Telstra Tough 2 T54 Review

Welcome to the 2011 Telstra Tough 2 (T54) mobile phone review. The Telstra Tough 2 was released in May 2011 is a replacement for the T90 model. When we tested the Tough 2 we realized it was going to be a very short review because there is no clear difference in terms of overall software or design to prior version. Mind you we have never heard of the Tough 1 – more like the T90 we reviewed earlier…

The Telstra Tough 2 is a ruggerised phone – which features Gorilla Glass that prevents the display from being scratched. Yes same as the top range Nokia N8 – but on a much smaller scale – the glass from our experience remains scratch less even after being put in a pockets with one errant coin or keys. It is a great feature that other manufacturers should really start using. The the Tough 2 compared to the recently reviewed Samsung B2710, the Tough2 does appear to lack simple quality bits which detracts from ownership. While solid the Tough2 looks and feels cheap especially the buttons.

The Tough 2’s network reception appeared good and has A-GPS. However the T54 Tough 2 does not have GPS dedicated software which means you can only use Google Maps hence need a data plan to go with the phone. Technically the Tough 2 has multiple 3G and GSM frequencies so it will work in most countries when traveling overseas.

The Telstra Tough 2 can do all the basics you need voice, video calls, text, picture messaging and emails as per other models in the range. With the built in browser you can get mobile versions of Facebook, Myspace and so forth. However due to the small screen (although reasonable image quality) and lack of a proper qwerty keypad and even poorer browser you can’t do very much. You can also purchase additional apps from the pricey Telstra online store.

All up the Telstra/ZTE Tough 2 T54 is yet another typical phone for the brand. The selling point being its ruggerised or hard wearing case.  It does look OK from a distance but the starting using it and you will begin to doubt its rating because the buttons feels overly toy like and glued on bits appear on the odd occassion. Otherwise the Tough 2 is a very ordinary mobile phone that should be cheap to buy outright – if you could.

Specifications

• Telstra Tough 2 (T54)
• Network
  Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800 /1900 MHz
  Tri-band UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz
  3G HSDPA 3.6
• Design
  Ruggerised candy bar
  IP54
  118mm x 53.5mm x 16mm
  Weight 130 grams
• Display/s
  2.4inch 240 x 320 pixel TFT
• Camera
  3MP main camera
  2nd video call camera
• Connectivity
  USB
  Bluetooth V2
• CPU
• Memory
  130MB available to user
  Up to 16Gig MicroSD or Trans Flash cards
• Ring tones
  MP3, MMF, MIDI, Vibration
• Features
  A-GPS
  External antenna plug
  SMS, MMS, WAP, EMAIL
  JAVA MIDP 2.0
  Speaker Phone/Hands free
  Customizable backgrounds
  Picture Viewer
  Voice memos
  Calender and organizer
  250Hrs Standby
  150Mins Talk Time
  1000mAh Li-ion battery
• Package contents
  XP/Vista Compatible PC suite
  Mac OSX Compatible software
  Personal hands free kit
  Travel charger
  USB cable
• Price history
  Available on a monthly plan only.
  Less than $299 AUS 2011 (Outright)