SPA504G Vs SPA514G – The Next Level Business Communication
It’s a no brainer thata poor business communications system equals minimum productivity.How can you narrow your search for an effective communication system for your business?
Because zero productivity is not your goal for your business we have just what you need to help you make aninformed decision towards an effectively competitive business communication system. We are confident that if you are looking to switch or upgrade your communication system, this review will aid your process!
What are the Differences between SPA504G and SPA514G
SPA 504G |
SPA 514G (Winner) |
|
Display |
3” 128 x 64 Monochrome LCD Graphical Display with back light |
3” 128 x 64 Monochrome LCD Graphical Display with back light |
Phone features |
Basic features plus 3-way conference call capability, intercom, |
Basic features plus conference capability
|
Lines |
4 |
4 |
Audio Features |
Voice Activity Detection (VAD), Comfort Noise Generation (CNG), HD Voice |
Voice Activity Detection (VAD), Comfort Noise Generation (CNG), HD Voice |
Phone Memory |
100 names /numbers directory, 60 numbers each missed, dialed and received calls |
150 names /numbers directory, 100 numbers each missed, dialed and received calls |
Ethernet ports |
2 Ethernet ports |
2 Gigabit Ethernet ports |
Electronic Hook Switch (EHS) |
No |
Yes |
PoE Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Security |
SIP/TLS, SRTP, HTTS |
SIP/TLS, SRTP, HTTS |
Table of Contents
SPA504G Vs SPA514G- How Do They Compare?
Both the SPA504G and the SPA514G are VoIP phones by the giant telecommunications company Cisco. The SPA500 phone series are reliable, affordable and feature-rich. They were designed to simply and improve communications across an entire business. These stylish affordable phones support integrated voice and data, easy to use, intuitive phone features, SIP based interoperability, and Network compatibility with Cisco’s communication system (Cisco Smart Business Communication System). So, how do these two phones compare?
Audio Features
The SPA5OOG series audio features greatly enhanced to effectively handle all communication within the office or workplace. The SPA504G and SPA514G share these enhanced audio capabilities:
- Voice Activation Detection (VAD) – unlike normal conversations where one person listens when the other is speaking, toll networks have a bi-directional channel of 64,000 bits per second (bps) irrespective of whether or not someone is speaking. This wastes more than half the total bandwidth, considering the pauses and breaks in normal speech. VoIP utilizes the wasted bandwidth on other things when VAD is enabled. VAD works by gauging speech levels and deciding when to cut off framing of a voice.
- Comfort Noise Generation (CNG)- this is the generation of background tone/noise used in wireless communication and radio to fill the artificial silence in transmission caused by VAD
- HD Voice – this is a suite of services promote clear, natural sounding audio.
In addition, both phones come with a high quality handset and cradle together with a built in high quality microphone and speaker, and a voicemail message waiting indicator light.Similarly, the built-in high quality microphone and speaker is one of the features found in both the SPA504G and 514G, which enables effective communication.
Basic Features
Though the SPA514G is an upgrade of the older SPA504G, the two phones share lots of basic phone features including call transfer, call waiting, automatic redial, 4 programmable keys, music on hold, on-hook dialing, built-in web server, etc.
The SPA504G has the more limiting 3-way conference capability, in that only a maximum of 3 people can participate in a conference call. SPA524G is not limited in this way. The SPA504G also has the now outdated intercom facility.
Connectivity
Both phones come with a Power over Internet adapter which powers the data transmission. This means the phone does not rely on the availability of electric power to function. Some versions of the SPA514G model also come with an AC power adapter, though the phone under review doesn’t. Having the AC adapter offers the flexibility of choosing to use power or the PoE. Versions with both AC adapters and PoE definitely cost more. All the same, even for versions without the AC adapter, it can easily be purchased separately.
The SPA504G has two Ethernet ports while the SPA514G has 2 Gigabit ports. One of the ports is for a computer with PoE and the other for network. SPA504G’s Ethernet ports can only achieve theoretical maximum speeds of 100mbps, which is not as high as what the Gigabit ports of the SPA514G phone achieves. Moreover, the SPA514G comes with an EHS switch which makes hands-free phone handling possible.
SPA504G Vs SPA 514G- Comparison Review
SPA504G
The SPA504G is a Line IP phone that is well suited for small businesses as well as home offices. Its small size makes is convenient to fit on desks within the work place. It comes withcommon phone features like speakerphone, call on hold, call forwarding etc. It has 4 key lines, 3-way conferencing capability and two Ethernet ports with integrated Ethernet switches.
Pros
- Built in High quality microphone and speaker
- Password protected-system
- PoE supported
- Easy Installation
- Highly secure remote provisioning
Cons
- Contains no Gigabit Ethernet ports
- It has no Electronic Hook Switch (EHS)
The SPA514G
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet switched ports
- Speakerphone, caller ID, call hold, conferencing, and more
The SPA514G provides advance voice and data communications features, many of which are similar to those of the SPA504G. It, however, has numerous a few features that sets it apart from the SPA504G. These include having a phone directory of 150 names and contacts, and 100 call records each for dialed, missed and received calls. This is in contrast to SPA504G’s directory capacity of 100 and call records of 60.
In addition, it also has Gigabit ports which improve call handling speeds, EHS for use of headsets and an option of versions with PoE only, or those with an AC power adapter.
Pros
- Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Electronic Hook Switch (EHS)
- Easy to install and manage
- High capacity phone directory and call records
- Conference capacity
Cons
- No USB ports
- Gray display (I.e. no color)
Conclusion
Both the SPA504G and SPA514G come with Cisco’s reliable high quality features, e.g. the audio features. They would ably handle the communication needs of a small to medium enterprise. The slight differences between the SPA504G and SPA514G cannot be downplayed, however. They make the SPA514G the executive phone of the two, for example, the EHS which eliminates mechanical actions likelifting a receiver! We therefore end this review by saying that if all you need is a good functional phone at a reasonable price, then the SPA504G will suffice. If you don’t mind spending a little more for some frills and enhanced performance, then go for the SPA514G.
Verdict: Which is better- SPA504G or SPA514G?
Being an upgrade of SPA504G,the SPA514Ghas some performance enhancing features like Gigabit ports that enable data to be transmitted at incredible speeds. These features greatly enhance communication efficiency in the workplace. As such, the SPA514G is the better phone of the two.
Frequently asked questions
How do I setup my Cisco SPA504G IP Phone?
The process is a fairly simple one. You will have to bring up the Setup menu bar and in order to do this you have to press on the paper button on your SPA504G. Once on the Setup menu scroll to option 3 then press select to bring up the Settings Menu. On the settings menu press 5 then select to bring up the Network Configuration Menu.
How do I change the name of my Cisco SPA514G IP Phone?
To start the process log into Call Manger, select Device then select Phone. You will then select the phone that you desire to change the name on. Click on the line you want to change. This is found on the left hand side under Association Information.