ASUS ZenPad Z8s tablet available now from Verizon

Verizon has added two Android phones to its portfolio this week, the ASUS ZenFone AR and Moto E4 Plus, or three if you include the Moto Z2 Force. It hasn't, however, forgotten the class of users who might not need a new phone but do have a need for something with a larger screen. Yes, we're talking about tablets. Verizon has just added the ASUS ZenPad Z8s to its catalog for those who need a serviceable Android tablet but have some big budget constraints.

Although Apple is reported to have had some positive numbers, the tablet market at large is still in a decline. That is, perhaps, nowhere felt more than when it comes to Android tablets. The rush of OEMs to jump on the tablet train early on as over saturated that market to the point that consumers really didn't know what to do with them. Especially with smartphone screens eating at the lower end of the tablet spectrum.

Still, there will be those who want or need a mobile device with a large screen that they didn't have to lift up to their ear. The ASUS ZenPad Z8s probably fits the bill in that regard. With a 7.9-inch screen, the tablet hits that sweet spot between large phone and large tablet.

In typical ASUS fashion, this ZenPad "Z" tablet is a mix of a hi-res screen with mid-range specs. That 8-inch display supports a pixel resolution of 2048x1536 but is powered by an unnamed octa-core processor, possibly a Qualcomm Snapdragon 653, with 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of expandable storage.

• Operating System: Android 7.0• CPU: "octa-core" processor• RAM: 3 GB• Storage: 16 GB, microSD up to 128 GB• Display: 7.9-inch QXGA 2048x1536 IPS LCD• Main Camera: 13 MP• Secondary Camera: 5 MP• Battery: 4,680 mAh

If the name and the specs sound familiar, you might have seen the ZenPad Z8, which was added to Verizon's list a little over a year ago. This new ASUS ZenPad Z8s practically replaces it in the team, with very slightly better specs but with the same price tag. Verizon subscribers can get the tablet for $10.41 monthly payments for 24 months, $149.99 with a two-year contract, or a full retail price of $249.99.

SOURCE: Verizon