Verizon today took the wraps off of the latest addition to its smartphone family, the Pantech Marauder. The Marauder is being positioned by Verizon as a device for first-time smartphone buyers, with an option for users to switch between Starter Mode and Standard Mode. According to Verizon, the Starter Mode features a "simplified and more intuitive experience" that includes four home screens with preset widgets and a lock screen that the carrier describes as "uncluttered and easy-to-use." Also included in that mode is a dialer icon that'll allow users to make phone calls from their home screen. Standard Mode is your usual Android experience, which ups the number of home screens to seven.
When it comes to actual specs, the Marauder features a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 5-megapixel camera, 4G LTE, mobile hotspot support, microSD slot and a sliding QWERTY keyboard. The Marauder will be available online starting August 2 for $49.99 with a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract.
The ability to switch between Starter Mode and Standard Mode on the Marauder sounds like a neat feature that could help make the move to a smartphone easier, and I'm sure that the device's $49.99 on contract price tag will help, too. It's also good to see Verizon add another QWERTY-equipped Android phone to its lineup. You can find Verizon's full announcement of the Marauder down below.
Pantech Marauder™ To Launch On The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network
Dual-Interface Option and QWERTY Keyboard Make Pantech Marauder the Perfect Crossover Choice for Basic Phone Customers Switching to a Smartphone
For customer inquiries, please call 800-922-0204 or go to
Contact Us
July 31, 2012
BASKING RIDGE, NJ and HAUPPAUGE, NY — Verizon Wireless and Pantech today announced the 4G LTE-powered Pantech Marauder™ is coming exclusively to America’s largest 4G LTE network starting Aug. 2. The Pantech Marauder provides first-time smartphone customers with a dual-interface option, allowing customers to fit the device to their lifestyles or specific needs.
Brought to market by Personal Communications Devices, LLC (PCD), the Pantech Marauder offers customers the option to choose between Starter Mode and Standard Mode. Starter Mode is a simplified and more intuitive experience that is perfect for those who are new to the smartphone world. This option eases first-time customers into the smartphone experience with the help of four easy-to-learn home screens featuring preset widgets and an uncluttered, easy-to-use lock screen. Starter Mode also features a quick dialer icon that allows customers to make phone calls directly from the home screen. Standard Mode is a general smartphone setting for those who are familiar with the Android™ experience. It offers up to seven fully customizable home screens and a customizable lock screen with quick access to frequently used applications. All settings are maintained when switching between modes so customers do not have to worry about losing information.
The Pantech Marauder features a virtual keyboard as well as a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it the perfect choice for messaging aficionados and for those who want an excellent messaging experience. With the 5-megapixel camera, customers can take pictures, capture high-definition video, and easily share them as well as video chat with family and friends, using the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.
Additional features
Notification Curtain that displays quick on/off settings, phone settings, connectivity and sync, social media and email
On device help section provides guided tours for first-time smartphone customers to help learn the tips and tricks of their new device
1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB RAM
Support for Google™ Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google+, Google Search™ and Google Maps™, as well as access to the Google Play Store
Share media with friends and colleagues wirelessly to DLNA®-enabled devices
Bluetooth® Version 3.0 Support Profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, advanced audio distribution (stereo), audio/video remote control, file transfer and phone book access
Daily Life Assistants such as clock, calendar and weather
Easy access email that is compatible with Microsoft® Exchange, Yahoo!® Mail, Windows Live®, AOL®, Gmail
microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB
Mobile Hotspot capable to share 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
The Pantech Marauder will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Aug. 2 for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. New customers that purchase a Pantech Marauder smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Share Everything plan. Customers can purchase unlimited talk and text messaging with 1 GB of data for $90 monthly access. Customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/shareeverything for additional information on data plans.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Pantech
Pantech Co., Ltd., is one of Korea’s top three mobile handset makers. Pantech has received wide-ranging industry recognition for its innovative handset designs, and has also introduced a significant number of breakthrough technologies in the mobile phone industry. Established in 1991, Pantech collectively has approximately 3,000 employees and 4 regional sales offices worldwide. For more information on Pantech, please visit www.pantechusa.com.
