Smartphone technology has transformed the mobile phone from a device that we used for texts and calls into a do-all device for everything.
It was only going to be a matter of time before the benefits of touchscreen and smartphone technology was adopted by manufacturers of home cordless phones; and we’re beginning to see a trend emerging in the top-range models of 2014 for just that.
Brands like BT, Gigaset and Panasonic are leading the way in bringing this technology to cordless phones and combining these new features with the reliability and sound quality of a landline phone.
Here’s the current pick of the crop:
1. Siemens Gigaset SL930A
Siemens Gigaset SL930A has seamlessly retained all the best features you would come to expect from a DECT phone and fused them with an Android operating system.
With up to 20 hours talk time, 140 hours standby and 55 minutes of recorded messages on an easy to use 3.2” touchscreen, you also get Android functionality including internet browsing, emails, YouTube videos and access to social media.
You can synchronise your Google and Gmail accounts and import your phone book contacts from other devices. This Wi-Fi enabled phone also gives you access to the Google App store for downloading the latest apps.
In short, the Gigaset SL930A packs all the features that you would expect from a modern smartphone and packs it into the sleek and stylish design we have come to expect from Gigaset’s SL range of premium phones.
2. Panasonic KX-PRX 120
Similarly to the SL930A, the Panasonic KX-PRX 120 is also an Android DECT cordless phone offering Wi-Fi, touchscreen and Smartphone functionality.
A notable features that sets it apart from Gigaset’s offering, is the 0.3MP front-facing camera included on the handset, which gives you the option of making video calls. So you can Skype friends or customers whilst enjoying exceptional clarity from the sound system.
The build-quality of the Panasonic KX-PRX 120 is unlikely to impress as much as Gigaset’s, but it is certainly a stylish landline phone that would serve as a great solution for home or office use.
3. BT Home Touch Screen SmartPhone with web browsing
BT, somewhat surprisingly beat Gigaset and Panasonic to the punch by releasing their BT Home Touch Screen Smartphone before either of them. The result is a 3.5” touchscreen device powered by Android for internet browsing, social media apps, and email.
The large screen makes it ideal for viewing photos, and can be used to store some of your favourite shots with a 2GB memory expansion slot to make maximum use of this functionality. This handset also features a front facing camera, which can be used to make video calls.
It provides up to 8 hours talk time and can be on standby for up to 80hours. It may not be as smart as the Siemens Gigaset SL930A, but with a bigger touchscreen and a much lower price, it certainly offers more value for money.
The best of the rest
For a sleek cutting edge touch screen phone that is still packed with features but at a lower price point, you could consider the Siemens Gigaset S820A Twin Hybrid Touchscreen DECT phone. Our average customer reviews for the S820A came in at 4.5/5 stars, and it was even recommended by Which? as one of their ‘Best Buy Cordless Phones’.
Another Siemens touchscreen model worth considering is the Gigaset SL910A, the predecessor to the SL930A, which boasting all the style and high-quality but without the smartphone functionality. It does however, boast plenty of DECT features to keep most home and office users connected and satisfied.
The steel framed elegant handset can store up to 500 contacts with up to 8 numbers per entry, meaning that you are unlikely to run out of storage even if you run an incredibly hectic business schedule from home.
Let us know if you’re thinking about making the move to a touchscreen cordless phone and why.