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Panasonic KX-TGE272S Review

Average performance on range and sound quality, but is incredibly feature rich
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Panasonic KX-TGE272S Review (The Panasonic KX-TGE272S cordless phone.)
The Panasonic KX-TGE272S cordless phone.
Credit: Panasonic
Price:  $90 List
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Manufacturer:   Panasonic
By David Wise and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Oct 25, 2016
64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Sound Quality - 30% 5.0
  • Range - 25% 5.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.0
  • Features - 15% 10.0
  • Battery Life - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

Fall, 2018: The Panasonic KX-TGE272S Is No Longer Available
REASONS TO BUY
Lots of features
Easy to use
And good battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
So-so range and sound quality
This phone overall scored above average in our tests, and delivered the top performance out of all the phones that we tested when it came to features. However its average performance in range and sound quality, combine with its higher price kept it from taking home an award. This phone also has an easy to read display, and a fantastic back light, making it a great bet for someone whose eyesight might not be what it used to be. This phone can also link to a cell phone to allow you to make or answer cellular call using your cordless phone system.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


panasonic kx-tge272s - the tge272s handset by panasonic on its base.
The TGE272S handset by Panasonic on its base.
Credit: Kat Eliott

Sound Quality


Sound quality made up the most important category in our scoring system, comprising 30% of the total score. The TGE272S delivered an average performance when it came to sound quality, scoring 5 out of 10. We tested the quality of each call by leaving a voicemail and then having a group of listeners rate the quality, without knowing which phone left which message. Our panel of listeners evaluated the messages left by this phone and felt that while the volume was very loud, the messages weren't terribly clear and there was a significant amount of background static. Below you can hear an audio sample from this phone, compared with our top scoring phone.

Range


This phone had an acceptable open, unobstructed range score, cutting out just 20' earlier than our top performers at 840', but significantly suffered when there were obstacles between the base and the handset. This model only made it 180' when there were 5-6 walls blocking it, just over half the distance of the top performing models.


All in all, this phone's performance netted it an overall score of 5 out of 10.

Ease of Use


The TGE272S actually tied for the top score for ease of use, with a 7 out of 10. This model, along with the Panasonic TGE-232B are both extremely easy to see, in both a dark and well lit environment. Every button except the navigational arrow keys has a backlight, as well as having a bright enough screen backlight to actually look for something. This handset also has the ability to turn off the backlight by pressing the “Off” in the beginning menu, rather than having to wait for the display to timeout and turn off.

panasonic kx-tge272s - the illuminated tge272s handset in a dark room.
The illuminated TGE272S handset in a dark room.
Credit: Kat Elliott

Besides being great for reading in the dark, the display has large font, visible at 6' away in our tests. Unfortunately, this model does not hyphenate the number when placing a call, making it easier to get lost when entering a number.

panasonic kx-tge272s - the tge272s handset display, taken 6' away from the camera.
The TGE272S handset display, taken 6' away from the camera.
Credit: Kat Eliott

We liked that you were able to press any key on the phone to answer when receiving a call. It also features the ability to block unwanted numbers under the “Settings” menu on the phone, rather than having to call a number and navigate through an automated system.

Features


This model of cordless phone can host up to 6 handsets, and does have a keypad and speaker on the main base. There is not a corded handset on the main base, and this phone will not work in the event of a power outage in a line power mode. The phonebook has the capacity for up to 3000 entries, as well as an integrated answering machine. This phone does have the ability to link to a cell phone or other compatible mobile device.

The KX-TGE272S also can act as an intercom system, and each handset has an auxiliary input jack for a headset and a belt clip for hands free use.

Battery Life


Lasting for 12 hours and 30 minutes in our talk time test, this cordless phone earned a score of 7 out of 10. This exceeded the manufacturer's claimed battery life for talk time by two and a half hours. The handset indicated that the battery was low after 11 hours and 50 minutes by flashing and producing an audible tone, as well as an on-screen prompt to charge for 7 hours. This model has a manufacturer's claimed time of lasting for 7 hours on standby mode.

Value


This model of cordless phone has decent value. It was our highest ranking, non-award winning model and scored extremely close behind both of our Editor's Choice award winner. It has the same MSRP as the top scoring phone, and only lagged behind by 5 points in the overall scores.

Conclusion


This model performed well in the categories that had the lowest weight, and delivered an average performance in the metrics that really mattered. This is a good phone, but was outscored in range and sound quality by other models, attributes that are quintessential to a good cordless phone. While leading the competition in features, we would recommend focusing on a phone that does well with range and sound quality first.

David Wise and Austin Palmer