Pantech has never been known for its smartphones, at least in the United States, but it looks like the company is trying to change that. Just a few days ago, the manufacturer announced the Discover, which is headed to AT&T this month, and is the first Pantech device in the U.S. to feature an HD display. While the Discover comes in at just $50 with a new contract, it features some very strong specs:
- 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Processor
- Android 4.0
- Bluetooth 4.0
- NFC
- 2,100mAh battery
- 16GB internal memory
- 12.6MP rear camera w/ 1080p video capture and HDR
- 2MP front camera
- 4.8-inch 720p TFT display
- WiFi, DLNA, and GPS
- 4.76 ounces
According to a new report from UnwiredView, Pantech will soon be bringing another powerful Android device to the States, but this time on Verizon. The Pantech Perception will feature very similar specifications to the Discover according to the report, including a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor and 1196 x 720 display.
As far as design goes, the Perception doesn’t appear to have any standout qualities. There aren’t any buttons on the front of the device, meaning it uses on screen buttons similar to Motorola and Nexus devices. There’s a Verizon logo on the front, as well as a Pantech logo. The front-facing camera is shifted slightly to the right next to the carrier logo. The volume rocker appears to be on the left hand side of the phone.
According to the report, the Perception will cost just $50 on contract and is slated to be released “sometime this quarter” on Big Red.
There’s no question that Pantech is looking to improve its smartphone customer base here in the United States, but its already a very close race, with Apple and Samsung out in front. HTC, who has put out devices with far better specs than anything Pantech device, has not done well at all. It will take some incredible luck and marketing for Pantech devices to catch on, but there’s some hope. What do you think of the latest Pantech devices? Do they stand a chance? Also let us know what you think of Pantech’s decision to use on-screen buttons as opposed to physical/capacitive ones!