The Yealink VP59 is a breakthrough device in its own right, but not only because it seamlessly introduces video calls to the desk phone.
In addition to its video capacities, the VP59 offers advanced integration possibilities. The VP59 can be used as a multifunctional personal device, conference room device, or even an extension to door security systems.
Table of Contents
Variations
Before going any further, there’s an important distinction to consider. There are two variations to the VP59 – Teams and SIP. The main difference between the two comes from the on-screen interface.
As the name suggests, the VP59 Teams is specifically optimized for Microsoft Teams. The VP59 Teams has the Teams application preconfigured as the main operating software.
On the other hand, 59VP SIP is preconfigured with Yealink’s signature SIP module. This is why the VP59 SIP’s interface and navigation are identical to other Yealink’s T4S and T5S series products.
Think of the VP59 Teams as a hardware extension to an app-based softphone, while the VP59 SIP – is a continuation of the desk phone experience.
Except for the interface, there are a few other important differences. These all have to do with integration with other devices. In that regard, the VP59 SIP offers way more than its Teams-optimized counterpart.
Users can pair the VP59 with up to 4 wireless DECT devices with the SIP version. In addition, the SIP version can be integrated into a home security system.
Other than the on-screen interface and the device integration capacities, there are no differences between the VP59 Teams and the VP59SIP. Both share the same design and features, based on Android 7.1 OS.
This review will address both versions’ shared characteristics under the common ‘VP59 umbrella.
At a Glance
The first impression about the Yealink VP59 must be the fairly big touchscreen. The screen delivers vivid images with its 8-inch size, 1200×800 resolution, and color-rich LCD.
The touchscreen is a ‘capacitive touchscreen’, meaning more complex tasks such as pinch-to-zoom can be performed.
The touchscreen, in combination with the quick Android 7.1 OS, makes for one fast response speed and a smooth navigation experience.
Also, there’s an LED indicator at the top of the screen. Its function is to notify users about missed calls, voicemails, or upcoming events.
One great little touch about the screen is that it is adjustable. That is, it can be positioned under multiple viewing angles. The total adjustment range is 55 degrees.
Another component that instantly catches the eye is the camera at the top of the screen.
It is a 2-megapixel HD camera with a privacy shutter and adjustable angles. It can stream full HD video (1080P) at 30 frames per second. As the tests showed, the VP59’s camera delivers a superb, ‘life-like image.
The camera is pre-integrated within the VP59 phone, but at the same time, it is detachable. This means the camera can still be used only with the VP59 but can be positioned at alternative locations.
For example, the camera can be detached from the phone and mounted on the top of a monitor through a special bracket. This provides extra flexibility for video conferencing, as the included USB 3.0 cable for the camera is 10 feet long.
The VP59’s body feels pretty solid on the desk. Like other devices from the T5S series, the VP59 has a tangibly premium feeling. However, one novel design decision is the speaker right underneath the screen.
The metallic hard buttons include a number pad and keys with basic call-handling functions such as mute, transfer, hold, and redial.
Set-Up & Configuration
The VP59 Teams and SIP phone versions automatically initialize once supplied with power. However, the configuration procedure for each is different.
The SIP version is configured following a simple procedure involving Yealink’s web-based admin panel. The whole procedure takes less than 15 minutes.
Alternatively, the VP59 SIP can be configured directly by opening the Yealink panel on the device itself. However, this would be more time-consuming and unnecessarily complex at this point.
It gets even simpler for the Teams-optimized version. When the VP59 Teams is initialized, users must enter their Teams credentials. And that’s about it. There is no manual configuration work to be done—plug-and-play at its best.
User Interface
As known by now, the user interface is the main difference between the SIP and Teams versions. Therefore, this section will discuss the user interface of each version individually.
Still, it must be mentioned that both versions are based on Android 7.1 OS. This version of Android is much more bug-free than the 5.5 OS, which was used on previous Yealink video phones.
The Android 7.1 OS appears to be working significantly better overall. Not only is it more bug-free, but it is also faster and can support heavier apps (for the SIP version).
SIP:
The SIP version has the classic Yealink phone interface. It is safe to say that out of the two variations, the SIP one surely is the one that is more on the phone side.
It has a phonebook with up to 1000 entries and audio recording options. Also, there are 27 DSS keys.
These are programmable keys that can be set to perform various functions. The most common approach is to set the DSS keys as speed dial keys. Nevertheless, there are other options as well.
For example, a DSS key can be a shortcut to the phone’s directory or for activating the DND mode.
Android 7.1 allows the support of third-party video conferencing apps such as Zoom or Teams (Yes, the SIP version can also run Teams. But this is not the same as being entirely dedicated to Microsoft’s application).
When tested, both apps run quite well. Even better, there was no delay between audio and video.
Teams:
The Teams interface perfects simplicity. The home screen displays a list of all the scheduled meetings on the left and the joining button on the right. It takes just one click to enter any meeting.
Navigating the VP59 Teams is like navigating any other application on your smart device. Also, users can set their profile picture, change their theme color to black, etc.
Unsurprisingly, the VP59 Teams is fully compatible with Office 365.
Audio Quality
Regarding acoustic performance, the VP59 lives up to its premium positioning. And yes, this applies to both versions.
The VP59 is equipped with the HD Voice audio system – both the handset and the speaker deliver HD audio quality.
When tested, the VP59’s HD Voice system fulfilled its promise of ‘crystal-clear’ voice quality. Regardless of using the speaker or the handset, the other party’s voice sounded quite clear and rich.
Moreover, the handset is HAC (Hearing-Aid Compatible). This means it has special in-built technology that amplifies the sound, thus helping people with hearing loss to have unhindered conversations.
The VP59’s audio is solid both ways. The phone is further equipped with an omnidirectional microphone. This means that the microphone can pick up speech from all directions.
Also, the in-built Noise Proof Technology purifies speech by eliminating background noises. How does it work?
The NPT has a special sensor that recognizes and automatically extracts human speech out of the many noises in the room.
This is a truly valuable feature for anyone whose workflow involves multitasking. Because with the Noise Proof Technology, one can speak on the phone while also doing typing work on a PC without any noise from the typing overwhelming the other party.
Hardware & Network Connectivity
The VP59 has a built-in Bluetooth 4.2 that enables a seamless connection to mobile devices.
Besides, the VP59 has built-in Wi-Fi. This should be good news for everyone overwhelmed by the cable clutter around their workspaces.
For users who can afford a few more cables, the VP59 also has a dual-port Gigabit Ethernet for LAN cables. Moreover, the VP59 can be powered via a PoE cable (given that your router is PoE-optimized).
One alternative for powering to the PoE method is with a relatively common power adaptor (AC100~240V input and DC 12V/1A output). This item is not included by default and must be obtained/claimed additionally.
The VP59 also has an HDMI output port connecting to the TV and monitors. This makes it suitable for conference room set-ups.
Also, the VP59 has 2 USB ports – one is USB 2.0, while the other is USB 3.0.
USB 3.0 is strictly reserved for the camera. It is either directly plugged into it or extended via the included 3.0 USB cable.
The VP59 is optimized for USB headsets. Therefore the 2.0 port could be used for one. Products from the same brand often make the best matches. In this case, this is the Yealink UH36.
Alternatively, the USB 2.0 port can connect the DD10K dongle. The dongle allows the VP59 to switch calls with up to 4 DECT wireless devices.
This is a great option for executives who still need to move around the office/home office a lot. However, it is only available with the SIP version.
Final Words
Overall, both versions of the Yealink VP59 are quality and reliable products. The choice depends on which one will fit your needs best.