Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals

In our memory, Asus P525 - second in line to the communicator from Asus. The first in the domestic market became P505 - the device is very ambiguous, but quite interesting in all respects. The latter was notable, above all, the decision on execution of the numeric keypad. If you remember, it was done on the outside of the flip cover, which folded cover half the screen, and all work with the phone features of the phone without using the stylus through a special application. Of course, the decision is very controversial. Not surprisingly, it provoked a mixed reaction among users. After a year, Asus introduced a smartphone P525, which in some way can be called a reconsideration of P505. This unit is compact in size, equipped with a numeric keypad that is located this time on the case under the screen, as well as processor performance and excellent (as stated by the manufacturer) built-in camera. Well, in that we now will ensure a long look at the characteristics of the P525, and try to name its competitors.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
    Technical data:
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition
  • Processor: Intel XScale PXA272, 416 MHz
  • Memory: 64 MB RAM and 128 MB Flash ROM
  • Screen: 2.8 "transflective TFT, 320x240, 65536 colors
  • Expandable memory: miniSD
  • Communication capabilities: GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), GRPS (Class 10), Bluetooth (2.0), Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), infrared
  • Camera: 2 MP, flash, autofocus
  • Battery: Li-Ion, 1300 mAh, removable
  • Audio: microphone, speaker, 2.5 mm headset jack
  • Dimensions and weight: 116 x 59 x 19 mm and 160 g.
First and foremost it is worth noting Intel XScale PXA272 processor with 416 MHz. With him, we are facing is not the first time and, therefore, well aware of his strengths and weaknesses. This chip shows excellent performance compared with similar frequency processors from other manufacturers (eg, Samsung), and the problem of its high energy perfectly solved by the algorithm of automatic frequency control, depending on the load. On it we discuss in detail when we get to the inspection apparatus filling device. Communication capabilities are also impressive, despite the fact that third-generation networks Asus P525 does not support. However, for us - rather, it is a plus, since it does not need to overpay for unused functionality. The device operates in GSM, supports data transfer via GPRS. Of the wireless interface is everything, even the IR port from which many now abandoned. Flattering words deserves vtroennaya camera device, which has auto focus. This possibility has appeared in such decisions recently. P525, if not the first PDA phone with a camera, then exactly one of the pioneers. Difficult to find the equilibrium of competitors for this model because of its new class of communicators form factor. New from ASUS has integrated GPS-receiver and, hence, a full-fledged competition with such innovations as the E-Ten G500 and Mio A700 will not. In a sense, our guest today is close Qtek s200, but, again, a number of reasons to call their opponents can not in the full sense of the word. In addition, the novelty and some of the characteristics (including the presence of the keyboard) with it can compare HTC TyTN, a recent visitor to our editorial staff. So hereafter compare Asus P525 we will work with different options, depending on the emerging association. Recall that to compare it with any other device can be in the "Catalogue of the CPC on HPCru, use the" Let us compare the device. "
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Asus P525, E-Ten M600 + and Qtek s110
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals

Supplied

    Contents at all desire can hardly be called impressive. Before us is the usual delivery for the majority of smartphones, which includes:
  • Battery 1300 mAh
  • USB-cable for synchronization
  • charger from the 220V
  • Wired Stereo
  • case to be worn on a belt
  • CDs with accompanying software
  • user manual and documentation.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
The stylus has a nonseparable design and is completely made of plastic. Its size is optimal, so that it will be convenient to operate. The only thing that causes a slight resentment - a tiny protrusion on the upper end of which is hard to catch your finger when removing from the foam. However, this can be put up after several days of use. Case is a classic handbag to be worn at the waist - the same as in many other PDAs or smartphones. The device is in her pretty tight, extraction occurs rapidly and without problems. The only thing I would like to note - is mounting. Usually in such cases, we have metal brackets, which have the same success can cling like a belt, so the edge of the jeans / pants. In the case of the cover from mounting kit P525 is only possible to the belt, because instead of staples is a thick strip of cloth, which is fixed by Velcro to the underside of the cover.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
The standard headset is nothing special, but the sound of her headphones much better than many other complete sets, allowing you to use it for listening to music. The downside here is only the fact that the built-in - non-standard, 2.5 mm. Sync cable is connected to your device via the connector miniUSB. So in case you lose the cable you can use any other. While many of you probably have to buy a new cable soon, because as a complete - too short.

Appearance

Design Asus P525 - exceptionally good. Developers were able to equip the model number pad on the body and make a few extra buttons, while maintaining the compact size and made it so that you can manage with one hand. Of course, to completely abandon the stylus in the case with this unit fails, but the phone functions do not require extraction of the pen. It is immediately written to the list of advantages of our hero.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Generally, traditional for mobile monoblock form factor was first used in the case of the communicator. And, oddly enough, this experience Asus engineers succeeded.Until now, developers have experimented with besklaviaturny options, as well as all sorts of keyboards - on a mini-retractable to the side or placed on a flip, but forget about the usual format for your phone. Reducing the number pad and placing the joystick in its center, Asus c easily agreed to an ergonomic problem. It does not even have to sacrifice screen size. And here he is a familiar candy bar as a model of P525 before us. Of course, the size and weight it more than a regular phone, but this is a clever device. Housing looks pretty solid and conservative and at the same time, he denied the inherent right angles classics and strict lines. The color scheme includes three shades of gray on the top there is a black paste, and some items are made of silver plastic. As a result, we have a very pleasant combination. On the front side is traditionally the screen, talking about which will go into a separate chapter. Over it - the voice speaker in the vicinity - LEDs to the usual functions: one is activated when the reminders, charging and flashes when the GSM-module, and the second light is activated wireless interfaces. Under the screen is a numeric keypad, which, as we have said, merged into a single unit with the main control keys. Interestingly located and navigation joystick - between the buttons "2" and "5". At first glance, it might seem that this is not the most convenient solution - the joystick is not much above the surface of the keys. However, working with him very comfortably. The familiar navigation keys would occupy more space and could hardly fit into the style of P525.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Familiar to Windows Mobile devices hardware buttons are arranged in two vertical rows of extreme size and correspond precisely to the rest of the buttons. In general, the key merit of the highest ratings: they have a nice stroke, pressed with a barely audible click, and their size is optimal for any user, whether male or large fingers to the fairer sex with long fingernails. Podcvechivaetsya the whole composition of blue-purple color. Lights - weak, however, the inscriptions on the keys legible in the dark. Now we shall examine the ends of the communicator. Lower sheltered 2,5 mm headset jack, hardly noticeable notch microphone and miniUSB connector that connects to the charger and sync cable.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
At the upper end of the body traditionally located expansion slot for miniSD cards and a silo. It's nice that it is precisely here, rather than at the lower end, as many recent smartphones. In our view, this arrangement is more convenient. However, as already mentioned, the extraction of the stylus are several challenges: a ledge at the upper end of the pen is too small and it is not always possible to hook a finger on the first try.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
On the right side wall is located on / off button of the communicator, and a little lower - shifting Hold, locks the screen and all buttons are.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
On the left reveals the key activating a camera button, a call recording application, opening to soft-reset and rocker, which is in talk mode adjusts the volume of voice dynamics, and in standby mode - the volume of the system.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Well, finally we got to the back. Here is traditionally camera lens, LED flash and the lattice dynamics of the system. Window lens naked, and therefore there is a risk to soil or scratch it. Mirror for self shooting here and there, by and large, low loss. But flash can work as a flashlight and can illuminate the subject in the dark.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Battery cover deserves special mention: it is made of metal and closing fixed almost perfectly still. Beneath it hides the battery, which, in turn, covers the slot for SIM-card. This connector is exactly the same as in most mobile phones: it has two small bows, which securely holds the card. Battery is also attached and removed without unnecessary intricacies.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Well, finally, we note overall weight and dimensions characteristics Asus P525. As you already know, the package size is 116 x 59 x 19 mm, weight - 160 g. For comparison result Qtek s200, which weighs the same as the size differs only on the length of the case: to 7 millimeters in the smaller side. Well, summing up the interim, we note once more that the design and ergonomics of the new communicator Asus just at the height except for minor inconveniences removing the stylus from the Pen. Build quality is also impressive: all the parts fit snugly together and do not give no reason for the appearance of backlashes. Even the battery cover does not float. So the appearance of our hero deserves evaluation "excellent".

Screen

As for the screen P525, it is also a pleasant surprise. Technical characteristics, as already mentioned, the display is identical to most other smartphones. This is the standard (2.8 inch) TFT-matrix with a QVGA-resolution (240 x 320 pixels). As mentioned above, designers, Asus has not had to sacrifice for the sake of the numeric keypad screen sizes that allowed a few other manufacturers, for example, HP. Therefore it is doubly nice.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Viewing angles Display P525 - not bad, but when you look at the screen from top to an angle of about 20-30 degrees there is a pale yellow tint, which, however, absolutely does not spoil the overall picture.Contrast - an excellent, and the subjective impressions of the picture on the 2.8-inch QVGA-screen Asus looks as smoothly and efficiently as a 4 "VGA.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
The brightness of the matrix is ​​regulated in 8 steps. The maximum level makes it comfortable to read from the screen in bright sunlight, while the minimum is optimal for working in the dark. In most cases, be sufficient brightness set at 3-4 division. Well, perhaps that's all we can say about the display. We proceed to consider the hardware filling Asus P525.

Speed ​​and memory

Performance P525, indeed, impressive. Intel XScale PXA272 processor clocked at 416 MHz we find is not the first time, so many of you have at least some idea of ​​what he is capable. It was used in many PDAs (such as in the previous product from ASUS - the navigation A632/A636) and communicators (Qtek s100/s110). On subjective impressions, no slow downs in the work is not observed, the device is perfectly handle virtually any task, whether it's listening to music in any format, video, work with pdf-files, bulk Excel-table games, simulation games consoles, editing images and etc. Before we proceed to testing with the package Spb Benchmark and player BetaPlayer tell you about an application that allows to manage a clock speed of the processor. It is, incidentally, is exactly the same as that of the MyPal A636. Manually, you can choose from three modes: Turbo Mode, Standard Mode and Power Saving Mode. In the first case, the frequency is set to mark 416 MHz mode Standard Mode - 312 MHz, and cost saving mode 206 MHz. If in addition to phone features you use only basic features like PIM, notes, and view text documents, you can manually set the mode Power Saving Mode. Thus, even with all the tasks normally able to manage and save energy. Those who work with a variety of tasks will be wise to include an automatic mode where the frequency is chosen depending on the load. This algorithm works quite well, as can be seen on the results of tests of battery life. In it, by the way, and conducted all our tests. Well, now, actually, about them.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
To determine the overall performance, as always, used Spb Benchmark from the company Spb Software House. And as usual, we remind you that because of the new organization of memory in the OS benchmark incorrectly calculates the speed of the platform and the index of the file system, and therefore will only pay attention to paragraphs Graphic Index and CPU Index.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
For comparison, we chose the latter two representatives of the class of Windows Mobile smartphones, E-Ten G500 and Mitac Mio A700, ASUS P525 are close to technical characteristics, as well as the Qtek s200. As expected, the results of tests, Asus P525 surely beat its nearest competitors. Even Mitac Mio A700, despite its 512 MHz stone. This is entirely the merit of the processor. The results of the measurements of performance during playback of video in BetaPlayer 0.096 also were predictable. So, here are the standard table.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Looks a little strange here but the fact that here, ASUS P525 bypasses Mio A700. So, among other things, it can be recommended as a device for watching video. Even the most high-quality video (RL_XQ - 640 x 480) from our test suite was played more than acceptable - at an average speed of over 130%. On the memory long story will not. We recall only that the amount of RAM and ROM for ASUS P525 standard, that is exactly the same as that of an absolute majority of current models - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM. This is quite enough for storing contacts database and the required minimum programming. For those who need large volumes? provides an expansion slot miniSD, supporting up to 2 GB. Prices of flash memory have become more than acceptable, so to speak of the desire to see more onboard memory is no longer necessary.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals

Sound

On the part of the sound to the P525 we have virtually no complaints. Volume external speaker is quite enough to hear a challenge on the street, and even the quality of your music. Standard headset can please pretty good sound quality, but it's better to try other headphones. Slight drawback is the fact that the headset jack has a cross section of 2.5 mm. More convenient would be a standard 3,5 mm jack. However, if necessary, any of you can acquire the appropriate adapter. Voice speaker, too bad - it sounds loud and clear. Caller's voice at the other end is always recognizable and can be heard even in noisy places like the subway or streets with heavy traffic. Presence and a voice recorder, which is hardly worth telling in detail. When recording in a quiet sound of a well-written from a distance of 3-4 meters, but only if there is no interference. In noisy environments for high-quality recording microphone has substituted almost close to the source. Among other things, the communicator has a system for voice control of the relevant application, we will tell you when it goes on a set of preinstalled programs.

Sociability

Asus P525 is equipped with all wireless modules: Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b / g, and even an infrared port. The infrared port is unlikely zasuzhivaet separate discussion. Its capabilities are completely identical to the ability of any other IR port. Pleased that ASUS did not follow the latest trends, and left the IR port on the spot. Still, just write him off, in our opinion, a bit early. Bluetooth-module is stable and does not raise any problems. It's nice that the manufacturer has not stinted and found the best of the existing set of drivers from the company Broadcomm, which has a nice interface, simple and easy to use. However, we have already repeatedly told (for details, interested persons can be found here). Topical today A2DP profile is also supported. So when buying a wireless headset, you can close your eyes to the fact that the communicator is equipped with a 2.5 mm jack garniturnoy. Asus easily synchronized with the desktop via Bluetooth, worked in conjunction with a wireless headset Jabbra and connected with the Nokia 6021 and PDA Fujitsu Siemens Pocket Loox C550.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Manager Wi-Fi connections is quite simple to use and offer only the required minimum capacity. However, most users will be enough. Wishing to carry out fine-tune and produce robust data encryption would have to resort to using software from third-party developers. Fortunately, those are now represented in large numbers.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Convenient to see the indicators included wireless module on the screen Today. Usually we see something like the small icons in the lower right corner of the screen, but here - a separate block at the top.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
And, of course, is to say a few words about the GSM / GPRS-module. Subjective impressions of use, Asus P525 smartphone on the quality of signal reception quite inferior to today's mobile phones, in particular, my Nokia 6021.

Capabilities built-in camera

About the peculiarities of the location of a camera lens we said in describing the design, now we estimate its functionality and quality cnimkov. Objective today is one of the best cameras in the class of devices running Windows Mobile. Generally, in this regard can be seen clear progress. First of all a pleasant surprise phone SonyEricsson K750, then replace it podospel K790, in which name appears brand digital cameras from Sony - CyberShot. If you compare the quality of images from the above two phones and the ASUS P525, then the device is located approximately in the middle, ie, slightly better than the K750, but worse than that of his successor. However, against the background of his "classmates" with built-in cameras ASUS P525 - among the leaders. Improving the quality of images was due to the emergence of auto focus. In most cases it works well, but sometimes there are minor problems. However, if you do not expose the camera to serious tests, many of you hardly notice them. With the white balance is also no problem. Metering always work correctly, but in any case provides a choice of several presets (daylight, tungsten, etc.).
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Photos can be done in the following sizes: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120 and 80 x 60. There is only 2,5 x digital zoom, but to resort to using it you probably do not have to. For images immediately possible to have multiple effects, among them - the standard black and white, sepia, negative etc. In addition, there is also a macro mode. He turns out shooting menu, as a result of his work is impressive as the camera as a whole.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Not without the ability to record video in MPEG4 and 3GP. Here we can enable the resolution of 320 x 240 160 x 120 and 80 x 60 at 30 frames per second. The following are examples of the camera ASUS P525, which confirm the above. In addition to the camera in a set of programs have an application for recognition of business cards, but about him below.

Runtime

Approach to the testing battery life, we expect to get very good results, bearing in mind the excellent results of his "cousin" - Pocket PC ASUS MyPal A636. Before we look at the figures, recall that the battery in this device has a high capacity 1300 mAh, and the test procedure remains unchanged.
    So, here is what results we got:
  1. Maximum load. The brightness set to maximum, the speaker volume - also included Wi-Fi network in the search mode, and Bluetooth, the Windows Media Player in the cycle is played a "heavy" video. Battery life in this mode was 2 hours and 45 minutes.
  2. Normal operation. All wireless modules are disabled. The brightness is set at the fifth division of the account, ie average. On PDA was started reading the text in Haali Reader with automatic scrolling. Time work was 20 hours and 15 minutes.
  3. MP3 Playback. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the screen turned off. Listening through headphones at maximum volume. We used a Pocket Media Player and files with a bitrate 192 kbps. Hours - 24 hours 29 minutes.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
The diagram clearly shows that represent the results of P525 compared to its closest competitors. Although correct to say so: shows how far away from the communicator ASUS competitors. If we talk about normal usage, which includes 20-30 minutes of calls a day, listening to music for a short, short sessions are synchronized via Bluetooth and reading, then have to charge the battery about once every two to three days.

Software stuffing

A set of preset programs are also impressive and beautifully complements the overall picture. Say what you like, but always nice when a manufacturer try to save you from buying or downloading software, trying to anticipate your needs. So, go through the most interesting programs that are pre-installed on P525. ASUS Status. This program displays a small window that shows CPU usage, free memory as that of the device itself and not the memory card. Well, apart from this, ASUS Status allows you to quickly switch between running applications.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Biz Card Recognition. This utility, as its name implies, is designed to detect photographed business cards and entering the information from them to your contacts. Unfortunately, the program does not recognize the Cyrillic alphabet. With the recognition of Latin characters, too, are not going smoothly - however, this wine is not the program, and the fact that it is not always possible to photograph the user so that it turned out well. But in any case it is easier to photograph the card to recognize and then fix incorrectly recognized characters than to manually create a new contact. Well, as you know, the recognized business cards made on a standard template, with the perception of too much of the original cards, of course there will be problems.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Voice Commander. And this is the same set of settings for voice control communicator, which we mentioned during the description of sonic possibilities. Everything works just as well as on other similar devices. Nothing new. Java. This application is intended to open the programs written in Java. So you can run applications designed for mobile phones. Not a fact, of course, that they will work correctly, but, for example, with games no problem.
Communicator Asus P525: the best among equals
Skype. This program needs no introduction. It should say only that it is not available in the device memory and on disk. Performance P525 just allows you to fully use it.

The price of issue and date

In the Russian retail Asus P525 will be very soon - in late September - early October. Its price will be about $ 700.

Conclusions

Asus P525 - good communicator in all respects.First, our hero is equipped with convenient numeric keypad through which you can manage your phone with one hand. Second, demonstrating excellent results on the battery life - definitely the best in the competition. Third, the way to please a good performance, a rich set of programs in the kit (that does not occur very often) and very good built-in camera. In this case, Asus managed to maintain a surprisingly compact size, light weight and not go to the ergonomics of the victim. Of course, Asus - one of the most worthy vehicles in the history of this class of devices. By tradition, let's sum up all what was said as a list of advantages and disadvantages.
    Pros:
  • Classic
  • compact size and light weight
  • that all wireless interfaces
  • excellent performance
  • excellent battery life
  • excellent set of pre-installed software
  • good built-in camera.
    Cons:
  • minor flaws in ergonomics (not too good a stylus)
  • high starting price.
As you can see, those features that had to be written in the column under "cons" are unlikely to match the strengths of this communicator. The authors, translation: