Polycom VVX 600 Vs 601 – Polycom’s Little Luxuries in IP Telephony

Whether or not it is a battle of the giants, Polycom’s top of the range IP phones- Polycom VVX 600 and 601 aren’t without surprises, or are they?

The Polycom VVX 600 series are business media phones that are premium and built for executives and managers who need life’s little luxuries as they work smart at the forefront of business leadership and success. These phones are powerful but intuitive, expandable but consistent. So, what would make one phone in the series more ideal than the other? Walk with us through this review to discover which of the phones better suits you.

What are the Differences BetweenPolycom VVX 600 and601?

Polycom VVX 600 Vs 601 – How Do They Compare?

The VVX 600 was geared towards heavy phone users. However, its memory was limited and so it is no longer manufactured or supported by Polycom. The VVX 601 joined the market as the VVX 600’s replacement.  How do these two phones therefore compare and contrast?

User Interface Features

Both the Polycom VVX 600 and VVX 601 are sophisticated and good looking, coming in a black glossy plastic that matches its reflective LCD. It is relatively small in size so does not take up much desk space. The phoneshave a large screen – 4.3” TFT (480X272) touchscreen. This makestheir navigation precise.

Both phones under review have a highly responsive touchscreen, in comparison to other models. The touchscreen is both gesture-based and capable of multi-touch. This simplifies tasks like scrolling through a web page using a finger or quickly typing in SIP addresses using the on-screen virtual keyboard.

Audio Features

Like all Polycom phones, the VVX 600 and VVX 601 have exceptional high voice quality, thanks to the Polycom’s HD Voice. It combines Polycom’s acoustic clarity technology, wideband technology (Polycom’s Siren codec, G.722 and G.722.1) and sound quality boosting software and hardware, to deliver exceptional sounding calls.

Video Conferencing

While both phones under review support video calling and conferencing, the function are not achieved right out the box.  A Polycom-branded USB camera accessory has to be purchased separately to enable video.

Basic Features

Both phones under review have 16 lines and can register up to 16 accounts. In other words, users can register up to 16 lines, translating into 16 different SIP accounts registered on one phone. Each line in addition gets multiple line appearances which enables jumping on multiple calls (up to a maximum of 24) using the same SIP account. These translate to the phone holding so many calls.

Both phones’ standard set of hard keys comprise a num-pad that has large and easy to use round buttons. These buttons activate the headset, mute or speaker, control volume and enable users access the main ‘home’ screen on the touchscreen’s display.

Advanced Features

Both phones under review have web integration and are able to sync with applications like Microsoft Exchange Calendar, Skype for Business and Office 365 Cloud. The phones also support JavaScript, CSS, HTML5 and SSL security. Finally, the streaming media video playback and the video conferencing through an external USB, add a nice touch to the phone’s advanced features.They also have an integrated Bluetooth support and the API toolkit. The toolkit is valuable in customer development. It gives developers a chance to build relevant apps for the phone.

The VVX 601 has an enhanced memory/chipset. This enables My Info Portal application users to access any web based information right from the phone’s screen

Connectivity

Both phones under review have Gigabit Ethernet ports which can achieve theoretical gigabit speeds. Both phones also come with a Power over Internet (PoE) adapter which powers the data transmission. The phones do not therefore rely on availability of power to function. All the same, some versions of the phones under review also come with an AC power adapter. Having the AC adapter has the flexibility of choosing to use power or the PoE. These versions cost more. Nevertheless, for those versions without the AC adapter, one can always buy the adapter separately.

In addition, both phones have 2 USB ports for storage, multimedia and certain USB headphones. The phones also have an electronic hook switch which allows users to pick up or hang up calls using wireless headsets control.

Polycom VVX 600 Vs 601  – A Comparison Review?

Polycom VVX promises to bring unified communication and next level productivity to the user’s desktop. It targets managers and workers requiring an advanced phone that complements their multi-tasking and schedule juggling.

The Polycom VVX 600

Polycom VVX 600 IP Phone PoE New (2200-44600-025) (Power Supply Not Included)

• 16 lines (registrations)
• Flexible line appearance (one or more line keys can be assigned for each line extension)

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The Polycom VVX 600 delivers premium business media phone functionality to heavy phone users. It comes with a color touchscreen of 4.3 inches, whicheffectively confers smartphone attributes to a desk phone. The large screen eliminates fat-finger erroneous typing. The phone also supports JavaScript, CSS, HTML5 and SSL security.

The Polycom VVX 600 is designed for business executives who need class with advanced phone functionality. It has the standard call handling features common to other phones like call mute, hold, transfer, Do not disturb, caller ID, etc. It also has some advanced features like streaming media video playback, integration with other applications and video conferencing through an external USB. The phone also supports Bluetooth a benefit for those preferring the use of a wireless headset to make calls. The VVX 600 has 16 lines.

The phone is able to integrate and complement other applications to improve a workplace’s productivity and efficiency all round. For example, users can access and update their Microsoft Outlook Calendar on the screen, while talking on the phone. In addition, the feature can be used to set reminders for important events on the calendar. Its innovative web-based configuration makes installation and management easy.

Pros

• Simplified, fast provisioning process
• Excellent voice quality
• Large screen
• Bluetooth

Cons

• Highly priced
• No longer supported by Polycom

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The Polycom VVX 601

Polycom VVX 601 Corded Business Media Phone System - 16 Line PoE - 2200-48600-025 - AC Adapter (Not Included) - Replaces VVX 600

• 16 x Total Line
• VoIP

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This phone is a replacement of the Polycom VVX 600 which is no longer manufactured or supported by Polycom, because its memory was limited. The VVX 601 therefore has all the features the VVX 600 had. In addition, it has an enhanced memory/chipset.This offers improved productivity and unparalleled voice clarity by Polycom HD Voice.

Pros

• Integration with workplace apps
• Easy to set up and manage
• Enhanced CPU/Chipset
• Supported by Polycom
• Large screen
• Superb sound quality

Cons

• Highly priced

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Conclusion

Apart from the fact that the VVX 600 is no longer supported by Polycom, the only other difference the Polycom VVX 601 holds over the VVX 600 is the enhanced CPU/Processor or Memory which makes it more efficient and expandable, meaning it can be expanded to support future applications. The Polycom VVX 600 is still top of the range, and may cost even less, now that it is not supported by the manufacturer. Making a decision between the VVX 600 and the 601 requires a trade-off between good service at a fair price or enhanced service and continued Polycom support at a higher cost.

Verdict: Which is better – the Polycom VVX 600 or 601?

The fact that Polycom VVX 600 is no longer supported by Polycom, makesPolycom VVX 601with its enhanced performance a safer option. After all, one can never be too safe where business is concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key benefits of VVX 501 and 601?

An enhanced memory and more productive and efficient calls with unparalleled voice clarity

Is call recording possible with VVX 501/601?

This can only be achieved through recording the audio calls on a flash disk (USB), connected to the phone.