tportguy
02-17-2004, 01:58 AM
Hi,
The Reviewer's Context:
I've used a Nokia 6185, Samsung 8500, Motorola Timeport P8167, and Sanyo SCP-6000 extensively over the past 5 years on SprintPCS. I have used SprintPCS in Oklahoma, Missouri, New York City, and now Los Angeles.
The Phone:
I bought my Sanyo RL2500 in early February. It has Software Version 1.033SP and PRL 10023.
Reception:
The first thing I noticed about this phone is the reception. Hands down, there is no phone I've used that even comes close to this incredible phone. The SCP-6000 and Timeport are not even capable of making phone calls where this phone receives 5 bars and holds a signal for hours without any sign of dropping.
The Nokia 6185 reports no service in these areas. All these older phones have the latest software and PRLs updated in early February. My friend's Sanyo 4900 drops calls frequently where the 2500 is rock solid.
Missed call problem. Sometimes, this phone doesn't ring when it has 5 bars. This never happened on my Timeport. Minor problem considering how well it holds calls.
Voice Quality:
The sound quality is a little shrill. It is difficult to adjust the volume. It is often either too loud or too quiet. The Motorola Timeport I used had excellent voice quality that was very natural. However, in comparison to the SCP-6000 and the Nokia, this phone is hands down much clearer and crisper in sound.
Speakerphone:
The speakerphone is very crisp clear and loud. You can hold it 3 feet away and still be able to hold a conversation. This is really great for hands-free driving. One interesting observation I made is that on some of the RL2500s from last Fall, the speakerphone appears to be half-duplex. However, on my phone, its very obviously full-duplex. Could this have been a software change?
Build Quality:
The minute I held this phone, I could tell that these phones are no longer made in Japan. So when I looked at the back and saw the "made in China" label, I was not surprised. However, I'm not disappoined, the fit and finish are very good. The hinge is very solid. My Sanyo SCP-6000 was one of the toughest phones I ever used and this is not really comparable. However, it's not really a fair comparision given the different form factors. This is definitely not as durable as the Nokia 6185, but much more solid than the Motorola Timeport with its squeaky hinge.
Vision:
This phone is fast and provides a good PCS Vision surfing experience.
Conclusion:
This is one of the best phones I've ever used. Great reception where my other SprintPCS phones received no signal. Great voice quality that exceeds most of my other phones. Build quality is okay and good speakerphone.
I'd highly recommend this phone as one of the better non-camera phones available.
The Reviewer's Context:
I've used a Nokia 6185, Samsung 8500, Motorola Timeport P8167, and Sanyo SCP-6000 extensively over the past 5 years on SprintPCS. I have used SprintPCS in Oklahoma, Missouri, New York City, and now Los Angeles.
The Phone:
I bought my Sanyo RL2500 in early February. It has Software Version 1.033SP and PRL 10023.
Reception:
The first thing I noticed about this phone is the reception. Hands down, there is no phone I've used that even comes close to this incredible phone. The SCP-6000 and Timeport are not even capable of making phone calls where this phone receives 5 bars and holds a signal for hours without any sign of dropping.
The Nokia 6185 reports no service in these areas. All these older phones have the latest software and PRLs updated in early February. My friend's Sanyo 4900 drops calls frequently where the 2500 is rock solid.
Missed call problem. Sometimes, this phone doesn't ring when it has 5 bars. This never happened on my Timeport. Minor problem considering how well it holds calls.
Voice Quality:
The sound quality is a little shrill. It is difficult to adjust the volume. It is often either too loud or too quiet. The Motorola Timeport I used had excellent voice quality that was very natural. However, in comparison to the SCP-6000 and the Nokia, this phone is hands down much clearer and crisper in sound.
Speakerphone:
The speakerphone is very crisp clear and loud. You can hold it 3 feet away and still be able to hold a conversation. This is really great for hands-free driving. One interesting observation I made is that on some of the RL2500s from last Fall, the speakerphone appears to be half-duplex. However, on my phone, its very obviously full-duplex. Could this have been a software change?
Build Quality:
The minute I held this phone, I could tell that these phones are no longer made in Japan. So when I looked at the back and saw the "made in China" label, I was not surprised. However, I'm not disappoined, the fit and finish are very good. The hinge is very solid. My Sanyo SCP-6000 was one of the toughest phones I ever used and this is not really comparable. However, it's not really a fair comparision given the different form factors. This is definitely not as durable as the Nokia 6185, but much more solid than the Motorola Timeport with its squeaky hinge.
Vision:
This phone is fast and provides a good PCS Vision surfing experience.
Conclusion:
This is one of the best phones I've ever used. Great reception where my other SprintPCS phones received no signal. Great voice quality that exceeds most of my other phones. Build quality is okay and good speakerphone.
I'd highly recommend this phone as one of the better non-camera phones available.