ASUS PadFone Coming To AT&T

We reported previously that the Asus PadFone would soon be rolling out stateside and this week at CES 2014, AT&T announced that it would be the exclusive U.S. carrier for the PadFone X. The PadFone is two devices in one: a 5-inch Android smartphone that docks into and powers a 9-inch HD tablet. 

Not too much is known about the AT&T variant besides the screen size and OS (Android 4.4 KitKat), but for a general idea of what the device is all about, check out this Amazon listing for the PadFone 2.

“We are committed to delivering our customers the most innovative and compelling device portfolio,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T in a press statement. “The PadFone X is first of its kind in the U.S. It combines leading technology, a beautiful design and a remarkably seamless application experience – all on the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network. This allows consumers to run their smartphone apps instantly on a vivid 9-inch tablet display. The magic of it is that the experience is not just bigger, it’s better than on a traditional smartphone.”

AT&T was mum on the release date and pricing, but it’s a safe bet that the PadFone X will be among the carrier’s more expensive offerings. Cost aside, it’s exciting to see the PadFone finally offered by a U.S. carrier. The device has enjoyed massive popularity in its native Taiwan despite a hefty price tag and it will be interesting to see how American consumers react to the smartphone-tablet hybrid. 

“AT&T and ASUS share a passion for innovation and we are very excited to bring the ASUS PadFone X to the U.S market,” said Jonney Shih, chairman, ASUS. “Our technology is capable of instantly turning a premium smartphone into a tablet, giving consumer the ultimate experience on both devices. Together, we look forward to bringing more choices to consumers.”