Product Review: Grandstream GRP2612 vs. GRP2614
Grandstream’s GRP series of phones are functional, easy to use for end users and are quick deploy-ready for IT teams. We’ve already checked out the Grandstream GRP2613 in a prior review and I was impressed with it.
Today we’re looking at two more members of the GRP family – the GRP2612 and GRP2614. These two phones are similar, with the GRP2614 adding features that we’ll highlight throughout this article. Let’s dive in.
Features and Out-of-the-Box Experience
The Grandstream GRP2612 is the entry level member of the 2600 series, but don’t let that make you think it’s not a fully capable handset. Quite the opposite. This 2-line phone has customizable line keys, Wi-Fi and more.
The GRP2612 phone features:
- A color LCD screen
- 4 multi-purpose programmable line keys
- Support for dual-band WiFi
- HD audio support including codecs such as G.722 and Opus
Adding to this, the top of the line, GRP2614 includes:
- 4-line SIP support
- Dual LCD screen with digital BLD keys
- Integrated Bluetooth
- Gigabit switch auto-sensing Ethernet support with integrated power over ethernet (PoE)
When your Grandstream model arrives, you’ll open the box and discover the phone base unit, ethernet cord, power cords and footstand that allows you to set up the phone at the viewing angle that resonates with your office/desk setup. You will note the Grandstream provides a power adapter in the box – where some other vendors don’t.
Provisioning your Grandstream Phone
After physical setup, the GRP2612/14 is ready for provisioning on your local network. If the Grandstream phone was ordered through the SkySwitch store, the phone will arrive automatically provisioned and ready for use directly out of the box.
As my unit came direct from Grandstream, I simply followed the instructions on the SkySwitch Knowledge Base, which instructed me to:
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- Add the Grandstream’s MAC address to my SkySwitch Dash Manager via the MAC address, which can be found on the rear of the phone.
- Set the GRP2612/14 to use SkySwitch’s provisioning server via the GRP2613’s web user interface.
- To find the GRP2612/14’s IP address, use the onboard menus to navigate to Status, then network, then you’ll see the IP.
- Login on the address using Admin as the login, and the password which is printed on the back of your GRP2612/14
- Set the provisioning server to sipcfg.io/cfg
- Your Grandstream GRP2612/14 will reboot and be ready for use
Use and Performance
Just like the Grandstream 2613 phone, I put through its’ paces earlier, I can report that the GRP2612 performs without a hitch. The GRP2612 features a lovely functional yet well-designed look as it performs as my calling workhorse throughout my workday. Grandstream puts all the most-used function keys within easy reach including headset, mute, conference and more.
In my calling tests, the GRP2612 performed flawlessly. No matter who I was calling, whether it was colleagues accessible by extension or outside mobile and landlines – the callers reported I sounded clear on the handset. The one factor, on the GRP2612, however, was the speakerphone – my callers asked me to repeat myself multiple times, indicating less than ideal performance.
I am happy that the GRP2612 has Wi-Fi built-in as sometimes this is more convenient in my desk and office environment. Having to rely upon a hardwired ethernet connection limits me if I want to move my handset around on my desk without worrying about wires.
As for the GRP2614 – this bigger brother model absolutely shines in performance both in the call-quality category and ergonomics. The speakerphone, which was a weak point on the GRP2612, shined on the GRP2614 as my callers were more audible and my voice was clearer to them also. Also, the handset performance was rock solid.
I enjoyed the dual LED screens on the GRP2614 as I set the lower LED to be set to dial callers I speak to often throughout my workday.
Conclusion
The Grandstream GRP2612 offers an amazing value for money and provides a calling experience that will satisfy the needs for most office workers. With its support for multiple SIP lines, WiFi and more – it performs as well as it looks.
Its big brother, the GRP2614 brings a premium experience that works for executives, managers or heavy phone users who need to have more functionality and screen-displays for easy one-touch access to colleagues and frequent contacts.