The first thing I’ll admit is this is my first smartphone, so I may be a bit biased.
The Pantech Burst. I’ve been using it now for the past two months and I find myself quite content with the phone. I’ve even gone as far as suggesting it to people who are looking for smartphones because it works quite nicely. It’s quick, loads programs in a flash, and never seems to be weighed down by the applications you’re using. Download speeds are exactly what you’d expect from 4G LTE connections -- lightning fast. It makes web browsing a breeze!
The first thing that you’ll notice is that it’s not massive. That made me a bit nervous because I tend to lose or damage lightweight phones or they just don’t sit right in my hand. It felt comfortable from day one! The weight that is there never seems to get heavy on you, so if you’re constantly texting it won’t feel as much a chore.
Speaking of texting, the Messaging feature on the phone works exactly as you would expect from an Android phone. It also has the option to use Swype if you prefer that kind of thing. The keys aren’t too small to hit and it uses the classic QWERTY layout for easy typing with your thumbs. I’ll admit that a physical keyboard is more my style, but I’ve learned to adapt, as well as get a Bluetooth keyboard for when I need it for my productivity apps.
Games? Apps? If it's on the Marketpl-- err, Google Play, then you can run it. If you know what you're looking for then finding it, installing it, and even un-installing if you don't like it is simple, easy, and nigh-effortless.
The graphics capability on this phone are very nice. The resolution on the 4" screen makes the images look sharp, crisp, and clear, making YouTubing and streaming something worthwhile, and even more so when you're on the very capable WiFi so you don't chew up your data too quickly.
Audio-wise, the speaker on the phone does have a bit of a lean towards higher-pitches, but what would you expect from such a small external speaker! I've yet to try the headphone jack, so I'll differ to those who say to watch that it's quiet.
Call quality (Wait, people make calls on their cell phones?) in my experience has been absolutely spot-on. I can hear incoming voice just as clearly as the sender transmits it and have never had a complaint that people could not understand me due to the phone itseld.
The Burst is equipped with GPS, so finding your way won't kill your data plan.
The phone comes pre-installed with many apps from AT&T that most people will be happy with. Code Readers, AT&T Navigate if you prefer that to GPS, Amazon Kindle, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, they all come pre-loaded, though you may have to update them. It also runs the quick-access front end from Pantech, so you can access your messages, calls, music, e-mail, and the web without having to hunt for the apps. Slide it to the center and go.
What didn't I like about the phone?
The first thing that comes to mind is the battery life. When I first got the phone, I was barely making it through a day without needing to charge it, and that's without being a power data user. After a few months of full charge to drained and back, though, I've noticed a 50% increase in battery life, and it only takes 2-4 hours to charge.
The next item is the camera. It is VERY SLOW and very sensitive to the motion of your body as you take pictures, causing blurry shots quite often.
As I stated before, it does lack a physical keyboard, but, to make up for it, the voice recognition software is rather top-notch. The on-screen keyboards have been reasonably effective, though if you have big fingers you'll have to occasionally fix a few misspellings.
I have also noticed the occasional reboot, but it's very rare and never when I'm actually using the phone, so I've associated that to updates.
The Burst did come with Android 2.3.5, however Pantech has stated that they are working on the update to Android 4 and will push it out as soon as they are happy with the phone interaction.
Lastly, It's definitely not metal-clad and does nothing to mask that fact. It feels very plasticky and so may feel weak. Being that it's a smartphone, most people will get a case for it anyway and you may never even feel that.
Honestly? That's about all I could complain about!
Overall, I do find that I am very, very happy with my Pantech Burst. Quick, capable, and everything you'll want in a phone so long as you don't want a stylized fruit. Get used to a few small quirks and it'll feel right at home!
NOTE - I bought the Pantech Burst in mid-February. Immediately, I noticed that there was a tendency for my phone to freeze and reboot while trying to turn my Bluetooth antenna on or off after having my speakerphone connected. I took it back within a week and received a perfectly-working replacement. They give you 30 days for a reason, people. If you find a real problem early on, TAKE IT BACK! You’ll regret it later if you don’t, and that goes for ANY phone.