Polycom RealPresence Group Series vs. Yealink Conference Phones

If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one

Incentivized

Yealink Conference Phones are well-suited for small to large-sized businesses. It provides excellent call quality in an easy-to-use interface which makes it perfect for any type of office or conference room. It does require power-over-ethernet, so you will require either a network switch with PoE or a separate adapter that will provide power to the phone.

Incentivized

• The audio and video quality can not be matched.
• For the most part, they are rather simplistic in their use and just work. People don't usually have a hard time operating them
• They are rather versatile in that we have been able to integrate them with other applications

Incentivized

• Audio clarity
• Noise reduction
• ease of use

Incentivized

• The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens.

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• Admin menu options could be easier to reach.
• Programming via the web interface requires some advanced knowledge.
• Rebooting the phone takes a little longer than previously used systems.

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We love the product and is totally integrated in our company.

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The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).

Incentivized

I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.

Incentivized

I have only had to contact Yealink once in the entire time we have been using their phones. The issue was resolved quickly and did not impact our day-to-day business. Their website provides excellent support; user manuals are available, as well as firmware upgrades that you are able to download and install.

Incentivized

The Polycom RealPresence Group Series was top of the line. It had a lot more features as well as the ability to integrate with Microsoft Teams. With Highfive, you had to pay to keep the device running and it was more like renting it. Although we pay maintenance with Polycom we will own the devices. The Highfive camera also didn't move. Lifesize was comparable but it did not integrate with Microsoft Teams at the time. It may as of now, I am not sure.

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We tried out the poly com and the Avaya. neither of them had clarity at higher volumes. We have some employees with impairment. the avaya was way too expensive and the polycom was just garbage

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• Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly.
• Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win.
• Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints.

Incentivized

• They were a big improvement over the polycoms
• they allow us to use different carriers than the polycoms
• The clarity has saved a lot of lost sales.

Incentivized