Panasonic KX-TGD532W Review

This phone system does have some unique features, like Spanish/English caller ID and one-touch call block, as well as the ability to have different ringtones depending on the caller ID. However, its overall results do make it a bit hard for us to recommend unless these are particularly important to you.

Performance Comparison

Sound Quality

Starting off our testing process, our sound quality assessment is the most important to the overall scores. We based the score for this on dozens and dozens of calls, as well as by having a panel of judges rate the quality of a voicemail left by each phone. Additionally, we also deducted points for any distracting background noises that could be heard when using the phone, such as static or buzzing. The KX-TGD532W delivered so-so results, earning it a lackluster score.

We found the voice coming through this phone always had a slight fuzziness to it. It isn't super noticeable on its own but definitely was easy for us to hear when swapping back-and-forth between this handset and some of the more crystal-clear options. We noticed this both when listening to both live audio and to recorded messages — reminding us of talking on a cell phone with barely enough signal to make the call.

Range

Our next set of tests rated and ranked the range of each cordless phone. We conducted both a line-of-sight test to see what the maximum range of each phone is when the signal is unimpeded, as well as an obstructed range test where the signal had to pass through a handful of walls. The KX-TGD532W did exceptionally well in this metric, earning one of the top scores.

This phone matched all of the top performers in our unobstructed range test, delivering clear and understandable audio at a distance of 840' — the cut-off point for this test.

The KX-TGD532W delivered a stellar performance in our obstructed range test, delivering some of the clearest audio out of the entire group at the furthest distance.

It was still clear enough to understand the other person when the handset was separated from its base by about 390' and a whopping 7 walls or so, putting it at the top of the group.

Ease of Use

Next, we evaluated and judged how easy it is to operate each of these products, specifically looking at how easy it is to read the display on each phone, place a call, locate a lost headset, use them in the dark, and utilize some of their more advanced functions, like blocking a call, using the speed dial and phonebook, and calling back a missed call. The KX-TGD532W again did very well, earning a score well above average scoring very well, earning another 8 out of 10.

This phone has "Any-Key" answer, but we found that the flash, right menu buttons, and the D-pad don't actually answer the call, but this is relatively trivial. We didn't notice any lag when scrolling between menus on the KX-TGD532W and we particularly liked how intuitive and easy it is to call back a missed number and to program and use the speed dial functions, which has 9 slots.

It has a decently loud ringer volume and it is quite easy to put the phone on mute and to configure initial settings, like the date and time. The loud volume also makes it decently easy to locate a lost headset using the page/ find-a-phone function. On top of that, the screen and buttons for the KX-TGD532W all have a decently bright backlight, making it exceptionally easy to use this phone in a darker environment.

This phone also allows you to block up to 150 numbers, as well as store up to 100 in your phone book. It also has a one-touch call block, allowing you to easily cut down on your spam calls.

Features

Next, we compiled a list of all the most common features on these products, then scored each model on how many it had. We found the KX-TGD532W to be about average for these products, earning a score in the middle of the group.

This product is compatible with up to 6 expandable handsets but lacks both a keypad and speaker on the main base, as well as the ability to link to a cell phone.

It has decently large backlit buttons if your eyesight isn't the greatest and has a built-in answering machine. This phone can also act as an intercom system. The handsets also lack both a headset jack and a belt clip. The KX-TGD532W also lacks the capabilities to pair to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Battery Life

For our last metric, we compared and judged the battery life of each product, both talking and on standby, as well as the time it took to charge each one. The KX-TGD532W again gave a slightly disappointing performance, earning it one of the lower scores of the group.

The handset for this phone only lasted for 8 hours, 12 minutes in our talk time test — significantly less than the 15.5 hours of the top model. It has a claimed standby time of 5 days — again, quite a bit less than the top performers. It has a claimed charge time of up to 12 hours, which we found to be about average for these products.

Value

This phone is an alright value, but other comparably priced models have a better sound quality and battery life.

Conclusion