Verizon has just announced another budget offering today for the folks looking to join the smartphone and 4G LTE crowd. The Pantech Marauder was first leaked last week as the Star Q, but now we have all the correct details. This 4-inch dual-core 4G LTE smartphone is a pretty great offering, and will be available August 2nd for only $49 after a quick $50 mail in rebate.
Original leaks had most the specs correct, but missed a few points. This device is running the new Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, but tuned down to 1.2 GHz instead of 1.5 like the Galaxy S III. The same chipset in the DROID Incredible 4G LTE. It comes with 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, 4G LTE, and a 4-inch display.
After looking over the details both Pantech and Verizon are listing this as a purchase for first-time smartphone buyers. It comes with a great package, a QWERTY keyboard for those new to on-screen typing, and a basic user interface. Pantech’s added what they are calling a dual-interface option. This will enable the standard (and aging) Android 2.3 Gingerbread Android user interface, or the dual option is a simplified option for those brand new to smartphones.
The phone essentially becomes a dumb phone or “feature phone” for those that aren’t ready to dive into a smartphone — although I don’t find them all that hard. Personally I almost feel they are easier to use. I’m still stuck on the name Marauder and have the Mercury Marauder military trucks in my mind — not a smartphone. Moving on. This can all be yours on August 2nd for $49. Who’s interested?
