Pantech / Reviews

In many ways, the Pantech Discover is more impressive than some phones we can name at twice the price. It can’t compete directly with the big flagship devices, but within the realm of budget phones it’s well worth the asking price. For just $50 on contract at AT&T, you get a large screen, good performance, long battery life, comfortable design, and a decent camera. The cool speakers are just icing.

Read original review at Digital Trends.

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If we were back in January, the Pantech Perception would be a halfway decent mid-level smartphone for the price. But as we mentioned earlier, with higher end devices from last year being discounted down to under $100 on-contract, it is really a tough sell for the Perception. Even though we like its 4.8” 720p Super AMOLED display, overall styling, and ease of use, the poor camera quality and digital-sounding call quality is holding it back – not to mention it comes running Android Ice Cream Sandwich instead of Jelly Bean.

Read original review at PhoneArena.

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Pantech did an admirable job with the Perception. It has a simple but charming design and offers more customization options than most other devices.

The Perception's screen is quite good, call quality is excellent, and battery life is stellar. Though I wish it had a more modern version of Android, the software tools added by Pantech give the Perception plenty to work with. The performance of the software was fine across the board. About the only thing that really bugged me was the weird focusing issue with the camera.

Read original review at Phone Scoop.

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The Pantech Perception is a fine addition to Pantech’s archive of relatively unique devices, and makes one wish they’d continue to push forth in the USA for a more on-time release. This device could have been a really great addition to Verizon’s ranks if it’d been brought to the market right around a year ago. Unfortunately, since it’s being shown here in the Spring of 2013, this release falls flat in the face of its much more robust competitors.

Read original review at SlashGear.

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While the Pantech Discover is not a Samsung Galaxy S it is however a great device at great price. This phone is snappy, with a large display, decent camera, great speakers, great design, and AT&T's 4G LTE network. If this phone was 200USD on contract I'd have a hard recommending it however for only 49.99USD on contract I have no problem recommending this device.

Read original review at Daily Mobile.

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The Pantech Discover is stylish and affordable without compromising on functionality. If the handset had launched six months ago, it would have been one of best value offerings in the Android smartphone game. Unfortunately, it missed its chance and now it's merely a decent proposition in its price range.

Read original review at GSMArena.

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Are you strapped for cash and still yearn for some kind of sweet smartphone, but don’t want to settle on a typical entry-level device? Well, you’re in luck because the Pantech Discover is going to be the right fit for you – albeit, it’s still without its own set of flaws. Overall, it doesn’t outperform the class leading contenders in the space, but rather, the Discover has that nice balance between price point and feature set. Not only does it sport one stylish design that’s surprising amongst other things, but at $50 on-contract, there’s plenty of value for the money you’re dishing out – like the software enhancements made with the experience and large high-resolution display. At no point is it going to magically triumph over things like the Samsung Galaxy S III or HTC One X+, but at least there’s hope for those on a tight budget.

Read original review at PhoneArena.

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In closing, we’re a little torn on what direction to take with this smartphone. On one hand this is by far one of the absolute best budget handsets on the market, and easily will make almost any user happy. For $49.99 the Pantech Discover delivers HD visuals, dual-core speed, impressive camera capabilities and 4G LTE. On the flip side the screen is a little washed out, touch sensitivity could use a little improvement, and the UI needs some work and uniformity. Then again, this is only $49.99 and made me happy for a week – so we expect most will love it.

AT&T does have the HTC One X which offers a similar package, better display, and a UI that certainly has a little extra polish around the edges with Sense UI. Or you could spend the extra $100 and grab the Samsung Galaxy S III. To end we’d have to say you’ll need to hit a store and see for yourself. If you’re on a budget and want one of the best phones for the price, the Pantech Discover is it. If you can manage a little extra surely go with another option, but for $49.99 this can’t be beat. 

Read original review at Android Community.

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A few years ago, the thought of getting a phone like the Pantech Discover at the price it is selling for was unheard of. That said, if you’re looking for a top of the line device, this isn’t it, but it’s doubtful that anyone reading this review would think that was a case.

If you want to keep your spending on a new device low, but don’t want to sacrifice points for style, the Pantech Discover is certainly worth keeping your eye on. There may be other phones aimed at capturing the same portion of the market, but right now it seems that with the Discover, Pantech is the one to beat.

Read original review at Android Authority.

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The Pantech Discover really grabs your attention -- and not just because of its low $49 price. It's curvy design, bright HD display and punchy stereo speakers make it a truly unique offering. The only real drawbacks are this handset's below-average battery life and older Ice Cream Sandwich software. In this price range we prefer the $49 HTC One VX for AT&T. It has a smaller 4.5-inch display, but it lasts longer on charge and sports a faster camera. However, if you're new to smartphones or know someone who is, they'll appreciate the Easy Mode interface on this device coupled with its robust feature set.

Read original review at Laptop Magazine.

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I've had this phone for over three years now, giving it constant use and dropping it all the time, and it's never failed on me. Granted, it doesn't have all the features that smartphones have, but what it does have it does great. And it's cheap. I recommend it.

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Pro: It was a good music Phone

Con:

Using experience: 5 days

Well when I first got it I kind of liked it but after I used it for a few days and I started texting a lot on it I realized that it was a horrible messaging phone. If you are looking for a good music phone with no data package required I would recommend this phone but if you are a text messager like me I wouldn't recommend it.

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Pro: Easy to text on. That's about all that I like.

Con: Bad battery. Really crappy memory that does not hold much. When your messages are full, it doesn't tell you beforehand but right as you are about to send the message. Not the best camera, you have to be really steady to make sure it doesn't turn out blurry. Super slow, espicially when you add a new contact and it has to 'sync' never had a phone do that before. When you are on a certain person's message log, and you press call, it calls another person, and not whoever's message you are on.

Using experience: 5 months

At first, I loved this phone. I was so excited to get rid of my iPhone 3g for this. The battery, I thought was great, and it was at first, but slowly it's getting worse. Not to mention the horrible horrible memory, and the slow-ness. Now, I must admit that I did have an 8 gb iPhone, but still, this phone is stuck in 2000. The only thing I like is the keyboard, it's easy and fun to text on, but the whole texting part isn't fun because the horrible phone quality. I wouldn't reccomend it to anyone, and I'm glad it's free. I cannot wait until my contract is up to get rid of this piece of crap. Oh, and it scratches very easily.

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I finally found a phone that is easy to use, and works well. It even has Font sizes which enables you to make the letters larger. Bluetooth capable and was easy to add to the car. So far the phone works great.

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I know this phone isn't on the market anymore, but just in case anyone comes across a cheap used one I figured I'd better throw in my two cents.

This is the best phone I have ever / will ever own.

Sure it doesn't have an mp3 player, expandable ring tones, an HD camera, etc., but if you're looking for a CELL PHONE (you know, to call and text people), look no further.

I've had this phone for almost 4 years now and its never caused me any grief. Reception is excellent, and the built in key shortcuts help you whiz around the interface like its your day job.

I bought a new battery for it today, as the battery life is starting to get a little too short for me (though this isn't a phone problem: any battery would be close to its death after powering a device for 4 straight years).

There's a funny glitch where if you open the phone at the exact same time the front display turns off (from when you opened it previously), you'll come face-to-face with a blank white screen. All you have to do it close the phone and wait for the front display to turn off. Open it up and you'll be fine.

I'm looking forward to (hopefully) another 4 years with my new battery, and shudder to think about my life without this phone.

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I love the phone. It fits in my pocket so I don't need a case. It's easy to use and must be made well because I've dropped it many times but when I take pictures I can't download them to my computer. I bought a data cable but can't get any software on line or from AT&T. Anyone have any solutions?
Vickie in Oregon

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I have had many cell phones and bought dozens of them for a large family. For the ADULTS, this is the best phone I have ever had! I don't text or use social groups so who needs a smart phone? This has nice large keys, 3 speed dial keys- see 1,2,3 buttons under display(you can program more)voice activated dialing, easy menu interface, I can't rave enough about it. For a basic cell phone plan since this is not a "smart" phone, I was able to get internet access and email access for just $10 a month. With this phone I have everything Iphone users rave about for so much less. I am VERY happy with this phone. In fact, I will probably buy a few off ebay as interest and prices decline so that I have a spare in the future. Not a kid phone because it is not really text friendly, but if you use your phone to TALK, like old folks do, you won't be sorry you bought this one - if you use your phone to TALK this is THE ONE.

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Pro: good key board

Con: Software problems, bad camera, battery life 48 hrs with 4 calls

Using experience: 90 days

The Ease I flawed!!! Randomly does not go back to stand by, but will remain in full screen ready mode indefinite. battery life is about 48 hours with about 4 - 2 minute calls. ATT Navigator will drain THE BATTERY IN 30 MINUTES. I'm on my third replacement phone and they all do the same thing. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT- A LEMON -
DO NOT BUY

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I like this phone because it syncs with my outlook. It doesn't require you to pay for the internet package. I've used it for a year. I recently changed to a new phone and wish I hadn't. The new phone didn't sync with my 2002 outlook that I use with my Pocket PC. I switched back. It's a good little phone.

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I bought the Pantech Matrix almost two years ago with a qualified upgrade service plan. I do not use or need a bunch of extra features on a phone and the Matrix was just what I needed. I will be upgrading to another model as my plan is coming to an end; for anyone who is looking for a nice, clean looking, easy to use phone - the Matrix is a good choice. The durability of the phone was far better than I would have expected. It has met the concrete on many, many occasions - yet it still functions properly and the slide mechanism has yet to have any problems.

Good job Pantech.

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