’s far from a boring slate – looking at it from the back, it resembles a very low-key and stylish clutch bag.

It’s also marvelously thin and light as well – at just 6.6mm thin and 298 grams, carrying it along with you all day won’t feel like a chore. It’s one of those few Android tablets that have that right mix of style and specs, something that’s sorely missing in the marketplace as far as tablets are concerned.

The included case is stylish as heck, and feels as good as it looks. Unfortunately the white finish of the tablet and the case will make it a magnet for dirt, so we suggest getting the black variant instead.

Just like Apple’s iPads, The ZenPad S 8 has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which makes it ideal for reading books, comics and websites, though you will get two black bars in the bottom if you’re watching movies. Holding the tablet in portrait mode, you’ll see the volume rocker and power button on the right, with the 3.5mm jack on top and the USB port on the bottom.

The ZenPad S 8 is one of ASUS’ first few devices that sport the reversible Type-C socket and comes with its own USB cable, so you’ll never have to fumble with your cable to find which side is which. On the other hand, you’ll have to be extra careful with the cable as there aren’t too many aftermarket USB Type-C cables around, plus you’ll have to bring an extra cable for your non Type-C gadgets if you bring a power bank along with you.

If the specs above look familiar, that’s because the ZenPad S 8 is essentially a high-end Zenfone 2 ZE551ML squeezed in a tablet body. Of course you’re getting a far better 8-inch, QXGA panel over the 5.5-inch full HD panel of the Zenfone 2 ZE551ML, but other than that specs are identical – 2.3Ghz Intel Atom Z3580 quad-core 64-bit processor. 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. You can put in more via the microSD slot on the side of the tablet.

Because of the specs, the ZenPad S 8 scores high in AnTuTu even though it uses a higher-resolution panel compared to its ZenFone cousin. The tablet is beastly, and the high-resolution display makes it a great choice for watching movies and browsing websites.

We’ll be using the ZenPad S 8 as our primary tablet for a few days, and we’ll report back to you what we think of it once we finish our review. The ZenPad S 8 is priced at Php 16,995.