ASUS announces the ZenPad 8.0 and the ZenPad S 8.0, has interchangeable functional backplates that change everything

Announced today at Computex 2015 are two new tablets from ASUS’s ZenPad series, the ZenPad 8.0 and ZenPad S 8.0, with the former being the first to feature a backplate that is more than just decoration; it actually adds features to your tablet.

The new tablets have been a long time in the coming, with leaks hitting the internet ahead of launch detailing the style and specs of the devices. Both devices sport a dual-texture design with a leather-like appearance for better grip and of course, style.

On the surface, the tablets already look like they could give Samsung’s tablets a run for their money, with much better specs under the hood as well as the versatility that comes with the interchangeable Zen Case back covers for the ZenPad 8.0.

In terms of internals the  ZenPad 8.0 will be getting an 8 inch IPS display at 1280 x 800 resolution and will be packing an Intel x3-C3200 processor under the hood alongside a 4000mAh battery.

Most importantly the device supports interchangeable covers that either amp your battery life by a whopping 15 hours with the Power Case or turn your tablet into a personal entertainment device by giving it six additional speakers and is the first tablet to support DTS 5.1 Surround Sound with the Audio Cover. This combined with the fact that the unit already has two front facing speakers should make it quite the device to watch movies on. The ZenPad 8.0 will also have a simple 5 megapixel rear and 2 megapixel front camera combo and will be available as a LTE/WiFi and WiFi only model.

The ZenPad S 8.0 on the other hand is all business, with a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor, 4GB RAM as well as a USB 3.0 Type-C connector which is a first for ASUS. The display will be similar to that of the ZenPad 8.0 but will have a much higher 2048 x 1536 resolution similar to that of an iPad mini. The device will also comes with the Z Stylus which seems to be very similar in function to that of Samsung’s S-Pen, albeit sized more like a normal pen with a 1.2mm writing tip as well as pressure sensitivity.

Both tablets will be coming in 8GB and 16GB expandable storage variants, Android 5.0 and ASUS’s Tru2Life display tech for sharp images and crispy colours.

Pricing and availability for the tablets have yet to be revealed but they will be available in three colours; Leather Black, Pearl White and Aurora Metallic come launch day.