Pantech Duo Cell Phone Review - Audio Quality
When we test audio quality, we use same equipment used by manufacturers in their production lines. Our hardware is a head and torso simulator, or HATS, which is like a cross between a mannequin and bucket of sophisticated audio equipment. The software we use is
SoundCheck, which is an electro-acoustic analysis program we use to measure the outgoing and incoming frequencies against industry standards. To find out more about our methods, click
here.
Sound Receive Frequency Response (7.26)
The Duo handles received frequencies (i.e. an incoming caller's voice) fairly well. It does have two areas that are a bit off. The lower frequencies are bumped just slightly outside of the limits (red lines), which means that lower frequencies are slightly exaggerated. Conversely, the graph drops off sharply at the higher frequencies, clipping the edge of the limits. This combination means voices will sound a little boomy, but also somewhat clipped. However, these are both relatively minor issues, so incoming voices should generally sound okay.
| Cell Phone |
Palm Centro (on Sprint) |
HTC Tilt (on AT&T) |
Nokia N95 (Unlocked) |
| Score |
6.24 |
8.04 |
6.46 |
| Received Sound Frequency Response Graph (click to view) |
 |
 |
 |
Sound Send Frequency Response (4.94)
The Duo has some problems handling its user's voice. As you can see by this graph, the Duo hits cruising altitude a good distance above the desired limit. Towards the end, it takes a nose dive back into acceptable territory before continuing its descent and clipping the bottom limit on its way out. Suffice to say, this isn't what the ideal graph would be; your voice will sound overly clipped at the higher frequencies.
| Cell Phone |
Palm Centro (on Sprint) |
HTC Tilt (on AT&T) |
Nokia N95 (Unlocked) |
| Score |
7.82 |
7.44 |
6.81 |
| Received Sound Frequency Response Graph (click to view) |
 |
 |
 |
Handset Side Tone (2.94)
Side tone refers to the amount of your own voice the phone plays back to you. We use side tone to judge how loudly we sound on the other end. The ideal measurement is -18 decibels, but the Duo measured a bit lower, at -25.06 decibels. This is a bit low, and might make you talk louder than you need to to make yourself heard.
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| Shop
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Individual |
450 |
0.0889 |
39.99 |
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Individual |
6000 |
0.0333 |
199.99 |
| Shop
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Family |
550 |
0.1091 |
59.99 |
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Family |
1400 |
0.0643 |
89.99 |
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Data |
0 |
0.0000 |
59.99 |
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Data |
0 |
0.0000 |
44.99 |
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