ResearchReport MOBILE PHONES - 30 HANDSETS TESTED - Farming Ahead
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ResearchReport
Kondinin Group
FEBRUARY 2017 No. 85 www.farmingahead.com.au
MOBILE PHONES
30 HANDSETS TESTED
Independent information for agriculture
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Popular phones prove
poorer performers
It would be pretty difficult to run a successful farm business without communications, and the smartphone has become
an indispensable tool for most of us. Love it or hate it, our mobile phone is hard to do without, provided you have a
reliable phone network in your area. Apart from making and receiving calls; text, email, web browsing and using apps
are essential parts of our day-to-day lives. But ultimately, a phone is pretty useless if it has poor reception and cannot
send and receive calls and data from a tower. Engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli returned to outback New
South Wales to test 30 Next G phones, making this report our biggest phone test to date. Unfortunately, we have
found a general decrease in reception strength once again.
RECEPTION STRENGTH WANES
K
ondinin Group has been testing such as the Apple iPhone have continued
mobile phones for 15 years, and In previous tests, phones with the best to exhibit weaker reception over the past
in that time we have seen the reception were capable of reaching or just few tests. We tested several iPhone models,
demise of the CDMA network, exceeding 40 kilometres from the phone with the discontinued 5C topping the test
the rise of Telstra’s Next G network, the tower at our test location at Oxley, New at 35km, and the 5S and Blue Tick 6S
implementation of faster 4G services South Wales. This time round, two units managing 35km. Disappointingly, the new
in rural centres, including the recent topped the test with a score of 36.5km, the iPhone 7 and 7 plus could not make a call
installation of 4GX in selected areas. Alcatel Pixi Vibe and the Telstra Easycall 4. past 31.5km.
Next G remains the cornerstone of rural While tests from one year to the next The flagship Samsung smartphone,
communications, as it is the most widely- are not perfectly comparable due to the Galaxy S7 Edge, is labelled as a Blue
used network in the bush, even though variations on the day such as the weather Tick phone by Telstra, but was our worst
the Optus ‘Yes G’ network is available in and atmospheric effects, there has been a performing phone on the day, failing
many areas now. But handsets now seem to noticeable decrease in reception over recent to work past 25km. The phone test was
compromise receptive strength for form and years to be significant. repeated but the result stayed the same,
style, with no handsets matching the best What is concerning is that successive leading engineers to wonder whether the
performing phones from previous tests. new models of popular smartphone models unit was faulty. Either way, we face the
JG phone home: When you are a long way from the
phone tower, you better hope you have one of the
more receptive Next G phones in your pocket. Engineer
Josh Giumelli tests the iPhone 7, which showed a
decrease in receptive strength over previous models.
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What is concerning is that
successive new models of
popular smartphones such as
the Apple iPhone have
continued to exhibit weaker
reception over the past few
tests. Disappointingly, the
new iPhone 7 and 7 plus
could not make a call past
31.5km.
same luck-of-the-draw as any consumer SIMPLE PHONES, NOT JUST FOR SENIORS
when purchasing handsets off the shelf for Of the 30 phones tested, only six were not smartphones, offering little choice for those
our testing purposes. We are hoping the new who prefer a simpler unit with a physical keyboard and buttons. Over time, it seems
model Galaxy S8, due later this year, will likely ‘non-smartphones’ may become almost extinct.
put in a better performance. This is a concern as it leaves little choice for the elderly, those with poor eyesight, or
those who simply prefer a simple phone.
POPULAR SMARTPHONES In conjunction with Choice magazine, we tested a couple of phone handsets designed
POLARISE for seniors or people with impaired vision. Of the phones tested, the Olitech Easy
The smartphone stalwarts Apple and Mate, Telstra Cruise, Flip and Easycall 4 models had ‘talking buttons’, a great feature
Samsung seem to be the Ford and Holden for those with poor eyesight. Although the Cruise is a simple phone with a keyboard,
equivalents of mobile phones, with many the buttons are so small that it makes the phone difficult to use, and we wouldn’t
users polarised in their opinions of their recommend it to anyone over the other larger-button models.
preferred handset. Unfortunately, there is a The Telstra Easycall 4, Olitech Easy Mate, Konka U3, and Aspera F24 all featured
fair legacy effect when changing over from programmable call buttons or an ‘SOS’ button, which can be pressed in an emergency
an old model to a brand new model, with to dial a pre-programmed number. This is a great feature and enables one-touch dialling,
many users simply preferring to stick with even if it is just to call close family members. The Olitech is hearing aid compatible.
the same manufacturer, or at least the same While some of these simple handsets lack many features found in even basic
operating system (iOS or Android). smartphones, we believe they should all have Bluetooth connectivity, as this allows
The choice to stick with ‘the devil you them to be paired with the hands-free phone system which is practically standard
know’ is no doubt influenced by familiarity, equipment in today’s vehicles. Of the six phones, the Konka, Aspera, Telstra Easycall 4
compatibility with accessories and charging and the Cruise models did not feature Bluetooth.
equipment, app purchases and subscription • Contact Telstra for the Easycall, Cruise and Flip phones.
to services such as iTunes, which do not • The Konka is available through Big W or see www.konkamobile.com.
readily transfer from one manufacturer to • The Olitech can be purchased online from www.olitech.com.au.
another. • The Aspera is sold through Big W, Target and Australia Post.
The problem with this legacy effect is that
it can prevent consumers from choosing a
new phone based on reception performance.
One option which may appeal to those
with a unit of lower reception strength is
to choose a second, low-cost handset with
greater reception strength (often a Telstra
prepaid handset). This can be stored in
the glovebox of the ute, and the SIM card
swapped over when greater reception is
needed.
This is especially effective if you choose
a unit with an antenna patch lead socket
(currently only the Telstra Tough Max),
and can couple it to a high gain antenna
mounted on the vehicle.
The alternative is to use an in-car
repeater, which is coupled to a high gain
antenna and re-broadcasts the boosted
Keeping it simple: Some simple phones are designed specifically for seniors or those with impaired
phone signal inside the vehicle. These units, eyesight. But some units may appeal to ‘technophobes’ who may simply want to do away with cameras,
such as the Cel-fi Go, are new to the market apps and browsers. Shown from left to right, Olitech Easy Mate, Telstra Flip, Konka U3, Aspera F24, Telstra
and relatively expensive. See page 11 for Easycall 4 and Telstra Cruise.
more information.
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HOW WE TEST PHONES
Our phone test protocol is a simple, albeit
tedious affair, and involves placing a series
of two-way calls at varying distances from a
mobile tower.
Each phone has to locate the network,
and then a call is placed. Both sender
and receiver must be able to carry out a
successful conversation. Phones are placed
on speaker and held in the air facing the
tower, allowing maximum reception for
each unit. In some cases phones need to be
restarted or placed in and out of airplane
mode to prompt them to seek the network.
The greatest distance a two-way call can be
made from the tower is recorded for each
handset. See table 1 for reception test results.
After reception testing, we assemble a
panel of users who assess each model for
best and worst features from a farmer’s
point of view. Some units simply do not
appear robust enough to cope with the Pushed to the Edge: With its glass wrap-around screen, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a work of art stylistically,
rigours of agricultural life. Given that it is but did not perform well on the test track, despite being a Blue Tick unit. It is also a large unit to fit in your pocket,
easy to spend over $1000 on a smartphone, especially once inside a case.
a screen protector and quality protective
case is a necessity. some of the more popular models such as feel they are so large they are difficult to
Due to space constraints, we are unable the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, iPhone 7 carry around in a pocket. Even standard
to feature best and worst features for every and Google Pixel which were not strong size smartphones such as the iPhone 7 and
phone tested. Instead, we have selected performers on the test track. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge are becoming
15 units most likely to appeal to farmers. Although we tested larger handsets so large they feel too bulky in a pocket,
These are chosen primarily due to superior such as iPhone 7 plus, they have not been especially once they are fitted inside a
reception, but we have also featured featured in the individual reports as we protective case.
Two-way conversation: Our results suggest
Telstra’s Blue Tick rating for the handsets is a
reasonable indication of phones with greater
receptive strength, with one or two exceptions.
Instead of lab-testing the phones, we take them
out into rural Australia to test them in similar
conditions to our members.
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2G, 3G, 4G, – WHAT’S THE G?
Geeze: So many different networks, service providers and frequency bands
There are a number of phone networks can be confusing. Here it is in a nutshell: 2G (GSM) has been shut off. 3G is for
in operation around Australia, all using calls and data, and 4G and 4GX are for data only.
different frequencies (see table 3). Just to
confuse the matter, some service providers
use multiple networks or frequencies, and
some providers share each other’s networks.
A phone that works on one network will
not necessarily work on another network,
except to place an emergency call to 000.
Most phones will accommodate four
frequencies or bands, but your service
provider dictates which ones will be used.
As a general rule of thumb, the lower the
frequency, the further the signal will travel
from the phone tower.
Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone own the
various mobile networks in Australia,
although there are several smaller service
providers who resell these networks to end
users. The old 2G or GSM network was 4G
shut down last year, rendering all GSM-only
devices useless. Here is a run-down on the 4G operates across a range of bands amongst service providers, and is typically
main networks in use in Australia. available in suburban areas and larger rural centres. Many rural users may find
themselves fortunate enough to pick up a 4G signal, which offers faster mobile
3G broadband than Next G. The use of a directional yagi 4G antenna can significantly
improve signal strength if you are using this signal for home broadband. 4G is generally
While there are several 3G networks used for data only.
in use across Australia, Telstra’s
850MHz Next G network is the one
most widely used in rural areas for 4GX
calls and mobile broadband. It has
far greater signal penetration than the Some rural centres have been fortunate
higher 2100MHz 3G signal commonly enough to be serviced by Telstra’s 4GX
used in suburban areas. This network broadband network, which can offer
replaced the CDMA network which data speeds in excess of regular 4G
was switched off in 2008. Next G data networks. With the shutdown of the
speeds for mobile broadband can suffer analogue TV service, Telstra acquired
from network congestion, so it may some of the newly freed-up bandwidth
pay to check if you are in an Optus to create this LTE-A network (Long-
Yes G 900MHz coverage area as an term evolution A). 4GX combines the
alternative. 700MHz and 1800MHz frequencies
in a process called carrier aggregation.
Check your Telstra phone will operate
off 700/1800MHz or 4GX if you intend
to use this network in your area.
5G
Unbelievably, Australian telcos are already preparing for the introduction of 5G, a
standard that will see ultra-fast wireless broadband. Telstra will trial 5G at next year’s
Image: iStock.com/Iscatel57
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, but it is expected it will be at least 2020 before 5G
becomes a reality. In terms of speed, 5G will be a quantum leap from 4G, with users
able to download a 1GB file from cloud storage in about three seconds.
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Table 1. Phone reception sensitivity based on distance from tower
15km 20km 25km 30km 35km 40km
Telstra Easycall 4
Alcatel Pixi Vibe
Samsung Galaxy J1
Telstra Flip
Telstra Cruise
iPhone 5C
Konka U3
iPhone 6S
iPhone 5S
Aspera F24
Huawei Y5
iPhone 6
Telstra Tough Max
HTC Desire 530
Telstra 4GX Smart
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15km 20km 25km 30km 35km 40km
Telstra 4GX HD
iPhone SE
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
Moto G4 Play
Olitech Easy Mate
Telstra Signature
Enhanced
Samsung Galaxy J3
Samsung Galaxy J1
Mini
Google Pixel (128GB)
Google Pixel XL
Huawei P9
Telstra 4GX Plus
Samsung Galaxy S7
Edge
Image: iStock.com/flas100
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Table 2. Phone specifications
Operating Screen Removable
Telstra blue Weight Internal
Make/model system (as SIM Size (mm, H x W x D) resolution storage (GB,
tick g memory GB
released) pixels micro SD)
iPhone 7 iOS 10 nano 138.3 × 67.1 × 7.1 138 1334 x 750 32, 128, 256 no
iPhone 7 plus iOS 10 nano 158.2 × 77.9 × 7.3 188 1080 x 1920 32, 128, 256 no
iPhone 6 iOS 8 nano 138.3 × 67.1 × 7.1 143 1334 x 750 16, 64, 128 no
iPhone 6S iOS 10 nano 138.3 × 67.1 × 7.1 143 1334 x 750 16, 32, 128 no
iPhone 5S iOS 7 nano 123.8 × 58.6 × 7.6 112 1136 x 640 16 no
iPhone 5C iOS 7 nano 124.4 x 59.2 x 9 132 640 x 1136 8, 16, 32 no
iPhone SE iOS 9 nano 123.8 × 58.6 × 7.6 113 1136 x 640 16, 64 no
Google Pixel Android 7.0.1 nano 143.84 × 69.54 × 7.31 143 1080 x 1920 32, 128 no
Google Pixel XL Android 7.0.1 nano 154.72 × 75.74 × 7.31 168 2560 x 1440 32, 128 no
Moto G4 Play Android 6.0.1 nano 144.4 x 72 x 9.9 137 720 x 1280 8, 16 256GB max
Samsung Galaxy
S7 Edge Android 6.0.1 nano 150.9 × 72.6 × 7.7 157 2560 x 1440 32 200GB max
Telstra Tough Max Android micro 142.9 × 71.9 × 12 163 1280 x 720 16 32GB max
Telstra Signature
Enhanced Android 6.0.1 nano 142.6 × 71.8 × 7.1 120 720 x 1280 16 128GB max
yes,
Olitech Easy Mate Proprietary standard 120 x 59 x 14.4 99 ns ns
unspecified
yes,
Konka U3 Proprietary standard 106 x 52.7 x 20 111 ns 0.13
unspecified
yes,
Aspera F24 Proprietary standard 105.7 x 52.7 x 20.3 111 ns 0.13
unspecified
HTC Desire 530 Android nano 146.9 × 70.9 × 8.33 140 720 x 1280 16 2TB max
Samsung Galaxy J3 Android 5.1.1 micro 142.3 × 7.9 × 71.0 138 1280 X 720 8 128GB max
Samsung Galaxy J1 Android 5.1.1 micro 132.6 × 69.3 × 8.9 131 480 x 800 8 128GB max
Samsung Galaxy
J1 Mini Android 5.1.1 micro 121.6 × 63.1 × 10.8 126 480 x 800 8 128GB max
Telstra 4GX Smart Android 6.0.1 micro 125 × 10.8 × 64.6 127 480 x 800 8 32GB max
Telstra Flip Proprietary standard 94 × 48 × 18 90 176 x 220 0.13 no
Telstra Cruise Proprietary standard 110 × 47.5 × 11.8 70 176 x 220 0.13 32GB max
Telstra 4GX Plus Android M micro 143 × 72.2 × 8.8 150 854×480 8 32GB max
Telstra 4GX HD Android 5.1 micro 145.9 × 72.8 × 8.75 160 720 x 1280 8 32GB max
Telstra Easycall 4 Proprietary standard 125.8 × 53.8 × 13.75 110 ns ns no
Alcatel Pixi Vibe Proprietary micro 140.7 x 72.7 x 9.5 148 480 x 854 8 32GB max
Huawei Y5 Android 6.0 nano 135.9 x 67.7 x 10 142 480 x 854 8 yes, SD
Huawei P9 Android 6.0 nano 145.0 × 70.9 × 6.95 144 1920 x 1080 32 128GB max
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Camera Battery
Connection Removable Price (inc GST)
resolution capacity NFC 4G 4GX wifi bluetooth
battery
(main) mAh
lightning 12 1960 $1079 (32GB), $1379 (256GB)
lightning 12 2900 $1269 (32GB), $1569(256GB)
lightning 8 1810 $779 (16GB),
lightning 12 1715 $929 (32GB), $1229 (128GB)
lightning 8 1560 $369 (16GB)
lightning 8 1510 discontinued
lightning 12 1624 $679 (16GB), $748 (64GB)
USB-C 12.3 2270 $1079 (32GB), $1229 (128GB)
USB-C 12.3 3450 $1269 (32GB), $1419 (128GB)
micro USB 8 2800 $279 (16GB)
micro USB 12 3600 $1049 (32GB)
micro USB 5 2500 $480
micro USB 13 2300 $684
micro USB 1.3 1000 $169
micro USB 1.3 900 $129
micro USB 1.3 900 $98
micro USB 8 2200 $189 prepaid
micro USB 8 $189
micro USB 5 2050 $169 prepaid
micro USB 5 1500 $119 prepaid
micro USB 5 1600 $69 prepaid
micro USB ns 900 $109 prepaid
micro USB 0.3 820 $35 prepaid
micro USB 5 2200 $99 prepaid
micro USB 8 2240 $129 prepaid
micro USB none 1200 $129 prepaid
micro USB 8 2000 $59 from Coles
micro USB 5 2000 $99 from Harvey Norman
micro USB 12 3000 $650 (32GB, from Kogan)
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Table 3. Phone networks operating in Australia
3G 4G
Calls, text, broadband Fast broadband Population coverage
(claimed)
700MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz,
Telstra 850MHz (Next G), 2100MHz 99.30%
2100MHz, 2600MHz
700MHz, 1800MHz,
Optus 900MHz (Yes G), 2100MHz 2100MHz, 2300MHz, 98.50%
(inc Virgin mobile)
2600MHz
Vodaphone 850MHz, 900MHz, 2100MHz 850MHz, 1800MHz 96%
Cable caper: Frustratingly, there are now three different charging cable standards in use. The Samsung Galaxy S7
Edge (left) uses micro-USB, as do most of the other phone manufacturers. Newcomer Google (middle) uses a USB
type-C connection, which allows a faster charge rate. Apple uses its own lightning connector (right). Of the three Maximum toughness: The Telstra Tough Max is the
connection types, the lightning is by far the easiest to clean out dust and lint without damaging connection pins. only ruggedized phone included in the test, and
also the only unit fitted with an antenna patch lead
socket, which is located under the rectangular door
in the rear of the phone.
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Individual summaries
iPhone 7 Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Google Pixel
LIKES LIKES LIKES
• Water resistance • Ergonomic design, great screen • Good shape, less slippery than iPhone 7
• Easy to use • Very large screen for size of phone and Samsung S7
• Ergonomic design • Water resistant IP68 • No opposed controls
• Stereo speakers • Has SD memory expansion slot • Comfortable to use
• Retina screen display • Time permanently displayed on screen • Great screen, ergonomic design
• Large on-screen keyboard
DISLIKES DISLIKES
• Poorer reception than previous iPhones • Poor receptive strength DISLIKES
• Lack of 3.5mm stereo jack • Potentially easily damaged on farm • Poor receptive strength
• Battery life shows no significant • A bit large for pocket, difficult to use • Have to press side button to turn on
improvement one-handed • Three actions required to make a call
• Protruding camera lens • Hard to pick up off flat surface • Rear glass section (fingerprint reader)
• Opposed buttons (power and volume) • Polarised sunglasses make viewing screen easily damaged
– easy to accidentally press one when difficult • Expensive
pressing the other
Telstra Easycall 4 LIKES
• Ideal for technophobes
• Good receptive strength
• Big buttons, large text, loud ringtone
• Large screen for compact phone
• Has FM radio and light
• Loud ringtone and talking buttons
DISLIKES
• Doesn’t have Bluetooth – won’t work with
handsfree system in car
• Very basic operation
• Plastic screen will scratch
• Expensive ($129) for basic phone
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Telstra Flip LIKES
• Great reception strength
• Very compact, flip phone form
• Good compromise between simplicity and
tech features
• Can program four buttons as shortcut
keys around enter button
• Replaceable battery
DISLIKES
• Tiny text
• Small screen
• No headphone jack
• Difficult to read in direct sunlight
iPhone 6S iPhone SE Telstra 4GX Smart
LIKES LIKES LIKES
• Best reception strength for current model • Smaller size than iPhone 6s or 7 makes • Value for money
iPhones easier to hold, fits in pocket • Good form – nice to hold
• Easy to use • Power button on top • Easy to use one-handed
• Retina display screen • Cheaper option • Replaceable battery
• Has some water resistance
• Still has 3.5mm stereo jack DISLIKES DISLIKES
• Dated design • Highly reflective screen
DISLIKES • Poorer battery life • On-screen keyboards are small
• Opposing buttons on side • Average reception strength • A bit sluggish
• Protruding camera lens
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Telstra Cruise LIKES
• Good reception
• Fits in pocket well
• Top-mounted earphone jack
• Costs $35 – disposable phone
DISLIKES
• Tiny buttons, tiny text
• Web browser next to useless
• No Bluetooth
• Only 1.3MP camera
• Has web access but no Wi-fi
• Difficult to read in direct sunlight
HTC Desire 530 Samsung Galaxy J1 Telstra Tough max
LIKES
• Ruggedised design
• Top mounted earphone jack
• Gorilla glass screen
• Has an antenna port
• Comes with a screen protector
LIKES LIKES
• IP67 rated
• Largish size • Great reception
• Can expand memory with SD card • Good in-between size, easier to grip DISLIKES
• Top-mounted headphone jack • Top-mounted earphone jack
• Big unit, not very ergonomic
• Nice form factor • Great value smart phone
• Screen is very reflective, can’t read with
• Expandable memory
polarised sunglasses unless you turn on
DISLIKES
its side
• Power button sticks out – possibly get DISLIKES
• Largest text setting is pretty small
damaged • Highly reflective screen • Easy to turn on torch button accidentally
• Prominent camera lens • Only 8GB internal memory • Not a great alternative to a smartphone in
• Scratch-prone screen a tough case
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Telstra 4GX HD Alcatel Pixi Vibe Huawei Y5
LIKES LIKES LIKES
• Great value at $129 prepaid • Awesome reception • Good reception
• Great screen • Great value at $59 from Coles • Top mounted earphone jack
• Top-mounted earphone jack • Top-mounted earphone jack • Good form factor, can use one-handed
• Removable battery • Good form factor • Very cheap $99
• SD expansion card (only 32GB though) • Removable battery
• Expandable memory with SD card DISLIKES
DISLIKES • Operation is a bit sluggish
• Large size – very wide DISLIKES • Very reflective screen
• Two-handed phone • Cheap feel • Small text size
• Opposable buttons • Terribly reflective screen, can’t view with • Has software issues
• Only 8GB internal storage polarised sunglasses • You get what you pay for
About the rest: These phones are not featured 3 4
in individual reports section: 2
1. Telstra 4GX plus 1 5 6
2. iPhone 6
3. iPhone 7 plus
4. Google Pixel XL 7
5. Olitech Easy mate
6. Aspera F24
7. Konka U3
8. iPhone 5C 11 10
9. Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini
10. Samsung Galaxy J3
12 9
11. Telstra Signature Enhanced
12. Moto G4 Play
8
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Chris Warrick, Horsham Victoria;
Denis Gallagher, Choice Magazine.
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