By Amid all the crazy CES happenings, AT&T saw fit to sneak this presser into the busy news day. The Pantech Discover will be headed to America’s second biggest carrier starting January 11th, and will cost you just $50. This price point may lead you to believe the Pantech Discover doesn’t have much to offer under the hood, but the truth of the matter is that this is one impress smartphone.
The device features a 4.8 inch 1280×720 display, a 12 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video recording, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 2,100mAh battery, NFC and more. Software wise, we know this thing will come with at least Android 4.0 as the older Pantech Flex does, but we aren’t 100% sure. We’ll look to get more information about the version of Android, but we imagine those details were left out of the press release for a reason.
No matter which exact version of Android it has, though, you can expect to find the same Easy Experience mode that was featured on the Pantech Flex. This feature allows you to switch between a more traditional, customizable Android experience and a simplified experience for those new to Android. I reviewed Easy Experience mode a while ago, and while I’m personally too advanced for it to be satisfying I can see how an inexperienced user would love it. Read on for full press details.
DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2013/PRNewswire/ — Kicking off 2013 with one of Pantech’s most impressive Android smartphones to date, AT&T* announces the Pantech Discover™, available for $49.99** with a two-year agreement, in all AT&T channels beginning Jan. 11. Pantech Discover will be the first AT&T smartphone pre-loaded with the AT&T DriveMode® application, an app designed to help prevent texting while driving.
A 4G LTE smartphone, the sleek Discover boasts a large 4.8-inch HD display (1280 x 720) and an impressive 12.6-megapixel camera with 4X zoom, as well as the ability to record and playback video in HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 30 frames per second. The Discover’s dual 3D surround sound speakers provide a rich audio experience, ideal for listening to music and watching movies, while the built-in near field communication (NFC) technology allows users to share content, read smart tags, or pay for goods and services right from their phone. Packed with high tech features for an affordable price, the Discover provides tremendous value, fast data speeds, and high performance to entertainment seekers and business professionals alike.
The Discover features AT&T DriveMode®, an app that helps curb texting and driving . The app can be set-up to automatically send a customizable reply to incoming messages once a vehicle starts moving 25 mph. The auto-reply message is similar to an “out-of-office alert” and can reply to texts, emails and wireless callers letting your friends know that you are driving and unable to respond. The app will automatically send all calls directly to voicemail; however, the user has the option to create an “allow list” or it can also be turned off manually at any time if the user needs to make a call immediately. ***
“The Pantech Discover combines a feature-packed experience – complete with a 12.6-megapixel camera and HD display – with a cost-effective price point, giving AT&T customers yet another strong option in our 4G LTE portfolio,” said Jeff Bradley , senior vice president- Devices, AT&T. “AT&T is dedicated to educating customers about the dangers of texting while driving and providing real solutions to help prevent the behavior. With DriveMode pre-loaded on the Discover, we hope that users will be less likely to text and drive.”
First announced for AT&T on the Pantech Flex in September 2012, Pantech’s exclusive Easy Experience and Standard Experience modes, are also available on the Discover. The Easy Experience mode prioritizes customers’ apps on the home screen in a clearly organized and easy-to-read format. Customers can easily switch between Easy Experience and the Standard Experience, a classic Android format available for users who prefer to access Discover’s wide range of features – social media, video, email – in a highly customizable interface.
In addition, the Discover is a great option for business users as it comes with full VPN and EAS support, plus device encryption for secure access to corporate email and intranets. Its 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 16 GB on-board memory plus SwiftKey app allow for maximum efficiency, while its 2,100 mAh battery makes it easier to be productive all day.
“Pantech is taking 2013 by storm with the launch of Discover,” said Gary Cherner , vice president of marketing and sales at Pantech. “By launching products at very competitive price points, Pantech is continuing to prove that high quality smartphones don’t need to come with a high price tag.”
AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network , covering 288 million people. AT&T’s 4G LTE network covers more than 170 million people.****
More information on the Pantech Discover can be found at http://www.pantechusa.com/discover .
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** Requires 2-yr wireless agreement with qualified voice and data plans or Mobile Share. Other charges and restrictions apply.
***Data and text messaging charges may apply for download and app usage. Standard messaging rates apply to auto-reply messages. AT&T DriveMode is free to AT&T customers only. Compatible device required.
**** 4G speeds not available everywhere. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world . Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com . This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroomand as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss . Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT .
© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
About Pantech Wireless, Inc.
Pantech Wireless, Inc., an Atlanta, GA based subsidiary of Pantech Co., Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets, tablets and telecommunications products throughout North America as part of the Pantech Group.
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1y3RW)
$50 on a 2 year?
I was gonna say, it must be worth nothing because the N4 would be a better deal.
sounds too good to be true
Sounds like the same 12.6 MP camera from Sprint Flash which has gotten nothing but terrible reviews. Other than that it sounds good. It should be free on 2 yr contract and $100 on one yr.
can’t stand how this guy writes his articles. “…we know this thing will come with at least Android 4.0 as the older Pantech Flex does, but we aren’t 100% sure.” -_-
This phone will sell well because it’s so cheap. I think a lot of parents will get this phone for their kids as a starter smartphone yet it still has pretty good spec.