ASUS
An Android tablet pioneer now branches out into more device categories
ASUS was one of the first manufacturers to get serious about Android on tablets, and in recent years it's expanded into the world of smartphones, "phablet"-class devices and even wearables. The Taiwanese manufacturer has a history in PC hardware — in 2013 it was the fifth-largest PC vendor by sales, and it continues to hold a spot as one of the leading makers of internal parts such as motherboards and graphics cards. The company is led by chairman Jonney Shih, who often makes energetic appearances at press conferences and ASUS launch events.
ASUS' first notable Android product was the original Transformer device, then called the ASUS EeePad Transformer, after the company's line of EeePad netbooks. The Android Honeycomb-based slate could be connected to a keyboard attachment to deliver laptop-like functionality. Several generations of Transformers have shipped in the intervening years, but the next big milestone for ASUS was the Google-branded Nexus 7. ASUS manufactured the 2012 and 2013 model Nexus 7s, which remain among the most popular Android slates.
Since then the company has branched out into more device categories, shipping mid and entry-level smartphones in its ZenPhone series, as well as creating smartphones that dock into tablets in its Padfone series. (And, somewhat confusingly, there's also a line of large form factor phones under the Fonepad brand.) In 2014, ASUS entered the wearables market with the Android Wear-powered Zenwatch.
While it has seen considerable success with its Android tablets, ASUS has yet to make much of a dent in the U.S. smartphone market. The quirky ASUS Padfone X launched on AT&T in mid-2014 after extensive delays, and the Zenfone series has yet to make much of an impact outside of Asia.
Latest about Asus
ASUS ROG Phone 9 is a speedster with AI gaming features and the 8 Elite
By Nickolas Diaz published
Gaming never sleeps ASUS announced the launch of its ROG Phone 9 series.
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 is dropping in November and could be the fastest phone around
By Jay Bonggolto published
gaming powerhouse ASUS is about to launch the ROG Phone 9, powered by a beastly Snapdragon chipset.
ASUS recruits ROG Phone 8 owners for its Android 15 Preview Program
By Nickolas Diaz published
Gamers love testing ASUS kicks off its Android 15 beta with its ROG Phone 8 users.
Wow! The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 is back to its lowest ever price during Prime Day
By Roydon Cerejo published
flipping awesome deal The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 is a powerful ChromeOS laptop for work or play. Save a cool $230 with this fantastic Prime Day deal.
The Meta Quest just became the Pixel of VR headsets
By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich published
Industry changing Meta is becoming the Android of virtual reality, with Meta Horizon OS bringing more varieties of open-source VR gaming headsets.
Best ASUS phones 2024
By Harish Jonnalagadda published
ASUS isn't making as many phones as it used to, with the brand focusing on two distinct product lines. These are the best ASUS phones that you can buy today.
ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra goes big with a larger display and three cameras
By Nickolas Diaz published
Zenfone glory ASUS launched its new Zenfone 11 Ultra, which is a complete overhaul from the company's previous small phone debut.
ASUS teases new Zenfone 11 Ultra, leaving the small form factor behind
By Brady Snyder published
Bigger is better? ASUS is teasing the next generation of Zenfone, which will come by way of the Zenfone 11 Ultra. That's right, the compact form factor of the Zenfone is getting bigger.
The ASUS Zenfone 11 was spotted on Google Play Console, revealing design and specs
By Vishnu Sarangapurkar published
next zenfone spotted The Zenfone series is Asus's highly anticipated product of the year. They were rumored to be discontinuing, but new evidence suggests otherwise.
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is thinner and smaller with AI to help you grind
By Nickolas Diaz published
Get your game on ASUS launched the ROG Phone 8 series, which has received a few design and form factor changes.
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro renders allege a design difference in its rear panel
By Nickolas Diaz published
Dot dot dot A few renders for the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro have leaked, and suggest a different choice of LEDs could await interested parties.
The ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is already setting the bar high for 2024
By Andrew Myrick published
Wow We're expecting big things from Chromebooks in 2024, and if this hands-on with the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is anything to go by, that's exactly what we'll be getting.
ASUS Zenfone 10 picks up Android 14 before the year's end
By Nickolas Diaz published
Updates for Christmas ASUS started rolling out its Android 14 update for its Zenfone 10 owners, packed with revamped apps and fixes.
What I want to see from Android OEMs in 2024
By Harish Jonnalagadda published
Looking ahead Android manufacturers released a lot of standout devices in 2023, and with 2024 just around the corner, here's what I want to see from phone manufacturers next year.
ASUS brings Intel's new Core Ultra 7 processor to its latest Chromebook
By Andrew Myrick published
Ultra Chromebook If you were hoping for 2024 to bring more exciting Chromebooks, you're in luck as ASUS is already swinging for the fences.
Derrek Lee's Top 10 of 2023
By Derrek Lee published
My top 2023 moments As 2023 comes to an end, Android Central's Derrek Lee reflects on the moments that made this year better than he could have imagined.
Massive ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro leak reveals full images and specs
By Brady Snyder published
A big upgrade A gigantic leak revealed the full images and specs of the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro, which are set to debut next year.
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 sheds its bezels in new teaser for January launch
By Nickolas Diaz published
Beyond Gaming ASUS has teased a reveal date for the ROG Phone 8 alongside new changes arriving for the devices.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
Receive the hottest deals and product recommendations alongside the biggest tech news from the Android Central team straight to your inbox!