The Snom C520 – WiMi is the German Telecoms Developer’s new conference phone designed to deliver cost-effective conference calling support to a wide variety of businesses.
Featuring advanced DECT and Bluetooth Technology, the C520 claims to be one of the most reliable and innovative conference phones available on the market and delivers a unique set of features to help drastically improve business communication in a number of different ways– but how much truth is there in these claims?
In order to find out, we’ve decided to do a review on the product and test how well it lives up to Snom’s reputation as one of the world’s leading producers of high quality business phones.
How does it look?
With its innovative design, three context sensitive keys and graphical backlit display (158 x 57 pixels), the C520 would make a perfect centrepiece for any conference or meeting room and manages to condense a wide variety of cutting edge features into its compact, user-friendly setup.
What can it do?
As a full duplex conference device, the Snom C520 transmits HD sound through high-quality speakers and offers top-of-the-line in-built (and remote) microphones to ensure all conversations are crystal clear in quality from start to finish.
Fitting seamlessly into any working day, the C520 features two detachable DECT microphones that can be freely placed around the room to ensure maximum audio coverage through every call so that no participant goes unheard.
By supporting up to 3 SIP identities, all with simultaneous call management, the C520 offers unparalleled flexibility while its Bluetooth and DECT technologies also enable users to easily connect compatible smartphones to maximise the conference calling experience.
Built for reliability the C520 also provides up to 70 hours of standby time on a single charge, with microphones able to run continuously for up to 12 hours to ensure no conference call is cut off prematurely.
Though primarily built for smaller conference rooms, the C520 also offers wireless expansion with the addition of up to three C52 wireless speaker units to provide long-term support for businesses as they go through periods of growth.
Tech Specs
Call features: Speed dialling, Local dial plan, Call waiting, Call blocking (automatic denial), Hold, Call transfer, Call forwarding synchronised with the server, do not disturb mode (DND), CLIP, CLIR, Conference calling with three participants
Firmware: 3 SIP identities/accounts, Call lists for dialled, received and missed calls with 200 entries, Local directory with 200 entries, Multiple language support, DTMF in-band / out-of-band and SIP-INFO, Interoperable with all major IP PBX platforms
Protocols: SIP (RFC3261), DHCP, (S)NTP, HTTP / HTTPS / TFTP, STUN, LDAP (server-based directory), XSI (server-based directory)
Codecs: G.711 A-law, µ-law, G.722 (wideband), G.726, G.729, Echo suppression, CNG (Comfort Noise Generator), Automatic gain control (AGC)
Hardware Features: Dimensions (approx.): 269 x 282 x 59 mm (HxLxW), Weight (approx.): device 1.5 kg, Input voltage: 12 V DC (SELV), Ethernet port: 10/100 MB, Power supply: PoE or power adapter included, Class 3 PoE, Bluetooth connectivity for two external devices, Bluetooth protocol, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP
What did we like most?
Future growth is important in business and the fact that the C520 offers effortless expansion with additional C52 wireless speaker units shows that Snom is a brand that looks to help support their customers in both the future and the present.
Who is it for?
Though its primary target is SMEs looking for support in small conference meetings or huddle rooms, the expansion options makes it a more than suitable solution for larger businesses, too.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on the Snom endpoints range, take a look at the Snom homepage.
UC Today Opinion
We believe the Snom C520 is a fantastic conference calling solution that offers a wide variety of features that really help businesses improve their conference calling experience without breaking the bank. Effective, reliable and the expansion options make it a wise investment for the future.
Do you have any experiences with the Snom C520 that you wish to share with others? How do you feel it compares with other conference phones available on the market? If there are any opinions you’d like to add or questions you wish to ask, please submit your thoughts to the comments & review section below.
