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Pantech Burst review

7.4/10 AVG.
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Pantech Burst
Pantech Burst
Pantech Burst
Pantech Burst
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7.4/10
Informr score
The Pantech Burst currently has an Informr score of 7.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 13 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Pantech Burst is a serious contender for the title of the best 4G LTE-enabled entry-level smartphone on the market. It offers speedy performance at a bargain price point and runs the open source Android operating system by default.

There are a number of good hardware features worth noting about this phone from Pantech. For starters, it comes with a 4-inch 480x800 touchscreen display, a 5MP camera, and a 1,650 mAh battery which gives it up to 4.5 hours of talk time in 3G. It also comes with the right amount of wireless features which include Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and GPS with A-GPS. All of its features are kept running smoothly with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM inside a casing that measures just 11mm thin. And at 122 grams, it’s very easy to carry around.

Overall, the Pantech Burst works quite well. And as long as there are no problems with network coverage, it can deliver superb voice quality during phone calls. Of course, that changes if you are in an area where AT&T network coverage is rather sparse. Also, the default operating system is kind of limited in terms of features especially when compared with later versions of the Android software.

Indeed, there are plenty of other smartphones on the market that will outrank this one in terms of both hardware and software. But then again, it doesn’t really cost that much to begin with. So if you’re working with a tight budget, you might find that it offers the right combination of features for your hard earned dollars.

Need to Know: Pantech Burst

1. Fast mobile processor and ample amount of RAM for multi-tasking. (The Good)

2. Internal storage is at 16GB and can be expanded further with microSD cards. (The Good)

3. Uses Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an older version of the Android software, as its default operating system. (The Bad)

4. Display quality and camera performance seem lacking. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.2 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.2 GHz
4"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1650 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


GSMArena
GSMArena

There is plenty to like in the Pantech Burst. The smartphone packs one of the most powerful CPU and chipset combinations on the market, a Super AMOLED screen, and LTE connectivity, all wrapped into an unpretentious looking package. The Pantech twist on Android Gingerbread is a surprisingly nice touc...

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
Android Police
Android Police

I was pretty impressed by what Pantech did with the Burst. While it does have its shortcomings, they are easily out shadowed by the extremely low price. If you're looking for decent smartphone, but don't want to shell out a few hundred dollars and can deal with not having the best of the best, then...

- Brandon Lancaster, Android Police
Brighthand
Brighthand

The Pantech Burst may not have the gee-whiz factor of some of the flashier recent smartphones, but it generally performs well and it's hard to ignore the bargain price. It's a good size, the screen is sharp, battery life is excellent, and performance is relatively snappy, though the camera was somew...

- Jen Edwards,, Brighthand
Android Central
Android Central

In operation, the Burst works fine. Calls are clear enough, GPS worked well enough to get me where I wanted to go with no issues, and the overall feel of the OS was a good experience. The screen is a standout, as Super AMOLED at 233 ppi (pixels per inch) should be. Pantech's addition of a PC soft...

- Jerry Hildenbrand, Android Central
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The $49.99 Pantech Burst is the first smartphone on AT&T's 4G LTE network to debut with a sub-$100 price tag. What it lacks in wow factor compared to our current Editors' Choice, the gargantuan Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, it makes up for with a great balance between price and performance. And if...

- Alex Colon, PC Magazine


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Pantech Burst user manual here.


Pantech backs up the Burst with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Burst has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Pantech support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Pantech's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
4"

The Pantech Burst's screen size is 4 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.2 GHz

There is a Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with VGA (640 x 480) resolution.

Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1650mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1650 mAh battery. Pantech's performance ratings are 0.5 days standby time, 286 minutes, 351 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Pantech Burst Specs

Overview
Release Date January 22, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Dual-core 1.2 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Multi-shot, White balance
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
VGA (640 x 480)+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology Super AMOLED
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 4 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1650 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 338 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 351 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 286 minutes
Standby Time Up to 0.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Titanium, Ruby Red
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.6 x 6.2 x 1.1 cm (5 x 2.4 x 0.4 in)
Weight 122 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS, Google Talk
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Voice Commands: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Contact Groups: Yes
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: OTA
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WAV, M4A, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Haptic Feedback: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Wi-fi Encryption: WPA2
Viewable document types: DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Currency Converter, Weather, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Pantech P9070
Related Links Manual (PDF)
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