Cellphones: The Pantech Duo Can't Beat a Helio Ocean

The Pantech Duo is very similar to the Helio Ocean because it has the same dual sliding design. It also sports a megapixel camera, Bluetooth technology, HSDPA speeds, quad band, and some useful productivity applications. The Pantech Duo has all the makings of a perfect device, but don't be fooled. The overall physical design of the device feels like a toy made of breakable plastic. If that is not bad enough, even the keyboard is designed poorly. The whopping price tag that goes along with this mobile phone is tremendously inflated.

The Pantech Duo is capable of revealing a numerical keypad by sliding it up vertically or a keyboard by sliding it horizontally. Users are not able to use the keypad and keyboard at the same time because they are on separate layers. The Helio Ocean has the same type of design. However, the similarities between the Pantech Duo and Helio Ocean end here. Despite the fact that the Pantech Duo is smaller than the Helio Ocean, it is extremely bulky and hard to fit into a pocket. It has too many layers that make it just a little too much to handle at times. Mobile phones should be compact devices specifically designed for grab and go situations.

The Pantech Duo does not have a sturdy enough design for everyday use. The flimsy sliding mechanism that allows the keyboard to slide back and forth will not last long. Most smartphones have elegant finishes that are visually appealing. The Pantech Duo possesses a dull gray finish that constantly attracts fingerprints. After just a few short minutes of usage, it looks dirty and unattractive. Pulling this device out in public will not cause anyone to be envious of you. It looks more like a dirty old brick instead of a high tech gadget.

The 2.2 inch display on the Pantech Duo is the only positive feature of this device. Videos look amazingly well and text can be easily read without any distortions. The display will even conveniently switch between landscape and portrait mode when the keyboard is slid out. Just below the phone display, users will find two soft keys, a home button, a five way toggle, a talk/end key, and a back button. There is also an extremely small quick list button that can double as a keyguard lock as well.

The call quality was exceptionally good compared to other mobile phones in the same price range. Callers will be able to hear every word you speak without asking you to repeat them. Using the speakerphone was a different story. Callers will hear constant echos and will frequently ask you to increase your voice volume. Streaming video and audio on the Pantech Duo will be very impressive. Instead of having to wait for long periods of time and suffering through frequent buffering, you will be able to enjoy your stream content in peace. Other built in applications such as managing your contacts appear to be sluggish. You will also experience multiple delays when launching the camera function. If your intent is to whip out your phone for a quick photo opportunity, reconsider that thought. It will not happen as fast as you would like it to be.

Although there are several great functioning features on the Pantech Duo, there are way too many negative ones to justify its purchase. Users will be extremely disappointed with this device after just a few short uses. Don't spend your hard earned money on a cheaply made device with a temperamental disposition. Most consumers would rather purchase a sturdy, user friendly device. No one wants to deal with a device that has a sluggish response time and flimsy body design.