With the imminent shutdown of the Telstra's CDMA network -- as of 28 January, 2008 -- the Telstra F165, or "country phone", is a purpose built handset for mobile phone owners in rural Australia. While we'll have to take Telstra's word for the phone's ability to access their Next G network from remote locations; we did manage to test out the rest of the phone's feature set.
Design
Let's not beat around the bush; the F165 isn't a latte sipping café dweller or a cocktail swilling city night-owl, in fact, it's probably never drunk anything through a straw before in its life. The sturdy rubberised fascia and unsightly external antenna suggests a life on the land, light years away from glamorous, celebrity-endorsed fashion phones that grace the social pages, billboards, and bus shelters.
But while it may not win any beauty pageants the F165 wins big points for being very easy to use. The numeric keypad is made up of very large keys and the screen, while on the small side, is clear and easy to read. There is absolutely no mistyping using this handset. The menu is simple and easy to navigate, with everything where you'd expect it to be.
The size of the F165 is both a blessing and a curse, and even people who regularly tote around larger model BlackBerrys will be put off by the size of this handset, especially for a device that isn't a smartphone or PDA and won't double as a mobile PC. Weighing in at 120g you do need a purse, a man-bag or saddle-bags to carry the F165 around as it's not at all pocket-friendly.
Features
The external antenna is worth noting again; it's just so old-school. Not only is there an inch high raised knob on top of the device, but within this the antenna extends even further. Perhaps it's nostalgia, and we're sure Freud would have a field-day with this, but there's something sexy about tugging the antenna up before making a call, something akin to wearing "aviator" sunglasses and pretending you're more important than you actually are.
The F165 is quad-band with HSDPA data communications, and while the speed is always welcome; it seems out of place in the F165, as the built-in Web browser really doesn't do the Web justice, even basic text based Web pages are both difficult to read and navigate. Content on the BigPond mobile Web portal is accessed quickly, including music that can be downloaded and played through the onboard media player. Alternatively music can be imported from your PC using the supplied software and a USB cable. The F165 supports Bluetooth 1.2.
Text messaging is a breeze with the massive keys and T9 predictive text software, similar to software used in Nokia phones. The F165 supports e-mails either using your BigPond e-mail address or alternative e-mail using POP3 or SMTP protocols. There's also a basic 2-megapixel camera onboard that takes reasonably good pictures without the assistance of a flash.
Performance
We really wish we could have "gone bush" with the F165 and tested out the reception of the Next G network. Deep within the concrete jungle the reception we experienced during calls was excellent, and the internal speaker was loud and clear.
After struggling with the Web browser we were surprised by how enjoyable watching Foxtel and BigPond TV is on the "country phone". The size of the screen doesn't lend itself to long sessions of indulging one's inner couch-potato, but for short bursts of news or sport the F165 is quite a handy mobile TV.
Battery life seems about average, three to four hours talk time and 10 days standby on the Next G network. Out of the ordinary is the five hours manufacturer ZTE estimate it takes to recharge the battery. This is probably a no-brainer for rural mobile users, but a car-charger seems a necessary purchase to be sure you always have a full charge.
Overall
In a fashion conscious industry, such as technology, it is refreshing to use a phone that is a phone first and a media accessory second. This phone isn't going to compete as an all-in-one multimedia monster, like the Nokia N95; although it's pertinent to mention the N95 in a review of the F165 as they are both part of an exclusive list of phones, known Blue Tick phones, tested by Telstra for superior reception in rural areas.
Obviously we're a pack of latte sipping city-slickers here at CNET (soy decaf lattes no less!) but we suspect the F165 will have strong appeal to people in rural areas of Australia, currently using Telstra's CDMA network, who will be forced to upgrade their handsets in the New Year.
The large keypad and ease of use of the "country phone" should find a market in the city too, for people who work outdoors and require sturdy handsets, and with older people who rate the useability of their mobile phone over the bells and whistles of the competition.
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pirate.machine
22/06/2008, 11:48 AM
rating
1/10
I have a funny feeling Telstra has people working round the clock to leave nice comments about their crappy products. I worked in a Telstra store for about 6 months and From my limited experience, I would say that zte’s were the most prone to failure. They were the most difficult to use, with unintuitive software, and were the least well spec'd. If you are thinking about buying one of these, do yourself a favor and buy a Nokia. Or any other Phone. Seriously, they are all better than this.
Pros: No one will steal it because it is so ugly.
So heavy that you could save on gym membership by lifting this phone instead.
Cons: Everything.
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beelzebub
15/06/2008, 04:18 PM
rating
2/10
the only phone i have used worse than this is the zte151 i have whilst my 165 is being repaired. its ugly, huge, has crappy software, no features, a big lump where the antenna doesnt fit in the case, crappy car kit, bad setup...ummm. if you are looking for a small brick that is useful for nothing but making phone calls - this is the phone for you. oh by the way, it gets VERY hot after being on the phone for 10 minutes - and no, its not just my model. the company i work for bought these and we ALL have the same problems.
Pros: reception
Cons: battery
size
design
software
options
carkit
its from zte and telstra - 2 companies pushing crap products
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lg ku250
10/06/2008, 01:54 PM
rating
8/10
Best for businessmen. This is very hard body hand set. Specially made for those persons those who always on journey or on business tours. I like this phone because of its fast and efficient features. Although i gave rank to this gem is excellent.
Pros: Small form factor.
Very light.
Decent talk time.
Solid construction.
Intuitive menu design.
Finger-friendly keypad.
Cons: Nothing.
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Alex Shackleton
26/04/2008, 07:44 PM
rating
8/10
In terms of Vic and WA reception it out-does my other 3G Nokia easily. Very impressed with phone reception and mobile web for things like weather radar etc.
Pros: Reception and big keys
Cons: Still doesn't feel as robust as my old Nokia 'tradies' phone. It took 6 months for the car charger to come out!
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matthew260
26/03/2008, 04:10 PM
rating
9/10
all u people complaning about it come down to south tassie with your other phones i bet u will be glad u have a f165
Pros: service where others dont
Cons: size for pocket
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bricks
17/03/2008, 01:38 AM
rating
2/10
To those who gave it 10/10 go back to mars as you are nuts or from telstra, I have had this phone for 4 months now and while it isn't as bad as the 1st 3 F158's they sold our company it is not a good phone. There has been no real reserch gone into functionality or durability which is what they say it's supposed to be, I can no longer see 3 of the buttons as the cheap paint has rubbed off, the silicone around the bottom is peeling off and isn't that thick so doesn't offer protection, the plastic clip offered with phone is a joke and the current record at or work is 3 days before they break (mines 4hrs) and that's from getting into the work van. finally about to order leather case as keeping it in my pocket has resulted in a scratched camera lens and a cracked screen from my keys when I sit down, Connection to pc is sooo slow you think it's from 2004. not brave enough to extend antenna as it's flimsy as others have said, the ZTE website say's they are "shaping the future of the worlds communications" problems is they are 3-4 years behind everyone else. oh and also if you have a micro sd card in it you should put tape over the cover as mine has ejected several times, luckily into my pocket. DONT RECOMMEND!
Pros: Headset good for those going deaf, just not on MP3 playback though. Camera easy to use, makes good frisby when you end contract
Cons: Don't get me started, NOT Durable, poor quality materials on case and keypad, some customising resticted by telstra, Belt clip! Slow in PC connection, lots of missed calls as any key mutes which happens when you walk.
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Harley Dennis
01/03/2008, 03:48 PM
rating
10/10
I gave it a 10/10 because of what the phone is. It does work in normal dead spots as I have tested it against other Next G phones. The phone is not perfect, but then which one is, all phones have good and bad features. If they made the perfect phone they would not sell that many, because nobody would upgrade. I have two T-165 phones for business and personal use in the bush, and I am satisfied with them. They should make them IP or MIL SPEC rated for outdoor use. The phone is tough but it will still break. At the end of the day its a basic phone, we need to get back to basics, some phones are two full of technology and multimedia, if you are looking for a pocket toy than this is not for you. If you are looking for a practical low end phone, I would consider this unit. I am old school, I just want a phone to be a phone and work as a phone. One day they may get it right. But for now the T-165 will do.
Pros: Basic design and features, easy of use, light, durable build - but I have not dropped it yet...time will tell.
Cons: Big phone, could have been better made for outdoor use and weather protection.
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Elmo
01/03/2008, 07:30 AM
rating
10/10
good phone under-rated, performs better than most phones twice its cost, signal quality much better in country areas.
Pros: good all purpose phone, easy to use, practical priced phone.
Cons: Should come with car kit as standard seeing its marketed to country users etc.
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Bobby Smith
29/02/2008, 08:05 PM
rating
10/10
Great Phone works much better in low signal areas. Have used 3 various Next G phones, but this one out performs them all in signal quality.
Pros: Light, easy to use, and very responsive.
Cons: Could have been made smaller, silly little pull up aerial.
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Razor Bak
29/02/2008, 05:30 PM
rating
10/10
Good Work & Outdoor Cell Phone. Easy to use.
Pros: Big Phone, Fairly Tough Build.
Cons: Small Digits for SMS.
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