The Panasonic KX-TGU130EB is a big button cordless phone. Is it any good? We put it to the test in another of our in-depth reviews. Read on to discover what we thought of it!
Related: Top 10 Best Cordless Phones
Design
The Panasonic KX-TGU130 is a fairly inexpensive cordless phone, especially when compared with Panasonic's other big button model, the KX-TGM420. As one might expect, the design is therefore fairly basic. That's not to say this is a bad thing, though- when it comes to phones for the elderly, we've found that the simpler the design, the easier the handset is to use.
As a big button phone, the buttons on the handset are, well, big. Not only are they larger than the average cordless phone handset, but the numbers are also printed nice and large on them to make them easier to see. The "talk" and "end call" buttons are coloured green and red for added ease-of-use, too.
The screen on the handset isn't the largest we've come across, but to be fair it doesn't really need to be that large. The phone itself is easy to use, and the screen is only used to display a couple of lines of text at a time.
The main handset sits in a base unit which includes an integrated answer machine- any additional handsets just sit in a smaller charging cradle. As with the handset, the buttons on the answer machine unit are larger than average, and an LED screen shows when you've got a new message waiting for you.
Sound quality
As for sound quality, we generally rate Panasonic phones pretty highly here at liGo, and are pleased to say that the TGU130 is no exception to this. In fact, when comparing the earpiece sound to Panasonic's more expensive big button model, the KX-TGM420, there's not really any audible difference in sound quality to speak of.
The KX-TGU130 also boasts a volume boost mode, which allows the handset to go twice as loud as Panasonic's regular handsets. What's more, the ringer on the base unit can be turned up to 93dB, which is about as loud as a jackhammer- so you need never miss a call from not hearing the phone ring.
Lastly, the TGU130 is also compatible with hearing aids. It doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity, so it won't directly pair up with a hearing aid, but it is T-coil compatible, meaning you can use the phone as normal with your hearing aid switched to this mode.
Range
As with all DECT phones, the KX-TGU130 offers up to 50m range indoors, and up to 300m outdoors. While some other Panasonic phones can support up to six handsets, the TGU130 only supports up to three. In addition, this model isn't compatible with a repeater. For most users, the range should be more than adequate. However, if you find that you need more, or require more handsets, then it might be worth looking at other models.
Additional features
While it isn't one of Panasonic's more advanced phones, the TGU130 still comes with a number of handy features. The most unique of these is the Fav Call button. Up to three numbers can be saved to this key, and when one of them calls, the button will flash purple. If it's not purple- you can see at-a-glance whether or not you want to answer.
The TGU130 also includes some nuisance call blocking features as well. There's an automated call blocker, which will screen out auto-dialled calls so that you're not bothered by them. The handset also include a dedicated nuisance call block button, which can be used to block up to 1,000 individual numbers.
Panasonic KX-TGU130: The Verdict
If you're looking for a big button phone with loud volume that won't break the bank, then this model would be an excellent choice.
Final Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
