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Panasonic KX-TGD222N Review

Easiest to use of the economical models
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panasonic kx-tgd222n cordless phone review
The Panasonic KX-TGD222N cordless phone.
Credit: Panasonic
Price:  $60 List
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Manufacturer:   Panasonic
By David Wise and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Oct 25, 2016
54
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Sound Quality - 30% 5.0
  • Range - 25% 5.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.0
  • Features - 15% 5.0
  • Battery Life - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

As of November 2017, the Panasonic KX-TGD222N is Discontinued
The Panasonic KX-TGD222N scored in the middle of all the phones we tested, earning a 47 out of 100. This model performed well, and while not being the best model we tested, we found no significant drawbacks in our testing.
REASONS TO BUY
Easier to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Average range and sound quality
Average battery life

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


panasonic kx-tgd222n cordless phone review - the tgd222n handset on its smaller, auxiliary base.
The TGD222N handset on its smaller, auxiliary base.
Credit: Kat Elliott

Sound Quality


The performance of the TGD222N placed it solidly in the middle of the pack, with a 5 out of 10 on this rating metric. We did appreciate how loud this model was, but it demonstrated some static that made it a little harder for our panel of listeners to understand than some of the other phones we looked at.

Range


The TGD222N scored in the middle for range, earning a 5 out of 10. It reached up to 800' in the open range test, falling just behind our top scorers at 840'. This model also remained in the middle of the pack when it came to the obstructed range test, becoming unintelligible around 200' from the base station.


Ease of Use


The KX-TGD222N is quite easy to use, meriting it a 7 out of 10 in this metric. When looking at the basic function of this model, this phone has an easy to read display, being visible at 6' away in our test.

panasonic kx-tgd222n cordless phone review - the tgd222n handset 6' away from the camera.
The TGD222N handset 6' away from the camera.
Credit: Kat Elliott

This model also has a well lit display for operating in the dark, earning the runner-up position in this category, slightly lagging behind the top scorers due to its buttons being a darker gray color, and thus a little dimmer when illuminated. This model also retained its runner-up position when it came to utilizing the "Page" function, with rings measured at 62.1 dBa with a meter placed 6' away. We did find that when entering a phone number, this model didn't hyphenate the number, making it a little more difficult than some of the other models. In terms of more advanced functions, this phone is not capable of linking to a cell phone.

Features


We ranked each phone based on its features, divvying up point in an all or nothing depending on whether or not that feature was present, and based out overall score on the cumulative results. This phone kept its trend on remaining in the middle of the pack, earning a 5 out of 10. This phone can support up to 5 handsets, but lacks a headset jack and a keypad or speaker on its base

panasonic kx-tgd222n cordless phone review - the tgd222n main base with handset.
The TGD222N main base with handset.
Credit: Kat Elliott

Value


This phone has a decent score for its MSRP of $60. It scored the same at our Best Buy winner, the AT&T El51203, but costs $20 more. This model was scored 2 point higher in ease of use, so if you are willing to sacrifice on a little on range and sound quality, then this model might be a good option.

Conclusion


This phone is not the worst phone we tested, but it isn't the best. We think it is a little more expensive than it should be, but would be a perfectly acceptable economical option if found on sale or if the EL51203 isn't available.

— David Wise and Austin Palmer
 
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