Motorola unveiled two special devices this afternoon in New York City. The flagship of the two by far is the DROID RAZR MAXX HD, which comes with an HD (1280 x 720) display. It has the same 3300mAh battery found on the original RAZR MAXX, but the screen size is bigger at 4.7-inches. Other notables are a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear camera, and 2MP front camera. It will come with 32GB of storage and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Next up is the DROID RAZR HD, which is essentially the same phone, but with a smaller battery, 2530mAh. It will only be offered with 16GB of storage, but you will get your choice of white or black for the body. The RAZR MAXX HD on the other hand, will only be offered in black.
Motorola promises the Jelly Bean update for both devices by the end of the year. As far as availability and pricing, we were only told that they would be available before the holidays. For now, check out our hands on video below.
Motorola has formally announced the three newest additions to the DROID RAZR family: the DROID RAZR M, DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD smartphones. Each smartphone has unique characteristics and features that aims to set it apart from the rest of the competition. Right off the bat, the DROID RAZR M is a device with a special 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display and almost no bezel, which effectively makes the device a full-screen smartphone. The device will feature Android Ice Cream Sandwich and be available on Verizon’s network for $99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) and “coming soon” to other Asian Pacific markets.
The other stars of the show also possess noteworthy features. The DROID RAZR HD is identified as the “most compact HD smartphone in its class”, while allowing for outstanding battery life. Motorola claims users of the device can watch up to 10 hours of movies and TV shows or 6 hours of surfing the web. Meanwhile, the DROID RAZR MAXX HD one-ups the DROID RAZR HD. Motorola highlights the device will provide 32 hours of performance, including up to 10 hours of YouTube HD content or 8 hours of web browsing. Very mpressive indeed. The DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD will be “available soon” in the Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America.
Each device will feature Gorilla Glass, Kevlar and Google’s Chrome Browser as the standard browser preloaded. And yes… each device is confirmed for the Jelly Bean update. We know you all are itching for more details, so be sure to hit the break for the full press release from Motorola.
Motorola Mobility Takes Screen Size and Battery Life to the Edge with Three New Smartphone Additions to RAZR™ Family
More screen. More battery life. More compact. More colors. And the best of Google packed inside. Introducing the new RAZR™ M, RAZR™ HD and DROID RAZR™ MAXX™HD.
Sept. 05, 2012
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Sept. 5, 2012 – Speed, power, design and the best Android™ experiences around. Motorola Mobility is delivering all that and more with threenewadditions to its RAZR™ smartphone family: Motorola RAZR M, the full screen phone; the nonstop all-day entertainer Motorola RAZR HD; and the unmatched, live-forever battery of DROID RAZR MAXX HD by Motorola. All three Android-powered smartphones are built with top-of-the-line materials, are small in size, big on battery life and packed to the gills with the best experiences Google has to offer.
Pushing Screen Space to the Edge Motorola RAZR M packs a big screen into a phone that fits in the palm of your hand. The Super AMOLED Advanced 4.3-inch display spans from edge-to-edge. The border you typically find on smartphones is virtually, in a word, gone. Even though it’s smaller in size, you still get 40 percent more screen than the leading competitor*. You can type emails and texts easily with a wider keyboard, watch YouTube™ videos and movies on a wider screen and browse the Web with Chrome™ for Android without squinting. All on a long-lasting battery that is 40 percent more powerful than the competition*.
Motorola RAZR M is also easy to use. It comes with interactive, swipe-by-swipe tutorials that walk you through the setup and help customize your phone to your needs – no instruction manual required. While RAZR M already has a long-life battery, when you set up the SMARTACTIONS™ battery saving rules too, your phone settings will automatically adjust to squeeze even more from every charge.
Available in sleek black or stand out white, the Motorola RAZR M will be coming soon to consumers in several Asia Pacific countries. For those in the US, it’s coming to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network as DROID RAZR M by Motorola for the unbelievable price for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. All that power, speed and edge-to-edge beauty at a great price. No catch.
Go. All. Day. The new Motorola RAZR HD provides long-lasting battery performance for nonstop high definition entertainment. Its 4.7-inch HD display is the most compact smartphone in its class, designed for watching up to 10 hours of movies and TV shows or 6 hours of surfing the Web. You get the same sharp clarity as your HDTV, and beat the competition* with 85 percent greater color saturation and 50 percent more pixels per inch.
It’s not all about looks though. If you feel like hitting the road, you can drive with confidence knowing you’ll get up to 6 hours of voice-guided turn by turn GPS navigation all on a single charge. No matter where the day (or night) takes you, Motorola RAZR HD will keep up with 24 hours of battery performance.
Available in sleek black or stand out white, the Motorola RAZR HD will be coming soon to consumers in various countries throughout Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America. In the US, it will be available before the holidays on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network as DROID RAZR HD by Motorola. We’ll provide more details on pricing and availability soon.
Long Live the Battery Never have an “off” day again. DROID RAZR MAXX HD has the same features as Motorola RAZR HD, but takes battery life to a whole new level. We’re talking 32 hours of performance1 with the longest-lasting LTE smartphone1. You can literally get through an entire Hollywood trilogy with 13 hours of straight video playback, up to 10 hours of YouTube HD content or surf the day away with up to 8 hours of web browsing. For those who eat, drink, work, play and sleep with their phones, life won’t ever be the same.
DROID RAZR MAXX HD will be available before the holidays in black in the US on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. More details on timing and pricing will be made close to availability dates.
Premium Materials and the Best of Google These new smartphones are made from the premium design materials you expect from the Motorola RAZR family, including a Corning® Gorilla® Glass display, DuPont™ KEVLAR® fiber^ and a splash-guard coating. They’re also built with the best of Google inside:
● Chrome™ for Android, giving you a personalized Web experience anywhere you go
● Google Play™, offering access to 600,000+ apps and games, millions of books and songs thousands of movies and TV shows
● Google Maps™ for Android for voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions
● Voice Actions for Android™, letting you control your phone with your voice
● Google+™, which can automatically upload your photos to a private album online
● YouTube™ for watching exclusive videos and live events in HD quality
For more information and multimedia assets for Motorola RAZR M, Motorola RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD, please visit our press kit at mediacenter.motorola.com.
Calling All Devs and Mod Enthusiasts The beauty of Android lies in personalization and customization. For developer and custom ROM enthusiasts, DROID RAZR M and DROID RAZR HD will come in a special developer edition available online only through motorola.com in the U.S. Tweak, tinker and customize the day away by using Motorola’s software tools to unlock the bootloader. Warning: not for the faint at heart. Warranties will be voided. Visit motorola.com/razrmdev or motorola.com/razrhddev for more information.
In countries outside the U.S., the device will ship with an unlockable bootloader where operators allow.
About Motorola Mobility Motorola Mobility, owned by Google, fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.
*As compared to Apple iPhone 4S
^KEVLAR® not available on all smartphones. See Motorola.com for details.
1Based on an average user profile that includes both usage and standby. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on signal strength, network configuration, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage patterns.
Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Contact your service provider for details. All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
Motorola is already seeing a heavy hand from Google as Chairman Eric Schmidt is giving the keynote at the Motorola event today. He continues to highlight the success of the Android ecosystem by confirming there are “1.3 million Android activations” per day in reference to Android smartphones, while adding Android tablets are also growing at a tremendous pace.
Looks like Google is saying any remaining or lingering doubts about Android’s success can now be put to rest.
T-Mobile and Walmart have just announced an exclusive retail offer for the Samsung Galaxy S II, giving customers the option to purchase the device outright for $300. Because it’s contract-free, subscribers can take advantage of T-Mobile’s Monthly4G plan, which offers unlimited data, unlimited text and 100 minutes of talk time for just $30 per month.
The deal is enticing, but for just $50 more you can purchase an unlocked Galaxy Nexus on the Play Store. And, while the Galaxy S IImay have seen the last of its updates, the Galaxy Nexus will continue to live on for quite some time thanks to its Nexus branding. However, if you’re the kind of person who goes nuts forTouchWiz, then be sure to catch the full press release after the break.
No Annual Contract Samsung Galaxy S II at Walmart (9/4/12)
Today, T-Mobile and Walmart announced a national retail exclusive of the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S™ II as a no annual contract kitted option, providing a premium smartphone experience at a discounted price for no annual contract customers. Now available, the Galaxy S II costs $299.00 when paired with a T-Mobile Monthly4G no annual contract plan of $30 per month or higher.
The Monthly4G $30 per month plan offers unlimited Web, with the first 5 GB at up to 4G speeds; unlimited text; and 100 minutes of talk, with 10 cents per minute after the first 100 minutes. In addition, Monthly4G plans require no annual contract, no credit check and no deposit, offering great value and flexibility to customers.
With the addition of the Galaxy S II to the lineup of no annual contract devices offered at Walmart, customers have access to premium devices, fast nationwide 4G network speeds and affordable service plan prices – all without an annual contract.
The Galaxy S II is also available through Walmart’s Family Mobile service, a monthly, no-annual-contract wireless plan powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide network. The Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited Talk, Text and Web plan is $45 per month for the first line and $35 per month for additional lines, and provides unlimited access to Web surfing, data and social media for all lines on the account (base plan includes the first 250MB per month at up to 3G speeds). Available at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com, Walmart Family Mobile was designed with families in mind and is one of the best value options available on any national carrier.
Currently, T-Mobile services, as well as a wide range of smartphones and handsets, are available at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com.
For more information about T-Mobile’s no annual contract Samsung Galaxy S II, please visit: www.walmart.com.
Last week we were hit with a triple-shot of news from Sony at IFA regarding their upcoming devices, and one of those devices was the announcement of their flagship phone – the Xperia T. While the beans were spilled at IFA regarding the specs for Sony’s upcoming beast, we were left wondering about specific U.S. release information. Well, today that picture became clearer by way of a promo shot posted on a UK retailer’s product page for the Xperia T. In the shot, you can clearly see the AT&T logo below the Home key on the phone. On the product page itself, there are three images used in the description of the phone. The first two images simply show the same “Xperia” logo that we saw at IFA, however the last image replaces the Xperia logo with the AT&T logo. AT&T hasn’t released an official comment regarding the image, but we’ll keep you posted if they release a statement regarding the revealing shot.
As Sprint has launched bigger and better smartphones for 2012, it’s only natural that we see an entrant in the QWERTY arena and that’s why Sprint decided to bring its customers the Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE smartphone. Now many of you are thinking wait a minute— the original Photon 4G was neither an LTE smartphone nor a phone with a slide-out keyboard. While those two points are certainly true, the 2012 refresh of the Photon Q certainly has a lot going for it. There’s a fast processor, gorgeous ColorBoost display and a pretty slick design. Moreover, it doesn’t hurt the physical keyboard is possibly one of the best keyboards on an Android phone.
The Photon Q has internals that competes quite nicely with other premium phones, but the phone is priced at a princely sum of $200. That’s certainly a far cry from Motorola’s Atrix HDwhich is essentially a premium smartphone priced at $100. Then again Sprint’s other QWERTY smartphones currently in its lineup are the Samsung Epic 4G that is priced at $100— despite it being a two-year old device and the Kyocera Rise smartphone priced at $20. So in essence, the Photon Q certainly has an edge over the other QWERTY devices because of the fact that well, there’s virtually no other phone to compete with in Sprint’s lineup as far as pure specs and raw power. So is Sprint’s newest Motorola toy worth the price? Join us after the break to see if the phone is indeed worth the money.
Design
If you checked out our initial hands-on with the device, you’ll note the overall build is a mesh of the DROID 4 and the original Photon 4G’s a unique design. The front of the device features a clear and almost metallic-like plastic along with angled diamond-cut corners that have been smoothed out a bit. A 4.3-inch screen compliments the front of the device which guessed it— features no capacitive buttons at all on the display and a simple Motorola logo at the top. To one side of the device, you’ll find the power button and headphone jack to the top, the volume rocker and wait for it— a dedicated camera button to the side. The other side has the standard microUSB and microHDMI ports. The back of the device features an interesting mesh of a softer plastic along surrounding an unusual rubbery-type texture with a subtle Motorola logo in the middle. The combination of the two makes for what is certainly a comfortable grip whether you hold the device with or without the keyboard open. Oh and one thing you won’t find on the Motorola Photon is the tasteless unnecessary Sprint logo at all. Kudos to Sprint for making the subtle, but welcomed decision.
Going forward to the keyboard, we obviously see this area as one of the focal points of the review. The keyboard is hidden under the device and is accessible by simply sliding the face of the device up. More importantly, the keyboard is well-designed as there’s nothing that feels flimsy or unsettled. When the keyboard function is engaged, you’ll know everything is secure based off of a distinct lock or “click”, courtesy of the spring mechanism. In addition, you’ll find the complete 5-row layout of the keyboard which is surrounded by more of the appealing soft rubbery material. Motorola thankfully included a dedicated top row for numbers which makes for even more simplified typing. The keys are spaced out just enough so that you won’t accidentally hit the wrong button, while being close enough so that you won’t need to overwork those thumbs of yours and do an extended reach. The keys are also raised and meticulously designed, so they don’t feel the least bit spongy or unresponsive– there’s satisfying click you get when typing that’s almost reminiscent of that on a traditional Blackberry. With the keyboard slid out combined with the unique material on the phone’s back and deceiving , you will find a rather comfortable.
You would think full keyboard underneath would make for a bulky and heavy phone, but in reality, everything is crammed into a fairly light package. The Photon Q 4G LTE is 126.5mm long and 13.7mm thick which may seem like a lot, but actually isn’t when you think about it. In fact, the device is only 1.5mm thicker than the original Photon 4G, yet squeezes in a full slide-out keyboard. With the keyboard slid out combined with the unique material on the phone’s back and surprisingly light weight, you will find a rather comfortable and worthwhile typing experience.
Hardware
The Photon Q 4G LTE features internals comparable to other top-level devices in Sprint’s arsenal. Right off the bat you’ll note the device features a zippy Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 dual-core processor along with 1GB of RAM. The Photon Q 4G LTE also features an 8MP camera with 1080p video recording, a 1.3MP camera with 720p video recording, NFC (which is no surprise since Sprint is a big fan of Google Wallet on its devices) and Bluetooth 4.0. You’ll note that I neglected to initially mention one major aspect of the phone’s hardware and that’s the on-board storage, which is only limited to 8GB. Actually— 8GB is a bit misleading. The true amount of available storage when the phone is first powered on is only limited to around 4.5GB. One can only wonder why Motorola keeps insisting on including such meager amounts of storage space on the internal memory of its more recent devices. Fortunately, the saving grace is there is a microSD expansion slot, so there is the ability to save lots of content on the device without too much of a concern.
Display
The Photon Q 4G LTE also features a solid display, though it’s no real competition to the displays found on the Samsung Galaxy S III or HTC EVO 4G LTE. Right off the bat, you’ll notice the bright and vivid colors along with the sharp texts on the 4.3-inch screen, which is solely thanks to Motorola’s ColorBoost technology. As seen in the Motorola Atrix HD smartphone, ColorBoost is more or less an enhancement to the display found on a Motorola device, which is similar to Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology as an example. In addition, there’s no hint of pixelation on the device as we are treated to a non-Pentile display. While it’s nice an all, there is a catch– and a big one at that. The display is at a “measly” 960 x 540 resolution, meaning the device is right in qHD territory. Fortunately, the device has fairly detailed pixel density at around 256 ppi and the device has great viewing angles, even outdoors in bright sunlight. Oh and it also helps there’s not too much of the device’s real estate being used by an overly aggressive bezel.
All in all, the 4.3-inch screen is nice, though it would have been nice to have seen a 720p screen. Then again, there are trade-offs Motorola probably needed to make considering it needed to keep the overall costs of the phone down.
Software
As mentioned in the Atrix HD review as well as Rob Nazarian’s walkthrough on the DROID RAZR MAXX, Motorola’s Ice Cream Sandwich rendition here is as good as good can be. Fire up the device and you’ll see the device is loaded up with Android 4.0.4, which is quickly becoming common standard among recent Android devices. On top of Android 4.0.4 is Moto’s unobtrusive Blur UI— something that is as light of a skin as possible. Users will be treated to essentially a near-stock Android experience, though there are some pretty neat notifications which offers notable enhancements over stock Android software. For starters, there are little arrows on the Browser, Phone Dialer & Contacts and Text icons that allow you to access cool widgets that show a history log of different actions taken within those apps. There’s also the nifty Circles Widget which displays the time, weather and battery life in a simple manner. Oh and let’s not forget the Smart Actions app which allows the phone to adjust itself depending on its location.
Of course no review of the software features would be complete without a report on the carrier-branded bloatware installed on the phone. In what can be described as something no less than shocking, bloatware is actually kept to an absolute minimum on the Photon Q 4G LTE. The only Sprint-branded apps preloaded are Sprint ID and Sprint Zone which each cannot be uninstalled, but at least don’t hog up the device’s space or its resources.
One quick aspect of the device’s software needs to be mentioned— and boy is this one a biggie. Thanks to Google’s heavy hand in Moto’s operations, the device is among the first to be developer-friendly, courtesy of Motorola’s simple and easy-to-use unlock bootloader toolthat’s accessible via the web. This means that some of you who probably are not big fans of the original software will have an easier means to tinker and fiddle by slapping on custom ROMs at your heart’s content. This feature alone is probably one of the biggest of the Photon Q 4G LTE, despite little mention from Sprint.
Performance
The Photon Q 4G LTE has the same processor as devices like the HTC EVO 4G LTE and Samsung Galaxy S III, so it’s only fitting the Photon 4G LTE flies like Sprint’s other flagship devices. For the average Sprint customer, there is no hint of slowdown, lag or stuttered performance. Switching between screens is fluid and quick, while programs open up almost instantly. Oh and for those of you that care— multitasking is certainly a breeze with the Photon Q 4G LTE. While Sprint’s targeted customers probably don’t care about benchmarks, here are some scores we were able to achieve during our testing:
Antutu – 6,328
Vellamo – 2,415
Quadrant – 4,766
Simply put, the device holds its own against other devices and customers can rest comfortably knowing the phone will perform at an optimal level.
Battery Life
While Motorola has a solid build of the device complimented by exceptional software, its optimization of the battery life is actually better than that of the Atrix HD, but still somewhat disappointing to say the least. The smartphone is powered by an ample 1,785mAh non-removable battery. While mostly idle, the device was fully powered for an astounding 18.5 hours! However it quickly changed when the device was actually used. When fully charged at 7:00am and moderately used at a 50% brightness level (i.e. push notifications from Twitter or Facebook, streaming music and taking some photos), the battery was completely zapped between 7:00pm to 8:00pm. This is pretty surprising because the Photon Q 4G LTE actually operates on Sprint’s 3G EV-DO network here in the New York City area. Conversely, the Atrix HD was able to achieve roughly the same operating time, yet it was used on a 4G LTE network. In an even more surprising twist, a standard rundown test had the device looping a video with maximum brightness and gave us a lackluster 5 hours and 58 minutes.
Quick sum-up: the battery life on the Photon Q 4G LTE will definitely suffice for the average user. However, Motorola has become a victim of its own success with the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX smartphones and has now launched a second device with what is ultimately average battery life, instead of exceptional battery life.
Network Quality
Ah yes, the Photon Q 4G LTE’s x-factor. As you already know, Sprint is slowly rolling out its 4G LTE network across different markets around the country. The device is among Sprint’s first devices to utilize a true 4G LTE radio, but the reality is the majority of Sprint customers will not be able to truly enjoy a real 4G LTE experience, until additional markets go live with the enhanced network. So in the meantime, Sprint is marketing the Photon Q 4G LTE as a 4G device, when it’s operating on painfully slow 3G speeds. Testing here in the New York area was especially frustrating as not only are you on 3G speeds, but you’re on 3G speeds in a dense area. During off-peak hours (specifically between 3:00am – 6:00am), the average download/upload speeds were 1Mbps/1Mbps. However during peak hours, the speeds certainly changed for the worst as we saw an average of 700Kbps download and 900Kbps upload speeds. The worst part is how the speeds were painfully apparent when trying to stream music or even load up graphic-intensive websites on the mobile browser as there were noticeable delays. The device also acts as a hotspot, but connecting even one device to the Photon Q 4G LTE was a nightmare as some pages repeatedly timed out, despite a lack of activity from the Photon Q 4G LTE itself. Those of you looking to surf the web or do the basics like Tweet should be OK, though it’s wise to stay close to a WiFi signal, if possible.
The device’s network quality is below average— even by 3G standards, but at least it has superb call quality. Call quality was relatively clear with little or no trace of background noise.
Camera
If battery life is a slight disappointment with the Photon Q 4G LTE, then the camera is certainly the device’s Achilles’ Heel. The device features an 8MP camera, yet the camera and camera software are average at best. Here’s a case in point: Most (if not all) of the sample photos taken with the Photon Q 4G LTE were grainy, jagged and quite frankly, the images came out looking dead or painfully average. Fortunately, the camera didn’t fall victim to too much unusual color distortions that plagued the Atrix HD and actually had some decent photos, particularly in bright settings. The shutter function is nice as well, though it’s nothing compared to that found on the Samsung Galaxy S III or HTC EVO 4G LTE.
The video recording function on the other hand is disappointing as there’s simply no detail in the videos whether recorded in 720p or full 1080p HD. The colors in the objects appear awfully faded, frames per second seems to be on the lower end since the flow of the video doesn’t flow as smoothly as that found in other devices. You can check out a sample video taken at the World Trade Center site out in New York City.
Accessories
The Photon Q 4G LTE also features a few impressive accessories that are optional. The first is an HD Dock which effectively allows you to mount your device and display content onto your HDTV or HD monitor. Colors have a nice zing complimented by the same impressive detail that you see on the device screen, while sound is crisp and clear too. Video looked outstanding when displayed on the HD screen, though it should be noted that the Hulu Plus app is curiously not compatible with the device at this time, so you won’t be able to see content from that app onto a bigger screen at this time. There’s also a car dock that’s available which allows you to utilize one of the Smart Actions function and utilize the device as a de facto car navigation system.
The Good
Outstanding QWERTY keyboard
Device is fairly light considering it has a full-sized keyboard hidden
Terrific performance
Near-stock Android experience
With moderate use, the battery life is solid but…
The Bad
… the battery life could have been better optimized considering the Photon Q 4G LTE was used in a 3G area
The device has a qHD screen, despite its competition having 720p screens
Average camera
No 4G LTE in most markets
$200 is a bit pricey for a slider
Final Thoughts
Considering Sprint currently has only 2 other sliders in its lineup with one being almost 2 years old, the Photon Q 4G LTE immediately catapults itself into the best slider available on the network. Heck, it might even be one of the best overall smartphones available on Sprint’s Now Network. It has an attractive design, is comfortable to hold, has excellent keys and a generally straightforward and simple user experience. The lack of true 4G is probably the biggest dealbreaker with the smartphone and well— $200 seems like an awful lot, especially since Motorola has a comparatively featured phone in the Atrix HD priced at only $99. So if you want a premium smartphone, but don’t care for the keyboard, then do yourself a favor and stay clear from this device and grab yourself the HTC EVO 4G LTE or Samsung Galaxy S III instead. Then again, there’s still a niche for QWERTY slider phones and between the Epic 4G Touch, Kyocera Rise and Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE, there’s no question the Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE is the best option.
AT&T has announced their new entry-level Android handset, the Pantech Flex. As the name suggests, the device is “flex-ible” to the users needs. While the device offers Android’s 4.0 ICS interface, users do have a choice to select “Easy Experience” mode if ICS is too difficult to use. Does this feature seem familiar to you? If you can recollect, Samsung has a similar device in Verizon’s Galaxy Stellar in which the user can choose between “Starter Mode” and “Standard Mode” depending on what they want. Seems like both carriers are attempting to cater to the “less technologically advanced” consumer.
As for the specs, the Flex offers a 4.3 inch qHD display, an 8 megapixel camera, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and more. AT&T will offer the device for $49.99 starting September 16th. You can watch the introductory video of the device below.
Full press release after the break.
New Pantech Flex from AT&T Provides Added Choice for Simplicity Seekers
First 4G LTE Smartphone from AT&T to Feature “Easy Experience” Mode Runs Android 4.0
Dallas, Texas, September 04, 2012
The first smartphone at AT&T to offer customers the option to choose between the traditional Android operating mode and a more simplified version ideal for new smartphone users, the Pantech Flex will be available exclusively from AT&T* online and in company-owned retail stores for $49.99 with a two-year agreement and qualifying voice and data plans, beginning Sept. 16.
The Pantech Flex offers a unique dual experience system that runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The standard Android format is available for the customer who wants instant access to a wide range of their favorite features – social media sites, email, video and more. In addition, Flex provides the “Easy Experience” mode which prioritizes customers’ apps on the home screen in a clearly organized and easy-to-read format. Easy Experience users can enjoy an intuitive experience without sacrificing any of the latest in smartphone technology. By switching simply between traditional and easy modes, depending on preferences, Flex is a very easy to use device. To see more of the Flex’s features in action, check out this video.
In addition to its dual operating systems, Flex weighs only 4.6 ounces and has a slim design that makes it easy to slip into a pocket or purse. Flex features a full touch 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display for a vibrant picture and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. The intelligent Pantech SwiftKey technology makes typing a breeze – it minimizes key strokes by learning a user’s natural language for more accurate word predictions and corrections. Flex also features an eight-megapixel rear facing camera with 1080p HD video recording capabilities and a two-megapixel front facing camera.
“The Pantech Flex is a great phone because of its versatility,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices and Developer Services, AT&T Mobility. “This phone simplifies the smartphone experience and allows someone who has been hesitant to buy a smartphone a chance to get familiar with it at their own pace, and still leaves open the possibility of having the more traditional experience.”
“Flex is a smartphone that’s truly for everybody,” remarked Wyatt Whaley, vice president of product planning at Pantech. “With the option to alternate between the traditional Android interface and Pantech’s proprietary Easy Experience, Flex is ideal for users of all ages looking for an intuitive and flexible mobile experience.”
*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.
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 around the world. 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/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at@ATT.
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. Pantech is the title sponsor and the wireless device partner of the 2012 Dew Tour.
