Panasonic KX-TGF382M Review

Performance Comparison

Sound Quality

When it came to our testing process, sound quality carries the most impact on the final score of each phone. We found the Panasonic KX-TGF382M to be somewhat uninspiring in this regard, earning it a score in the middle of the group. To determine rankings, we had our panel of listeners rated a message left by each handset and determined scores off of that. Our panel noted that this model was on the quieter side compared with the other phones we tested, as well as noticing that there was some background static.

Range

This phone did acceptable in our range tests. It stayed consistent throughout the tests, performing well on the open range test as well as the obstructed test. When it came to open range, this model remained understandable with 840' between the base and the handset in a clear line of sight.

For an obstructed range test, we left the main base inside the house and carried the handset outside and as far down the street as we could. This forced the signal to go through 5-6 walls as it traveled to the base. This model performed well, making it 260' before the signal started to cut out.

Ease of Use

This cordless phone model was relatively easy to use. This phone has a really bright display in contrast with its dimmer, orange backlit buttons. This sharp contrast actually makes it hard on the eyes when using in a dark environment.

The handset for this model was able to be read at 6' away, but it was a little more difficult than the other models of Panasonic phones that we tested.

This model allows for any key answer when receiving a call, but does not add hyphens when dialing a number, making it easy to get lost when dialing out to place a call. This model has a handset locator feature, allowing you to select which handset(s) to page. We measured the locating tone to be 57.2 dBa at 6' away from the handset. This phone makes it extremely easy to block calls, with a physical button you can press to block a call when the phone is ringing. It was significantly harder to store phone numbers in the phonebook, requiring you to navigate through the 2nd set of menus and assign a group for each stored phone number. It is possible to put this phone into a quiet or do not disturb mode, it is just somewhat hidden through three menus.

It is easy to connect this model to a mobile device, but we found it to be complicated to dial out and set up texts after connecting.

Features

This phone is rich in features. The KX-TGF382M can host up to 6 handsets, in addition to the corded handset on the main base.

This phone also can run off a battery backup in the case of a power outage where the phone lines are still functioning but the main power is out. You can block up to 250 numbers, and store up to 3000. The main base has a corded handset, as well as an integrated answering machine. This phone can act as an intercom system and permits hands-free operation with the addition of a belt and headset jack on each handset.

Battery Life

This phone did well on the battery life test, lasting for 13 hours and 39 minutes. The handset began flashing the low battery indicator at 12 hours and 30 minutes into our talk time test, as well as beeped to indicate that charging was necessary. 8 minutes later, it indicated to charge for 7 hours but made it an additional hour before the battery completely died. This model has a manufacturer-claimed standby time of 9 days.

Value

This model does not have fantastic value, based on our tests. It was the second most expensive of all the phones we looked at while scoring solidly in the middle.

Conclusion