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Pantech Element review

7.1/10 AVG.
RATING
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Pantech Element
Pantech Element
Pantech Element
Pantech Element
...


7.1/10
Informr score
The Pantech Element currently has an Informr score of 7.1 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 7 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

With its very rounded corners, front-facing camera position, screen size, and usage of waterproof materials, the Pantech Element is most certainly not your average Android tablet. So what exactly can you expect should you decide to get this LTE-enabled 8-inch Android tablet from AT&T in the US?

For starters, the Pantech Element features an 8-inch multi-touch color display with a native resolution of 1024x768 pixels. To the right of which, you’ll find a front facing camera with a 2-megapixel sensor. The main one, with a 5-megapixel sensor, is located at the back. Inside the Element’s 11mm thick case, there’s a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU and 1GB of RAM to handle all mobile computing tasks within its default operating system, Android 3.2 Honeycomb.

If you were surprised to learn that Pantech decided to go with an older version of Android for the Element, you’ll be even more surprised—and perhaps pleasantly—to learn that it has a fully waterproof design. Now, when was the last time you needed to whip out a tablet or smartphone in the middle of pouring rain? Never? Well, just in case you ever do in the future, this tablet will be able to handle it.

There’s a 6,400mAh battery, which gives up to 12 hours of use on a charge according to Pantech itself. That kind of runtime should be more than long enough for daily use, especially if you plan to hang out in the great outdoors to enjoy fast 4G LTE speeds where there is 4G network coverage.

Speaking of which, the absolute best, if not the only, way to enjoy using this Pantech tablet is if you purchase it with an accompanying data plan or service contract. Because otherwise, you will have to pay $450 for it outright, and you’ll miss out on some of the deals that AT&T is bundling it with.

Need To Know: Pantech Element

1. Waterproof design and 10+ hour battery life should ensure non-stop daily use no matter what the weather—just don’t forget to charge at night. (The Good)

2. 4G LTE network support means faster than 3G and 3.5G connection speeds. (The Good)

3. Default operating system is outdated and users may have to upgrade on their own if updates to later versions of Android ever become available. (The Bad)

4. 8-inch form factor may make it difficult to find compatible cases at reasonable prices. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
6400 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


148Apps
148Apps

Twisty Hollow gets pretty frantic in later levels, but most of the time it manages to show players some good fun. The action certainly gets chaotic at points, and to be honest all the spinning around might make sensitive players a bit dizzy, but the game’s sense of humor is worth sticking arou...

- Nadia Oxford, 148Apps
Engadget
Engadget

So, what's the verdict? Should you clasp this slate to your breast and dance about in a torrential downpour, belting out showtunes and banging out tweets in full gale force, or do we order Pantech's tab to walk the plank, and sink below its one-foot threshold? Well, we'll let price be the deciding f...

- Joseph Volpe, Engadget
The Verge
The Verge

There’s not a lot to dislike about the Element, but I don’t have a lot of things to love about it either. It’s just an average Honeycomb tablet that won’t die immediately upon being dripped on. Its hardware isn’t on par with a device like the Asus Transformer Prime or t...

- David Pierce , The Verge
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

With an army of faster, less expensive Android tablets for 2012 announced at CES, many of which will run Android 4.0 right out of the box, the Element could easily get lost in the fray. It does, however, stand out with its affordable price, fast 4G LTE, and solid, waterproof design. Performance-wise...

- Eugene Kim, PC Magazine
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

Considering that this is Pantech’s first foray into the tablet scene, we’re astounded to see that they’ve been able to present us with an admirable effort with the Pantech Element. Yeah, it might not boast the same brand recognition as some of its rivals, but nevertheless, you can&...

- John V., PhoneArena


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Screen Size
8"

The Pantech Element's screen size is 8 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Dual-core 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 5+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
6400mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 6400 mAh battery. Pantech's performance ratings are 25 days standby time, 12 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Pantech Element Specs

Overview
Release Date January 22, 2012
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

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Processor Dual-core 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, HSDPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Brightness control, Effects, Geotagging, Multi-shot, Self-timer, Smile detection, White balance, Scene Mode
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 20 fps, up to 60 minutes
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Video Calling
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 8 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 6400 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 5 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 12 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 12 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 25 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 21.2 x 15.5 x 1.1 cm (8.4 x 6.1 x 0.4 in)
Weight 470 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design Yes
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP
PC Synchronization: OTA
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WMA, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, DivX, XviD
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Pantech P4100

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