AT&T CL82207 Review

Performance Comparison

Sound Quality

The most significant metric in our testing process is the sound quality of each product. To determine performance, we used each phone to leave a message, then had a panel of judges rate and score the sound quality without knowing the originating phone. The AT&T CL82207 delivered excellent results in this regard, earning one of the best scores of the entire group.

The recorded messages sounded extremely crisp and clear, with no undesirable background noises, such as buzzing or crackling. Additionally, there wasn't any static present in the recorded messages either, as many of the lower quality phones. We did note that the sound levels aren't quite as loud as some others we have tested, but you could still easily hear the other person, due to the audio being so clear and of such high quality.

The stand-out performance in this metric really improves the user's experience with this phone over other options. While only a percentage of users will utilize certain features, all users will benefit from the clear audio quality of this phone.

Range

Following our Sound Quality metric, our Range metric came next in terms of significance. We conducted two separate evaluations for this metric, one with the space between the handset and the base completely unobstructed and one with multiple walls impeding the signal. The CL82207 again delivered a solid performance, but not exceptional.

This phone received top marks in our unobstructed range test, delivering clear and understandable audio at distances well in excess of 800'

The performance of the CL82207 dropped a little bit in our obstructed range test, barely making it 300'.

Even at this distance, the sound was still a bit intermittent and significantly harder to understand than other models.

Ease of Use

Next, we ranked and scored how easy it is to use each product, splitting our tests into two components: basic function and advanced function. The CL82207 delivered one of the best showings that we have seen to date from these products for being supremely easy to operate.

We started off by looking at how easy it is to actually see the interface on each phone, in both light and dark ambient lighting conditions. The handsets for this phone are quite easy to see, easily readable for most people at a distance up to about 6' away. The keypad is also backlit, making it equally easy to read in a dark environment.

The screen on the handset also hyphenates the number while dialing, making it much easier to see mistakes when entering the number. This handset also has any-key answer, though it will answer in speakerphone mode if you answer with that button.

This handset isn't very loud when using the handset locator feature, with a couch cushion muffling most of the noise when the handset was pinged while underneath. It also does not have the loudest ringer, even on maximum volume. It is easy to set the time and date as well, with this setting in the first available menu.

However, it is a little clunky at calling back a missed call or setting up speed dial, requiring you to navigate through a few menus to call back and add a number to the directory before making it a speed dial option. It also is extremely easy to block calls using the dedicated call block button.

Features

Next, we ranked and scored the feature suite available on each phone. The CL82207 comes up a bit short here compared to the competition for its sparse set of features.

This product has a built-in answering machine and has the capacity to expand your phone system to up to 12 handsets. It also has decently large buttons and the ability to store up to 50 numbers. The CL82207 can also be used as an intercom system. However, that pretty much sums up the set of features on this phone. This model lacks the ability to connect to your cell phone and there isn't a keypad or wired handset on the main base, nor is there a headphone jack.

Battery Life

We assessed and scored the battery life of each model of phone. The CL82207 actually did quite well, meriting one of the higher scores of the group.

We tested this by using the phone to make a call and playing music over the connection until the battery died. Starting with a completely full battery, this model lasted for almost 14 hours (13 hours, 51 minutes) before completely dying — one of the longest runtimes of the entire group.

Value

The AT&T CL82207 presents a solid value. It has a crisp call quality, a measured range that should be adequate for most homes, and an interface that is particularly easy to use. Overall, it offers a respectable performance at an even more reasonable price.

Conclusion