What we liked: Budget-friendly price and software touches make the Pantech Marauder a great option for first-time smartphone buyers.
Room for Improvement: The overall design is thicker and chunkier than most, and the keyboard proves difficult on occasion. It may have a tough time against similarly priced models from larger manufacturers that run Jelly Bean.
Review at a Glance: If you’re in the market for your first smartphone, this Android device has what you need: 4G LTE, Android 4.0, and a wallet-friendly price. For anyone upgrading from a previous Android, the hardware may disappoint.
Pantech, ZTE, and Huawei have consistently offered more Android for the money than the bigger players, and the Marauder largely continues that tradition. At $50 (or free on contract at the time of review) on Verizon, it’s a reasonable first Android, not an upgrade device.
Hardware
The Marauder is thicker and denser than most 2012 Android phones. It’s noticeable in a pocket, and slim jeans are a non-starter. A 3.8-inch WVGA (480×800) display is smaller and lower-resolution than the top devices of the era, but plenty bright and sharp enough at the price. The 5-megapixel rear camera has no LED flash, a real miss for low-light shots. Additional ports and controls: microUSB and volume rocker on the left, power button and 3.5mm jack on top. Inside: a 1680mAh battery, microSD slot, and Verizon 4G LTE SIM tray. Four Android capacitive hotkeys sit below the display. A VGA front-facing camera handles video chat.
The slide-out QWERTY keyboard has a satisfying pop when deployed, reminiscent of the G1. Keys are large enough to use but could use more spacing to prevent misfires. Camera performance was acceptable: decent color balance and clarity outdoors, muted indoors. Video was similarly adequate. Battery averaged 8 to 10 hours on moderate use, which may surprise first-time smartphone owners accustomed to feature phone standby times.
Software
Android 4.0 with two modes: Starter (simplified layout for new users) and Standard (full Android with five home screens and a more robust lock screen). A full Google apps suite is included alongside Verizon preloads: Amazon Kindle, Let’s Golf 3, Plants vs. Zombies, Amex Serve, and a few others.
Wrap-up
On paper the Marauder has everything a first smartphone buyer needs. In hand, the bulk and no-flash camera are the most limiting factors. The custom UI for new users and the 4G LTE radio make it a reasonable choice at its price. Existing Android users should look elsewhere.
