Panasonic KX-TG4032B

The bottom line

The Panasonic KX-TG4032B enjoys enviable consumer reviews on a number of electronics sites. Consumers rave about the sound quality, reception and ease of use of the phone and its answering system. Battery life is another high point, and users particularly like the talking caller ID feature, which announces the name or number of who is calling. Volume can be low at times, so it's not an easy phone for people with hearing loss to use, owners say. While this phone is being replaced with newer models, it is well liked by many users and reviewers and continues to be available for sale.

Performance

Crystal-clear sound quality. Reviewers endorse the Panasonic KX-TG7643M for its excellent sound quality and static-free reception. There are very few complaints about its performance. The range and lack of interference with other devices (thanks to DECT technology) are important to users. The headset jack and large keys make the phone easy to use. The phone runs on rechargeable AAA batteries, and has a decent battery life with a bar indicating the charge level. It does not include the ability to use handset batteries as a backup in a power outage, as do other models like the Best Reviewed Panasonic KX-TG7643M.

Durability

Durable and lightweight, but no backup power. The phone is lightweight, and users admire the design. One customer had trouble with the second handset base failing to charge, though long-term users report few issues with durability.

Features

Talking caller ID announces incoming calls. The talking caller ID is a clear winner among users, who laud the phone's many features. Data (such as phone numbers) and preferences are transferred automatically between handsets. Phone and ringer volume are adequate, but not for those who are hard of hearing. Some miss a feature of previous Panasonic phones that would allow one-touch redial of missed calls. Reviewers point out that the answering machine display doesn't indicate the number of waiting messages, and that no speed dial is available.

In Panasonic's cordless phone series, the model number indicates the number of handsets: the Panasonic KX-TG4032B cordless phone has two handsets, the identical KX-TG4033B has three, the KX-TG4034B has four, and so on. If you know you want extra handsets, it is generally less expensive to buy them as part of the phone's base unit package.