Desk Phones, Softphones & Smartphones – What’s the Best Setup for Your Team?

Once upon a time, every office had a chunky beige phone with buttons that maybe worked if you pressed hard enough.

Now?
We’ve got options — glorious, glorious options.

Let’s break it down so you don’t have to call IT just to call someone.

1. Desk Phones: The Steady Workhorse

📞 You know ‘em. You’ve probably knocked one off your desk at least once.

But these aren’t your grandma’s landlines. Today’s VoIP desk phones come loaded with features:

• HD voice clarity
• Custom speed dials
• Integration with 3CX (so your call logs show up in your CRM)
• Busy light indicators (because Karen really doesn’t need her third call right now)

Great for:
✅ Reception desks
✅ Sales teams
✅ Anyone who likes to hit a physical “hold” button with authority

2. Softphones: Your Laptop Just Became a Call Centre

🎧 A softphone is just a fancy word for “phone app on your laptop.” You get all the same functionality as a desk phone — without the hardware.

And if you’re on 3CX, the softphone experience is so smooth you’ll forget your desk even had a phone.

Great for:
✅ Remote teams
✅ Hybrid workers
✅ People who treat cables like tripwires

3. Smartphone VoIP Apps: The Pocket PBX

📱 With the right app, your phone becomes your work extension. Same number, same features, same boss asking why you didn’t answer on lunch break.

You can:

• Transfer calls
• Check voicemails
• Set “do not disturb” for quiet time (or pretend quiet time)
• Look super slick on the move

Great for:
✅ On-the-go staff
✅ Managers
✅ Those who “work better outside the office” (wink)

So Which One Should You Pick?

Honestly? Probably a mix.
We often set up hybrid VoIP environments with a bit of everything.
Some people want a physical phone on their desk.
Others want just the app.
Some want both — and yes, it all syncs seamlessly.

And if you're wondering if your team will figure it out?
If they can use WhatsApp, they can use this. Promise.

Who Makes It All Happen?

🧠 Syntelo, of course.
As an authorised 3CX partner in South Africa, we help businesses set up VoIP that works for your team, not someone else’s spreadsheet.

Whether you need:

• Phones shipped and configured
• A call centre built in the cloud
• Just someone to explain the difference between SIP and SIM (spoiler: very different)

—we’ve got your back.

Let's Get You Calling Like a Pro

📍 Browse Desk Phone Options
📍 Get a Quote for VoIP Setup
📍 Talk to a Human (Not a Bot)