There are very few choices out there if you like your smartphone with a rugged, manly edge.  As such, handsets like the Pantech Crossover could actually prove a decent seller to the right audience.

Announced by AT&T, the sporty Android device embraces a busy-looking aesthetic that makes for a nice break from the self-same slabs that have come to dominate smartphone design today.  Durably constructed with a textured back cover and rubberized corners, it's intended for use by busy folks who don't mind carrying a phone in their pocket while engaging in physical activity (like, I don't know, running to a buffet special).

Details of the Pantech Crossover include a 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen, a 3.0 megapixel fixed-focus camera module, aGPS, WiFi (with mobile hotspot), 3G with HSPA, Bluetooth, microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,500 mAh battery (rated at 5 hours of talk time).  It takes on a landscape slider form factor, with a four-row QWERTY keyboard available for your typing convenience.

A 600 MHz processor sits inside the octagonal frame, which measures 4.45 x 2.28 x 0.56 inches.  It runs Android 2.2 Froyo, along with all the usual Google apps and bloatware we've come to love.

Sure, the Pantech Crossover is far from the most advanced smartphone release this year.  Being a semi-rugged QWERTY slider, however, it fills a niche that's rarely serviced and that's a good thing.  Plus, it's Pantech's first Android phone to come to the US (not that you'd actually care). It hits stores June 5, priced at $69.99 on a two-year agreement with AT&T.

[via Engadget]

Pantech has announced a new Android smartphone for the Korean Market.  Called the Pantech Vega Racer, this one boasts a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU that should get benchmark geeks excited to give it a try.

No, we haven't entered the month of even faster mobile processors yet.  In fact, this handset runs on the same dual-core chipset used by the HTC Evo 3D (Snapdragon MSM8660) -- just overclocked to get the extra muscle.  It's paired with an Adreno 220 GPU and 1GB of RAM, which should see this thing blast through mobile games like it's nobody's business (not that the games on Android right now are really that awesome... but still).

Details of the Pantech Vega Racer include a  4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display (800 x 480 resolution), an 8.0 megapixel camera module, a 1.3 megapixel webcam in front for video chat and, we're assuming, the usual cavalcade of smartphone fittings (WiFi, aGPS, Bluetooth, the works).  The shell is 9 mm thin and houses a 1,650 mAh battery.  It weighs a light 4.23 ounces and gets Android 2.3 Gingerbread as the OS of choice.

As with many of Pantech's releases, this new superphone seems destined strictly for the South Korean market.  SK Telecom gets it before the month ends at an as-yet unannounced price.

[via Engadget]

Pantech's in the news with one strange phone, called the Pantech Vega Xpress, that comes with some overly-optimistic performance claims.  Granted, the promised numbers may actually be accurate, but it's tough to listen to extravagant assertions without any actual proof.

Why are we cautiously doubtful?  Pantech claims that their phone can double 3D graphics performance and run 1.5 times faster than other Android phones running a similar CPU (1GHz Qualcomm MSM8225), all while offering "PC-level speed in Internet browsing" and up to three times better power performance.

All those improvements are supposed to be due, primarily, to one major change in the Pantech Vega Xpress' hardware: it uses DDR2 RAM.  Yes, the same stuff that's likely serving as the memory in your computer (or your old computer if you have a new DDR3-packin' one).

Details of the phone include a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen display (800 x 480 resolution), a 5-megapixel camera module, 20.5 x 62.8 × 10.9 mm dimensions, 8GB of microSD storage preloaded (expandable up to 32GB) and a 1,500 mAh battery module.  We're assuming it's got the usual load of connectivity support, since this sounds like a high-end machine.   Oh yeah, it will come preloaded with Android 2.2 Froyo.

Intended for KT and LG Uplus customers in Pantech's local Korean market, the Pantech Vega Xpress should drop sometime in 2011.

[via Telecoms Korea]

Touchscreen feature phones can be exciting, too.  The Pantech Laser, in fact, puts a lot of effort into doing just that and succeeds in many ways.

Physically, it boasts a svelte figure that makes it the slimmest slider messaging phone ever put out by AT&T.  While that isn't really much to rave about, it does testify to the device's stylish good looks.   The textured surface feels good in the hand, as well.

Display is a stunning 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen, with downright gorgeous colors and crisp sharpness at 480 x 800 pixels. Unfortunately, it's resistive, so touch response isn't the most ideal -- accuracy is decent, though, and requires just a little more pressure on your taps.  A full QWERTY keyboard slides out in horizontal mode.  While well-spaced, it's a bit too flat for my liking.

As a phone, the Pantech Laser makes for serviceable calls.  Although voices went through with ample volume, it usually went with some static noise.  Those on the other end reported a better experience, although they did notice occasional interference.  Battery is rated at 5 hours of talk time.

All the usual phone capabilities are onboard, including a number of voice calling features, PIM tools and basic messaging (SMS, MMS).  Connectivity options are complete, with 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and GPS all available.  Being a messaging-centered handset, it's also got IM (YM, AIM and Windows Live) and email (it only uses AT&T's Mobile Email app, though, so not the most convenient).  For social networking, several dedicated apps are preloaded, including ones for Facebook and Twitter, apart from AT&T Social net, an all-in-one hub for social networking and content feeds.

Data connectivity over 3G is good, especially with AT&T's numerous multimedia services.  The wireless web browser can render full HTML, as well, with lots of heavy sites loading in under 20 seconds.  Onboard media player is rather simple and straightforward.

The 3.0 megapixel camera offers a good amount of editing options.  Unfortunately, photo quality falls a bit below expectations, with colors looking washed out most of the time.

Overall, the Pantech Laser can do the core of what smartphones offer, all while managing to look sleek and stylish.  AT&T has it for $99 on a new two-year agreement.

AT&T has announced a new messaging phone from from Korean manufacturer, Pantech.  Called the Pantech Laser, it's the slimmest horizontal slider in the carrier's roster yet, coming in at only 9.95 millimeters in thickness.

As you can tell from the picture, this is one stylish-looking bundle, with its thin edges and rounded corners.  Plus, the four-row QWERTY panel looks ample-sized, well-spaced and adequately raised for extended typing use.

Details of the Pantech Laser include a 3.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen, a 3-megapixel camera module, aGPS (with AT&T Navigator), stereo Bluetooth and microSD card expansion.  No word on whether either 3G or WiFi comes onboard.

Don't let the smartphone looks fool you - it's all "quick messaging" for this handset.  Features include basic messaging (SMS, MMS), email, IM, Social Net (for access to Twitter, Facebook and MySpace)  and other AT&T apps (e.g. Mobile Share, Address Book).   There's also a unique "Drawing Commander" capability that allows you to draw shapes that trigger various actions, such as making a call or launching an app.

Surprisingly, they're pricing the Pantech Laser a bit steep at $99.99 on a two-year agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate.  That's right, it's along the same range as many mid-market Android releases, sans the more expensive data plans.  Expect it to drop October 17th.

[via Engadget]

The Pantech Jest is the latest in the line of the company's quirky-looking messaging phones.   While there's likely nothing here you haven't seen before, it does bundle the range of features today's social networking-obsessed young crowd typically look for in their handsets.

Physically, it looks pudgy.  Pantech did manage to make it reasonably slim at 0.6-inch thick, despite the presence of a vertically-sliding QWERTY keypad.  It has a good fit in hand and allows a firm grip with its textured back.  Display is a small 2.6-inch panel (320 x 320), with gorgeous colors and excellent detail.  Navigational array sits right under the screen - it's decent, although the optical direction pad could have been more responsive.  The QWERTY keypad is a bit cramped, but usable.

As a phone, the Pantech Jest made for mixed call quality.  Voices came through load and relatively clear, although there's a notable harshness to the sound.  Those on the other end reported better audio.  Speakerphone performance was actually good, occasionally sounding even better than regular calls.  Battery life is rated at 4.6 hours of talk time, making good for over a day of regular use.

All the basics are onboard, including a 1,000-entry phonebook, a variety of calling modes and PIM tools.  Extras include Bluetooth, a mobile web browser and aGPS with support for VZ Navigator.  Messaging, as expected, is a strength.  There's SMS and MMS (with support for threaded messaging), email  and IM.  It also comes with Social Beat, a Verizon app that gives you access to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, as well as Google Talk and Gmail.

Onboard media player is rather basic, but it gets the job done.  The 2.0 megapixel camera gets a decent set of editing options, along with shooting above average quality images.

Overall, the Pantech Jest is a decent messaging phone, with a cute appearance and a serviceable set of features.  Plus, it's free from Verizon on a two-year agreement, so it's  a good option for younger users.

Pantech has announced their second Android smartphone.  Billed as the Pantech A630K "Crystal de Izar," it's possibly the first Android handset aimed directly at a female user base.

Being marketed to women, there has to be something about the looks that bears some feminine quality, right?  In the case of the new phone, it comes with an unusual bottom edge.  Unlike the protruding "chins" found on some of HTC's Android phones, however, Pantech laces this model with a light-up crystal jewelry right along that area, which shines in different colors, depending on what functions of the handset you're using.

Details of the Pantech A630K include a 3.2-inch touchscreen display (800 x 480 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module, stereo Bluetooth, DMB TV tuner and microSD card expansion (with 4GB preinstalled).  It measures 114.4 x 55.4x 13.35 mm and weighs 106.2 grams.  Battery is rated at over four hours of talk time.

According to Pantech, the device is sized to work well with smaller, feminine hands, unlike your standard smartphone hardware that's generally built for a male-dominated user base.   It will ship running Android 2.1, with a scheduled update to Android 2.2 Froyo later in the year.

The Pantech A630K will be available in South Korea via KT starting in July.

[via ZDnet Korea]

While marketed as a senior-friendly phone, the Pantech Breeze II brings just enough mid-range features to make it an attractive option for those in search of a cheap but functional handset. Bearing a slim frame, easy-to-use design and an intuitive interface, it's easily one of the best entry-level handsets on the market.

Physically, it's a regular clamshell handset with a slim and trim profile. Subtle curves and a dimpled back make it feel good in the hand. It comes with two displays - a 1.38-inch outside and a 2.22-inch screen inside. Both offer sufficiently sharp and clear images. The keypad has good spacing, but are set a little too deep set into the phone, so older users might be prone to making mistakes while typing. Like the original Breeze, it has three quick call keys that you can use to speed dial emergency contacts.

As a phone, the Breeze II manages impressive call quality. Voices went through loud and clear on both ends, with nary a distortion. Speakerphone calls were similar, just adding a slight harshness to the voice. Battery life is rated at three hours of talk time, which should be good enough to last a day or two (possibly even more) of normal use.

Pantech's menu interface is very well-done and intuitive. I personally loved the Breeze mode, which presented menu items in a simple list with large fonts. Those who want the full range of customization settings, however, should opt for the grid-style Advanced mode.

It comes with all the basics, such as a 1,000-entry phone book, PIM tools and stereo Bluetooth. It offers a complete range of messaging capabilities, including SMS, MMS, IM (AIM, Yahoo, Windows Live Messenger) and mobile email (an extra $5 a month, though). There are advanced features here as well, with aGPS, 3G connectivity (good speeds with minimal buffering on video) and an Opera-based HTML browser.

Because of the 3G support, it gets access to a slew of AT&T services, including AT&T Online Locker, AT&T Mobile Video and AT&T Mobile Music. Music player is basic but usable. The 1.3 megapixel camera doesn't take very good photos, though.

Overall, there are plenty to like in the Pantech Breeze II, especially at the $19.99 price (with a two-year agreement from AT&T). It brings quite a solid set of features for an entry-level phone.

Another new phone in AT&T's messaging lineup, the Pantech Link is an affordable candybar with a full QWERTY keyboard. An excellent value, it's one of the cheapest handsets you can pick up in the category, despite packing features somewhere in the mid-range.

Physically, the device is slim and sleek - easily one of the thinnest phones you'll probably turn up. Construction is largely plastic, with a surprisingly sturdy build and a solid feel in hand. It comes with a 2.4-inch LCD, with 320 x 240 pixel resolution. Display is crisp and colorful, with sharp images and easy-to-read text. Both the control array and full QWERTY keys are well designed, making for comfortable navigation and typing.

As a phone, the Link managed a rather strange quality of calls. Reception on the phone was good with plenty of volume, but those on the other reported a very uneven experience. Some calls came through fine, while others went through very distorted. Speakerphone showed the same inconsistent performance.  Battery life is rated at three hours of talk time, which made for a day or so of regular use.

Intended for messaging, it supports the full suite: SMS, MMS, IM (AIM, Windows Live, and Yahoo) and mobile email using a web interface (POP3 and IMAP). It covers all the basics well with a 600-entry address book, PIM tools and stereo Bluetooth. It supports 3G with HSDPA, making for quick-loading web pages on the Opera-based browser. Because of the broadbamd speeds, it has access to AT&T's numerous media and cloud services, including Mobile Video, Mobile Music, Online Locker and Mobile Share.

The 1.3 megapixel camera offers a few editing options and turns out decent photos, especially for such low-res optics. It also has aGPS, with support for AT&T Navigator.

Overall, the Pantech Link is an excellent value for a messaging phone, especially at the $9.99 price with a two-year contract. Call quality could be improved, but it's more hit than miss, especially when you look at everything it brings to the table.

Smartphones armed with the heavy-powered 1GHz Snapdragon processor are literally beginning to flood the market. The just-unveiled Pantech Sirius IM-A600S happens to be one of them.

The first Android phone from South Korea's third-largest phone manufacturer, it's tailored for the local market, putting a heavy emphasis on social networking services and web browsing. It boasts a slim 11.5mm frame, all while packing in features that rival the best handsets running the latest version of Google's open-source mobile OS (at least on paper).

Details of the Pantech Sirius include a 3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen (WVGA resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module, 500MB of internal storage (with microSD card expansion), WiFi, TV tuner (T-DMB), full HTML browser (with Flash support) and DivX playback. It will come with an 8GB memory card in the box.

According to Pantech, this is only the first of ten Android smartphone models they're hoping to release this year. They also claim to be in talks with AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless and Japan's KDDI Corp. to bring the handset into other countries.

Availability of the Pantech Sirius IM-A600S is slated for South Korea in the second half of this month. It will be released by SK Telecom, priced at 900,000 won (which amounts to a very steep $800).

[via Yonhap News]