July 18, 2018, 10:24 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The PhoneEasy 613 from Doro is a classic flip phone currently available for just under 50 euros at a discount store. TECHBOOK tested the device for you.
With the PhoneEasy 613, the Swedish company Doro, which specializes in devices and programs for seniors, has launched a flip phone. We took a closer look at the device and show you whether the combination of low price, good package, and an integrated camera can convince–also here in the video.
Package Contents
Unlike many smartphones that come with minimal accessories, Doro provides the PhoneEasy 613 with extensive accessories. In addition to the charger, a charging station is included in the package, allowing the phone to be displayed upright when closed. The device has special contacts on the bottom that connect it to the charging station. The advantage is that the phone is always ready to hand and can be easily removed from the cradle without unplugging a cable. Alternatively, the phone can also be connected directly to the power outlet in the traditional way.
Photo: TECHBOOK
Also included in the package is a simple stereo headset that can be connected to the phone via the 3.5 mm jack. This allows for calls to be made in environments with background noise. Lastly, there is a comprehensive, 361-page user manual in five different languages in the box, contrasting with the usually only a few pages long quick guides that come with most smartphones.
Features
First off: The Doro 613 is not a smartphone. It is a simple phone, suitable for little more than calls and messages. Mobile internet or Wi-Fi are not part of the device’s features, and there are no apps or a browser. The PhoneEasy 613 makes no secret of the fact that it primarily targets seniors. It has the large buttons with printed text typical of a senior phone. The buttons have a good tactile response and a pleasant surface. They are backlit to be visible in the dark. Unfortunately, on our test model, the lighting under the “9” key was uneven. Although this was only a visual disturbance, it results in a small negative point.
Photo: TECHBOOK
When it comes to basic phone functions, Doro does many things right. The phone can send and receive SMS and MMS and has an easy-to-understand main menu, although some submenus are unfortunately a bit too complex. The phone particularly shines in call quality: It is excellent, and the volume is absolutely sufficient. Additionally, the phone is compatible with hearing aids, according to the manufacturer. To ensure no call is missed, the device offers a selection of extra loud ringtones.
The screen is very bright and relatively large compared to the competition. This ensures that content is easy to read. In the options, the font can be further enlarged–however, this setting does not change the size of the menu buttons. Depending on preference, phone owners can choose from different screen themes, with options for light, dark, and two high-contrast color variants.
Photo: TECHBOOK
The device’s battery is not built-in and must be inserted during initial setup. To do this, the plastic cover on the back must be removed, revealing the slots for a mini-SIM card and the MicroSD memory card. The advantage of a non-built-in battery is that it can be replaced in case of defect or performance loss.
The large keypad includes a few additional functions to facilitate operation. In addition to three speed-dial buttons that can be assigned to important contacts, there is an extra button to access the camera. On the back of the phone is the easily accessible emergency button, which can send messages and emergency calls to pre-set contacts at the push of a button.
The images from the 2-megapixel camera are hardly usable, as they are blurry and lack detail due to the low resolution. The color reproduction is mediocre. Overall, the images are only suitable for viewing in mini-format on the phone screen.
Extras
In addition to the basic functions, the Doro PhoneEasy 613 offers a few small extras such as an alarm clock, an organizer with calendar and reminder function, a calculator, and an FM radio. Two small games are also pre-installed on the phone: a Tetris clone, which only has three difficulty levels that do not automatically increase during the game, and a Sokoban clone, where boxes must be pushed to a specific position.
On the outside of the flip, there is a notification LED that blinks green when a call is incoming or a message has arrived. The light blinks red when the battery is low or charging. The phone has a file manager, through which, for example, music can be played from a MicroSD card. Thus, the Doro 613 can also be used as an MP3 player in conjunction with headphones.
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Conclusion
With the Doro PhoneEasy 613, the Swedish manufacturer has created a solid overall package–at least for those who are aware that this is not a smartphone. The phone makes no mistakes in call quality and basic phone functions. It also offers the important emergency function, which is now standard in senior phones. The screen is bright and large enough to be easily readable. The camera is a point of criticism, as it is hardly usable and little more than a simple ‘gimmick.’ Additionally, we would have liked a GPS function that allows for immediate location tracking. All in all, the flip phone is perfectly acceptable for the current market price.
+ bright display
+ good call quality
+ long standby time
– poor camera
The Doro PhoneEasy 613 is currently available at the discount store Aldi for just under 50 euros. Normally, the price is around 80 euros.
Technical Data
Screen: 2.4 inches
Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
Camera: 2 megapixels
SIM card: Mini-SIM (2FF)
Storage: 7.9 megabytes (MB), expandable with a memory card up to 32 gigabytes (GB)
Battery: 800 milliampere hours (mAh) for nine hours of talk time and up to 370 hours of standby time
Dimensions: When folded, the phone measures 102x52x21 millimeters and weighs 105 grams including the battery
Also interesting: How to find the best smartphone for seniors