ASUS ME172V: the 7″ tablet that aims for a minimum price with a complete specification sheet

  • 7" 1024 x 600 (TN, 170 ppi, 300 nits) display and compact design in multiple colors.
  • VIA/WonderMedia WM8950 at 1 GHz, Mali‑400 GPU, 1 GB DDR3 and 8/16 GB + microSD.
  • Wi‑Fi b/g/n, no Bluetooth or GPS; 1 MP front camera with 720p video.
  • 4270 mAh battery (~7 h) and approximate price between $125 and $150.

ASUS ME172V 7-inch tablet specifications and price

Last Wednesday we indicated In Android It helps that ASUS was considering the possibility of creating its own 7-inch tablet to compete with Nexus 7 (which it also manufactures) and that, in addition, it was very possible that it would be presented at the next CES in Las Vegas. Well, it seems that the details are shaping up and that, what at first could be a possibility, becomes reality since ASUS ME172V has been "hunted" in test results GLBenchmark.

Therefore, its arrival may be a reality and therefore this manufacturer would have its own device for the range of 7 inches which is having such a good reception among users thanks to its portability and reduced price (especially since Nexus 7 marked a turning point). Thanks to the experience in collaborating with Google, ASUS has realized that offering a very attractive price is one of the options to gain a good market share and, apparently, that is the intention with its new tablet, since everything indicates that it will be positioned between $ 125 and $ 150In some markets it has been seen since $149 for the 8GB version, with the option of 16 GB for those who need more space.

This is the benchmark capture that has been leaked on the Internet:

ASUS ME172V GLBenchmark

Extended specifications of the ASUS ME172V

This model opts for a balance between cost and everyday useBased on leaked information and distributor spec sheets, the hardware looks like this:

  • Screen: 7″ TN+Film with LED backlight, 1024 x 600 pixels, 170 dpi, brightness approx. 300 nits, multi-touch 10 points, viewing angle of ~130°.
  • Processor: VIA/WonderMedia WM8950 (Cortex-A9) a 1 GHz with GPU Mali 400.
  • Conference proceedings: 1 GB DDR3 (up to 1333 MHz); storage of 8 / 16 GB expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n (Wi ‑ Fi 4 802.11n), micro-USB 2.0; without Bluetooth, without GPS nor NFC.
  • Cameras: front of 1 SM with video 720p is 30 fps; there is no rear camera.
  • Audio: unique speaker with technology ASUS SonicMaster, MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC compatibility; H.264/MP4 video.
  • Battery: 4270 mAh (≈16 Wh) for about 7h typical use; charger 10 W (5 V), input 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz.
  • Dimensions and weight: 196,2 x 119,2 x 11,2 mm; approximate weight between 358 and 370 g depending on batch/version; colors white, gray and pink.
  • SoftwareAndroid 4.1 Jelly Bean with ASUS and Google apps; includes ASUS WebStorage 5 GB.

ASUS ME172V Key Specifications

Tight specs, like your price

Based on GLBenchmark's results, ASUS ME172V is not destined to be the best performing one on the market, but it does seek solvency on a day-to-day basis and, as we have indicated, a very competitive price. To achieve the former, the SOC appears to be a 8950 GHz WonderMedia WM1 and its 1 GB RAM memory. That is, nothing stunning but that is enough.

Another confirmation thanks to the filtration is that the resolution is 1.024 x 600, which is why it falls far short of what the Nexus 7 offers (1.280 x 800). This radically reduces the cost of the device, but also lowers the image quality. However, some details, such as the inclusion of a slot microSD, absent in the Google model, they will be in the game this time.

Screen, design and multimedia

The TN display prioritizes the cost and sufficient brightness (around 300 cd/m²) compared to the viewing angles, which are more moderate. The density of 170 dpi and the support 10-point multi-touch allow for proper interaction with games and navigation. The slate-style chassis is well utilized and arrives in Various colors to suit personal tastes.

In the multimedia section, the front camera of 1 SM fulfills in video calls and records 720p / 30 fps. Integrated audio with Sonicmaster It offers an acceptable volume for its class, compatible with common formats of The music (MP3, WMA, WAV, eAAC) and video (H.264, MP4).

ASUS ME172V 7-inch tablet

Connectivity, battery and software

In wireless connectivity it bets on Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Wi‑Fi 4), no support for Bluetooth, GPS nor NFC, which is common in this price range. Among the ports we find micro‑USB 2.0 for charging and data; the availability of audio output 3,5 mm may vary by market. For sensors, it has accelerometer and the essentials for daily use.

Battery 4270 mAh translates into a few 7 hours autonomy in mixed use (browsing, video and apps), aided by an adapter 10 W and Android power management. As an added value, it includes ASUS WebStorage with 5 GB free.

In software, it comes with Android 4.1 and a selection of pre-installed ASUS apps (SuperNote Lite, WebStorage Online Office, ASUS Studio, BuddyBuzz, MyPainter and MyBitCastASUS) along with the Google suite (Gmail, YouTube, Google, Google Talk), as well as calendar, wallpapers, voice recorder, viewer of Office/PDF documents and options of Messenger service (email, IM and push email).

Everything indicates that the ASUS ME172V will become a reality, and at a truly competitive price. The problem is that, with the specifications that are being leaked, it doesn't seem like it will. its ability is especially relevant and, since there is a tablet like Nexus 7, the comparison is assured.

For those who prioritize low price, microSD slot, 7 inch Solvent and navigation with Wi-Fi, the ME172V fits as a balanced entry-level tablet; if you need more power, Bluetooth or GPS, it is advisable to consider higher ranges or consult a guide for buy the right tablet.

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