Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, the first Google Tango smartphone starts shipping

By Karthekayan Iyer | Updated on 04-Nov-2016

04-Nov-2016

HIGHLIGHTS

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro features Google Tango based depth sensor for 3D mapping and augmented reality

Finally! Lenovo has started shipping its much anticipated Google Tango powered Phab 2 Pro smartphone. Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is the first smartphone to bring augmented reality into a smartphone class device with Google Tango capabilities. The smartphone which was initially set to launch in September, was delayed till November and is finally shipping now.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is one of those smartphone which showcases a new form of technology – here it is called Google Tango. Google's Project Tango is a new technology that makes augmented reality gaming and ulilities possible on a smartphone. Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, the first Tango smartphone, features dedicated sensors to augment objects and information onto the real world. Lenovo Phab 2 Pro can be used to visualise 3D objects in a real space.

Lenovo's Phab 2 Pro is just like any other smartphone in the market but what makes it really different is the use of additional depth sensing 3D camera system. The 3D camera system, a part of Tango, enables mapping and scanning the environment around you and helps place virtual objects on them. Some of the initial Tango apps are capable of navigating museums, simulate furniture shopping or diving into VR mode. With the availability of Pokemon Go, the augmented reality space has become highly popular. With Phab 2 Pro, Google is aiming to put this device right in between Pokemon Go and Microsoft's $3,000 HoloLens.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro features a 6.4-inch Quad HD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm's older Snapdragon 652 processor coupled with Adreno 510 GPU. Under the hood, there is 4GB RAM, 64GB expandable storage and a 4,050mAh battery in a 10.7mm thick profile.

For those not interested in the Tango 3D mapping, Lenovo Phab 2 Pro sports a 16MP primnary camera with phase detection autofocus and an 8MP selfie camera. Priced at $499, Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is a Google device aimed to mainstream augmented reality platform.