Panasonic KX-TG816 Series

Very happy with this model – These Panasonic cordless phones are much superior to the previous two Uniden sets I've had. After significant research I decided to purchase this particular model based on positive reviews and price. The black hand sets have a multi coloured screen displaying the battery level, date, time and signal strength. They are light weight, sleek and look… Read more

good. The unit provides more functions than I've had in the past and is relatively easy to set up. The ring tone and voice volumes are also very good. I did however find it different to locate a store which still had this model available for sale.

Compact, sleek and easy to use – After owning a Uniden cordless phone system for longer than I can remember and replacing batteries several times over the course I felt it was time to update to a newer, more compact unit that was easier to replace batteries, had an answering machine, hands free and could use during a blackout. While browsing through Officeworks at their… Read more

discontinued lines (the discontinued equivalent was only marginally cheaper than a new unit) I came across the Panasonic KX-TG8162. I'm generally a fan of Panasonic gear as it generally works, works well and works well for years to come. So it's a good investment. Technical support on the other hand was very poor last time I had an inquiry - not that you generally need to call tech support.

The unit contains all of the above features and many more. Probably the best being that I can still make calls during the numerous blackouts Essential Energy seems to supply. It has a nice sleek design, lots of settings to play around with from the menus, address book, locator button (for lost handset), add extra handsets, ECO mode (where transmission power reduced up to 90%) and up to 12hrs talk time (great when the missus forgets to put the phone on charge after the end of calls), intercom function and a hanger for the units (to a wall if you prefer). All of these functions/setting can be easily input onto one handset and transferred over to the other.

The batteries included are easily replaced (550mA AAA NiMh batteries). I did find it strange that out of the box I couldn't get the batteries to charge correctly in a fast charger (for initial charge) and that I had to put them in the handsets to charge (overnight). Once charged, they seem to hold charge well and are easily replaced when worn out.

As with most answering machines you can use a pre-recorded message or record your own. Holds around 60/3min messages. The polyphonic tones are bit 90's (which the Panasonic design team seem to be stuck in), however there's lots of tones to choose from. Backgrounds can be changed as well with a selection of wall papers.

You could do worse than purchasing one of these. At least you know it will work for the next 10 years!

Pros

+ Sleek compact design

+ Easy battery replacement

+ Answering machine

+ Lost handset finder

+ Works during power outages

+ ECO mode reduces power consumption

Cons

- Polyphonic tones a bit old school

- Phone book access not intuitive

- Would be nice to have the OK button in between the arrow buttons (as you do on most appliances) instead of above - again old way of thinking from 90's mobiles.

Edit 6/8/17

Just an update - I've had to return the device as for some reason over time the speaker level in both phones (could be the base) has dropped and it's hard to hear people (and people to hear you) and it's not the volume. The phone also stopped allowing outgoing calls (and is not blocked). Rang Panasonic who gave basic help and do a factory reset, then they suggested to return it under warranty.