Pantech C3b
Just because a phone is cheap or free does not mean that it has to be complete garbage. It seems that while some companies, looking at you Samsung, have yet to learn this, various other cellular phone manufacturers like Pantech have embraced the idea of the low end cell phone as an actually usable device. And the Pantech C3b is no exception with its slick design, tiny form factor, and overall interesting style that diverges from almost everything on the market.
Although the Pantech C3b offers all of the same (lack of) features that many other cheap phones have, it just does so in such a nice little package. While other brands seem like they are purposely trying to make their phones look disgraceful, it seems that Pantech is really pushing the boundaries of cell phone design even in their low priced range. The Pantech C3b is just such an example of a phone that does not realize that it is a cheap phone. Just look at the snazzy exterior design with its glowing blue highlights and wild ribbed look - it almost feels as though this phone should cost more than it does.
The inside of the Pantech C3b features a continuation of the same caliber design, culminating in a very small screen that is only 128 by 128 pixels and features 262 thousand colors. While the display is small, the color depth makes up for this shortcoming rather well.
Because the Pantech C3b is designed specifically for AT&T (formerly Cingular), the phone is GSM America bound, so it cannot be used around the world. However, there is a European version available as well that can be used in both Europe and Asia on their networks.
As is to be expected from such a low priced phone, there are not many features here on the Pantech C3b. There is an external display with a externally mounted camera capable of the low quality VGA (0.3 megapixel) resolution of yesteryear. However, the camera does have a flash for low light conditions. Moving along, there is Bluetooth capability, along with a speakerphone and email access built in - and that is about it.
Finally, to top it all off, the battery time is terrible for talk time but relatively decent for standby time. Talk time is only three hours while standby time is around 250 hours, which makes up for the talk time shortcoming.
So why does the Pantech C3b receive more of a glowing review for its phone than the Samsung M300 did when they are both essentially the same? Simply because the low end Samsung is not only terrible - but it looks like it is terrible too. On the other hand, the Pantech C3b may have the same low end features, but it makes up for it with its more unique design and few simple touches that really make it stand out.
Pros
- Good design for a low end phone
- Cheap (free)
- Camera has a flash
- Small and light form factor
Cons
- Lack of features
- Terrible quality camera
Overall
As a free phone from AT&T, the Pantech C3b is pretty good - but there are better options. AT&T has a great selection of products right now, so it would probably be best to spend a few extra bucks and get something that has more features. Even if you do not use those extra features right now, you may really enjoy them at some point during your contract.
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