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)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- GSMArena team, GSMArenaThere 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...
- Brandon Lancaster, Android PoliceI 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...
- Jen Edwards,, BrighthandThe 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...
- Jerry Hildenbrand, Android CentralIn 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...
- Alex Colon, PC MagazineThe $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...
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.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Pantech Burst Manual (PDF)
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