The iNQ Chat 3G and Pantech Link represent a segment of the market increasingly focused on affordability. While detailed specifications for the iNQ Chat 3G are scarce, the Pantech Link, powered by the Mediatek MT6572M, offers a concrete baseline for comparison. This analysis aims to determine which device provides the most compelling experience for users prioritizing value and basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Pantech Link emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek MT6572M chipset provides a defined level of performance, even if modest, while the iNQ Chat 3G's lack of publicly available specifications makes a confident recommendation difficult.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, October. Released 2009, December | 2010, March. Released 2010, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 114.5 x 61 x 12.8 mm (4.51 x 2.40 x 0.50 in) | 115.2 x 60.9 x 9.9 mm (4.54 x 2.40 x 0.39 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | QWERTY |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 122 g (4.30 oz) | 91 g (3.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | , - | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Home screen widgets
| - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6572M (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-400 |
| OS | - | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 30 received, dialed and missed calls | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 100MB | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | 1000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | 1.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | 320p@15fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | No | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | miniUSB 2.0 | 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP2.0 / xHTML | - |
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM, Push GMail | SMS, MMS, Email, IM |
| | Facebook, Windows Live, Skype, Twitter applications and integration
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.263/H.264 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | MP3/WAV/AAC player
MP4/H.263 player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 250 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 3 h |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1150 mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 930 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red | Black |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
iNQ Chat 3G
- Potentially extremely low cost
- May be suitable as a basic backup phone
- Minimalist design (speculation)
- Lack of publicly available specifications
- Unknown performance capabilities
- Potentially poor build quality
Pantech Link
- Known Mediatek MT6572M chipset
- Predictable performance for basic tasks
- Relatively efficient 28nm process
- Limited processing power
- Likely low-resolution display
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Without specifications for the iNQ Chat 3G's display, a direct comparison is impossible. The Pantech Link likely utilizes a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket. Expect limited brightness and color accuracy on both devices. The absence of information regarding the iNQ Chat 3G’s resolution or panel technology suggests a focus on minimizing cost, potentially resulting in a lower-quality viewing experience compared to even the modest expectations set by the Pantech Link.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in photography. The Pantech Link’s camera specifications are unavailable, but budget phones typically feature low-resolution sensors and limited image processing capabilities. The iNQ Chat 3G’s camera is similarly shrouded in mystery. Users should anticipate basic image capture suitable for casual snapshots, but not for detailed or low-light photography. The absence of OIS or advanced features on either device further limits their photographic potential.
Performance
The Pantech Link’s Mediatek MT6572M, a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 chipset fabricated on a 28nm process, defines its performance capabilities. While not a powerhouse, this chipset is capable of handling basic Android operations. The iNQ Chat 3G’s performance remains entirely unknown. Given the market segment, it likely employs an even less powerful chipset, potentially hindering even simple tasks. The 28nm process of the MT6572M, while older, offers a degree of thermal efficiency, meaning the Pantech Link is less likely to experience significant throttling during sustained use compared to a potentially less efficient chip in the iNQ Chat 3G.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is unknown. However, the Mediatek MT6572M’s relatively low power consumption suggests the Pantech Link could offer reasonable battery life for light usage. The iNQ Chat 3G’s battery performance is entirely speculative. Without knowing the battery capacity or chipset efficiency, it’s impossible to predict its endurance. Charging speeds are also unknown for both devices, likely relying on standard micro-USB charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the iNQ Chat 3G if you need a secondary device for extremely basic communication and are willing to accept a significant unknown regarding performance. Its appeal lies in potential extreme affordability. Buy the Pantech Link if you prefer a device with a known chipset – the Mediatek MT6572M – offering a predictable, albeit limited, level of performance for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6572M in the Pantech Link capable of running modern apps?
The Mediatek MT6572M is a very entry-level chipset. While it can run basic Android apps, it will struggle with more demanding applications like modern games or resource-intensive social media platforms. Expect slow loading times and potential lag.
❓ Given the lack of information on the iNQ Chat 3G, is it a risky purchase?
Yes, purchasing the iNQ Chat 3G is a significant risk due to the complete absence of publicly available specifications. Without knowing the chipset, RAM, or display quality, you're essentially buying a device blind. The Pantech Link, despite its limitations, offers a more predictable experience.
❓ What kind of user would benefit most from the Pantech Link?
The Pantech Link is best suited for users who need a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light web browsing. It's a good option for those on a tight budget or who need a simple, reliable device without advanced features.
