The soap-bar shaped Pantech Matrix Pro looks very similar to the Ocean 2. Only, it is slightly heavier, which makes it quite hefty, really. But in spite of that, the curvy phone definitely sits well in the palm and is comfy to hold. The phone slides upward to reveal a numeric keyboard, while the sideway slide reveals the full QWERTY keyboard. This slide feels a bit rough on the hand. The front face controls are all cramped at the bottom and the D-pad almost touches the bottom edge of the phone, which is not great at all. The softkeys, built into the surface of the Matrix Pro, are fine.
The volume and voice record keys those are located at the left side of the Matrix Pro work just great. So does the camera key on the right. The hatch covering the data port on the right side is a bit of a headache, but the one covering the microSD slot opens easily enough. The QWERTY keyboard does not have a standard layout. It has three rows and the space bar appears between the V and B keys. The number keys are placed on the right side of the keyboard, which takes getting used to.
All-in-all, there is nothing very special about the Pantech Matrix Pro, but definitely worth a look.
The new Helio Ocean 2 by Pantech boasts 2.6″ QVGA display, a 2MP camera, Stereo Bluetooth, and microSD memory support up to 2GB. This 3G smartphone also includes a built-in GPS with Google Maps and GPS tagging, 3.5 mm headset jack, 3D games, and preload Opera Mini.
Many of you were waiting for this dual-sliding handset which was already showcased by FCC a time ago. This new successor of the “old” Helio Ocean now boasts more attractive red/black design as well as a bigger screen – 2.6″ QVGA resolution display.
Helio bet on the popularity of the Ocean “one” and equipped this phone again with 3G high-speeds, 2MP camera, Stereo Bluetooth, and microSD memory support up to 2GB. For social services lovers and passionate texters it offers a big support of various services: Google Talk, Ultimate Inbox, Yahoo!, AOL, Microsoft Windows Live and Google, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube.
The Ocean 2 also features a built-in GPS with Google Maps and GPS tagging, 3.5 mm headset jack, 3D games, and preload Opera Mini. Well, in summary, the Ocean 2 is the “old” Ocean with a new “skin” and improved screen size but available under 150USD.
According to the FCC documents, Pantech together with Helio will announce the high anticipated Ocean 2 or also known as OZ 2. The device will feature a QVGA display like its predecessor, the Ocean. Full HTML browser you will be able to control with a QWERTY keyboard as well as with numeric keys.
The phone will also include Bluetooth, microSD support and a 2 megapixel camera. In dual-slide form factor it will support EVDO 3G data. We can also say that Virgin Mobile has confirmed the launch of this device however there are no details on the price or availability.
