Pantech C790 Reveal Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Uncovered

Overview of Pantech C790 Reveal

The Pantech C790 Reveal is a distinctive feature phone that was announced and released in October 2009. While it has been discontinued, it remains a topic of interest for those fascinated by mobile technology's evolution. With its combination of a compact design and a QWERTY keyboard, it aimed to bridge the gap between messaging-centric phones and smartphones during its time.

Design and Build

The Pantech C790 Reveal measures 99 x 60 x 14.8 mm and weighs approximately 112 grams, making it a compact and lightweight device. The phone's design incorporates a slide-out QWERTY keyboard which enhances its usability for texting and emailing. Its Mini-SIM slot and responsive physical buttons contribute to its functionality. Available in red and blue, the Pantech C790 Reveal offers a choice of vibrant colors to its users.

Display

The device features a 2.2-inch TFT display with 256,000 colors, delivering a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio and approximately 182 pixels per inch density. Although it might not match modern-day smartphone screen standards, it provided reasonable color and sharpness levels for its time, adequate for browsing and basic multimedia usage.

Network and Connectivity

The Pantech C790 Reveal operates on GSM and HSPA networks, supporting both 2G (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) and 3G (HSDPA 850/1900/2100) bands. Its connectivity features include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and stereo FM radio with RDS for on-the-go entertainment. However, it does not support WLAN, which was characteristic of feature phones during its era.

Camera

The phone is equipped with a single 1.3 MP main camera, capable of recording videos at 320p@15fps. While basic, this camera suffices for capturing quick photos and short video clips. It lacks a selfie camera, which aligns with the standard design of feature phones prior to the smartphone boom.

Memory and Storage

The Pantech C790 Reveal offers an internal storage of 80MB, which was typical for an early feature phone. Users can expand storage via a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing them to store more photos, music, and other files. Additionally, it supports a phonebook capacity of up to 1000 entries with Photocall capability, and it provides basic call record-keeping features.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery, the Pantech C790 Reveal offers a standby time of up to 244 hours on 2G networks. The talk time can extend up to 3 hours on 2G, although these figures can vary based on usage patterns and network conditions. This battery capacity was standard for mobile phones during its release period.

Features and Software

The phone runs on a feature phone operating system, emphasizing simplicity and essential functionality over advanced processing power and versatility. It supports messaging formats such as SMS, MMS, Email, and IM, catering to the communication needs prevalent in 2009. For browsing, it uses WAP 2.0/xHTML, and users can enjoy basic Java games thanks to MIDP 2.0 support.

Pricing and Market Target

Initially priced at approximately 170 EUR, the Pantech C790 Reveal was positioned as an affordable, messaging-centric device for consumers who prioritized ease of communication over full-fledged smartphone capabilities. Its design and feature set targeted young adults, teenagers, and individuals new to mobile technology.

Conclusion

The Pantech C790 Reveal, with its emphasis on messaging and compact design, illustrates the transitional phase of mobile technology from basic cell phones to feature-rich smartphones. While it may not compete with today’s advanced devices, it holds a place in mobile history as a representative of the consumer preferences and technological possibilities of its time.