Some people think that you need to spend big bucks just to enjoy the latest Android smartphone features. But the truth is that it’s completely possible to taste Android goodness on the cheap. Just take a look at the Pantech Marauder. It’s a user-friendly Android handset with 4G LTE connectivity. And the great thing about it is that it is meant for those who are working with a tight budget.
While the Marauder is very affordable—it can even be acquired for free in some cases—it’s actually quite a formidable phone in terms of hardware and software. It has a 3.8-inch WVGA screen, a fast dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and all of today’s most important wireless connectivity features: GPS, Bluetooth, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. Its display slides up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard that can be used for easy typing on the go. And its default operating system is Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
According to most reviews, its 5-megapixel rear camera is one of its weakest points. It could also do a lot better in the battery life department. But despite these flaws, it’s still a pretty good handset overall thanks to its myriad of useful hardware features and cheap price. Its uniquely user-friendly user interface is just icing on the cake.
Need to Know: Pantech Marauder
1. Sold at a very affordable price point. (The Good)
2. Supports 4G LTE data. (The Good)
3. Camera performance is disappointing. (The Bad)
4. Unimpressive battery life. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Lynn La, CnetPutting aside its bulky size and flat keypad, the Pantech Marauder is an excellent QWERTY phone. In addition to running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, it has a no-brainer UI for beginners, and operates on Verizon's 4G LTE speeds. More importantly, it won't break the bank. As previously mentioned, i...
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopPantech really did a good job with the Marauder. Perhaps its only real weakness is the camera. The hardware is some of the best I've seen from Pantech, which squeezed a lot of functionality into a slim and pocketable smartphone.It's also one of the best-performing phones I've seen from Pantech in a...
- Ben Crawford, AndroinicaThe Pantech Marauder comes with a lower tier mindset: simplicity for new and basic users, cheap plastic parts, and minor changes to Google’s AOSP. It brings a keyboard to the 4G market for the dwindling keyboard-using crowd. Maybe ICS covers up a few of the Marauder’s problems, but this phone runs c...
- Aaron Gingrich, Android PoliceLet's be honest: most of the people reading this review probably aren't likely to purchase a Marauder. Most tech lovers shoot straight for the top, or if they can't afford it, they shoot for what was the top of the last generation. 6 months or a year ago, that made sense, as high-end devices maintai...
- Sydney Myers, PhonedogEverything is relative. There's times when anything less than a Super AMOLED Plus display just won't cut it. There's time when you're fortunate to get 4G capabilities. For an on-contract price of $49.99, the Pantech Marauder is everything it needs to be and has all the features it should have. Sure,...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Pantech Marauder user manual here.
Pantech backs up the Marauder with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Marauder has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Pantech support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Pantech's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Pantech Marauder Manual (PDF)
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