The Pantech Breakout is the first 4G LTE phone to be released by the phone manufacturer, and the first clear departure from the piggy bank-busting prices that its predecessors command. It weighs 4.9 ounces (138g), measuring 12mm (0.47 inches) thick. Pantech managed to toss in a WVGA display — the same as the Thunderbolt and Revolution, the only difference here is a slightly higher pixel density as a result of the smaller screen, and consequently our viewing experience was never interrupted by pixels attacking our eyes.
The Breakout has a modest but fully usable 1GHz single-core CPU with 512MB of RAM. In addition, the device comes with a 5MP shooter in the back, a VGA front-facing cam, an 8GB microSD card and a 1,500mAh battery. The microUSB port, power / lock button and dedicated camera button are all found on the right side, while the left side houses voice activation, the volume rocker and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the upper left — though forcing the headphones to shoot out the side of the phone isn’t our top design choice. They enhance the Breakout’s overall design, causing this budget phone to exhibit a more expensive aura. Above the display we find the front-facing cam, sensors and phone speaker.
Giving the phone a full 180-degree turn and external speaker grille sit atop the textured back. The obligatory Verizon 4G logo is emblazoned on the battery cover, which hides the battery, SIM card for LTE not GSM, and of course microSD. Pantech’s decorated Android 2.3.3 with its own proprietary skin that runs off of Google’s mobile OS: the Froyo-based Crossover on AT&T. The UI has grown up substantially in the last four months in terms of look and functionality, adopting select features from other Android skins and bringing them into its fold. The Breakout is available from Verizon Wireless now for $99.99 with a new two-year agreement.
