Pantech Breakout

“So, is this the right device for you? Well, if you are looking for a mid level device on Verizon, and want to be able to take advantage of Verizon's expanding 4G LTE network without investing a small fortune to do so, then yes. If you are looking for the latest and greatest Verizon has to offer, probably not. The device is a bit limited in terms of on-board memory, only about 376MB of available space for users to add applications to, but if you are smart about what you install, and move what you can to the SD card then you can make it work just fine.The Pantech Breakout offers users a great mid level experience, while we have yet to see root or anything of that nature achieved on the device, and while not for everyone the device should not be written off and overlooked. For many who are not focusing on the spec wars at hand, this device does offer an extremely smooth user experience, a nice 4-inch display and the power of Verizon's network all for $99 on contract and only $359 off contract - which is not much more than some of these LTE device are going for on contract currently.”

“In a perfect phone, the strength of the hardware would match that of the software. In this case, the Pantech Breakout 4G's software bested its hardware. If all you do is make calls and operate apps and the browser, you and the Breakout will get along just fine. The custom interface and dial pads are all easy to use on the nice, large screen. Call quality was pretty good to our ears, and the phone felt fine in the hand. Those 4G LTE speeds didn't hurt either. Try out the video and camera, however, and watch the contempt march in--unfortunately, the camera quality ruined the experience for us.”

“When it comes right down to it, the Pantech Breakout is clearly for someone who wants a Verizon 4G smartphone, but without spending a few hundred bucks on one. We like that it’s thin and lightweight, and feels comfortable in the hand, through the 4 function buttons on the front are a bit awkward to use. The 4” display is a bit smaller than its competition, but this also allows for the phone to be smaller too, which some people prefer. We were pleased by the interface that Pantech uses and that it comes with a nice selection of widgets, as well as the good call quality and signal reception. Though we were a bit disappointed by the lacking camera quality, limited room for storing apps, and less than average battery times. Since the Pantech Breakout is currently $99.99 after rebate with a 2-year contract, it is the most affordable 4G phone from Verizon, but occasionally you can snag one of other 4G devices (such as the ThunderBolt) from different on-line resellers for less than what Verizon sells it directly for. In doing so, you would get a better-spec'd phone overall.”

“All said, Pantech's done a commendable job of cutting corners in all the right places. It still features a CPU with the same clockspeed as the Thunderbolt and Revolution, carries a competitive amount of RAM to accompany it, has an above-average display and exudes a design more elegant than its price tag would normally suggest. Don't get us wrong: it's no Droid Bionic, but it doesn't try to be. Even then, however, we were expecting much worse from a handset that undercuts its 4G counterparts by at least $150. Instead, we found a device that does well at keeping up with its older brothers (with the glaring exception of the Droid Bionic, of course). It's unfortunate news for the members of that exclusive club, because we have a feeling the pool's going to get a lot more crowded very soon.”