Mobile communications update - farmingahead · iPhone is a trade mark of Apple Inc, registered in...

Once again in collaboration with Choice magazine which undertakes a range of durability, voice quality and ease of use

tests, Kondinin Group’s Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate the reception sensitivity of each handset.

But with some farmers outside the reach of Telstra’s Next-G network, Farming Ahead also packed four satellite phone options in the bag for this trip, looking at ease of use and voice quality.

Easily the most common member request we receive relates to mobile phone selection, use and accessories.

With mobile phone models changing regularly, frequent testing is required as technology is readily superseded.

For most farmers, reception sensitivity is high on the list of desirable features. However, reception sensitivity is not the only measure of how a phone will perform.

To evaluate durability and ease of use, our friends back at Choice headquarters test the handsets in gruelling environments and with drop tests to determine if they will deliver under the harshness of every-day use and the inevitable tumble to the ground from height.

This year we had a wide range of handsets ranging in price from around the $900 price range right down to the cheapest mobile phone we have ever tested; a $19 pre-paid handset we picked up at Coles supermarket.

Results for reception sensitivity were surprising with the cheapest handset achieving the best reception sensitivity.

Ever popular, the latest iterations from Apple and Samsung both showed some improvement in reception sensitivity. See Table 1.

This report focuses on all-new handsets,

but models tested previously may still be available and if looking to buy a new handset, it would be worth supplementary reading the previous report in the research report No. 42 July 2013.

Signal indication‘Signal bars’ displayed on a phone can be a good guide to the signal received, but it is important to remember this is not an indicator of one phone having a better range over another.

Kondinin Group engineers have tested handsets displaying one or two signal bars but have unable to place a call and hold a clear conversation.

According to our test protocol, we determine the true measure of handset range as to whether a clear call can be made and a two-way conversation had with a landline.

Sizing up the optionSLast year, Kondinin Group researchers noted the growth in physical size of smart-phones. The drive for additional screen might be good or movie buffs and those regularly perusing detailed websites.

Howeer, the physical dimension and weight increases thanks to the need for higher capacity batteries to sustain the screen are making some handsets less pocket-friendly.

4gIf you live in or close to a major regional town, you may already have access to 4G coverage. The issue with 4G coverage is that the signal carry distance is very small – around 5km from the tower. This means that for the majority of Kondinin Group members, 4G is something that cannot be accessed regularly. It should be noted that all

4G phones are backward compatible to 3 and 3.5G so if you have a 4G phone, it will work if 3 or 3.5G signal is available but 4G is not.

That said, a handset capable of 4G connectivity when close enough to a 4G enabled tower will offer blisteringly fast connection speeds in comparison to 3 or 3.5G. Kondinin Group engineers have recorded download speeds approaching ten times the best speed achievable using Next-G.

Shutter-bugSThe increases in camera resolution specification are now verging on ridiculous. With one phone sporting a 41 megapixel camera, potential buyers should know that this does not guarantee the owner of better images.

A much more important influence on image quality is the lens, which on most phones is made of plastic and is relatively small by even compact digital camera standards.

Even if you are an avid photographer and image capture is important, do not place too much weight on megapixels alone. Even a low cost quality compact digital camera with a good lens will do a better job.

dual-Sim handSetS appearSomething new to our testing was the advent of Dual-SIM handsets. There are a couple of potential applications for farmers with dual-SIM handsets; plans or pre-paid offerings of low cost data via one SIM, used in conjunction with a regular plan for phone calls offering the best of both worlds.

Secondly, using dual-SIMs with different carriers may offer increased coverage footprints, particularly where towers for each provider are located in different areas.

Special Feature Mobile and Satellite phoneS

52 Farming Ahead July 2014 No. 270 www.farmingahead.com.au

Mobile communications updatein what has become an annual pilgrimage, Kondinin Group engineers travelled to outback new South Wales recently to put the latest release mobile phones through their paces.

Mobile phone testing: Kondinin Group engineer Josh Giumelli tests one of the 16

handsets for reception sensitivity.

© Kondinin Group – Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission. Freecall 1800 677 761


iPhone is a trade mark of Apple Inc, registered in the US and other countries. Android is a trade mark of Google Inc.

Turn your Smartphone into a Satellite Phone

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SatSleeveCALL SMS EMAIL APPS

Add a satellite connection to your compatible smartphone forvoice, SMS and data access outside mobile network coverage.

www.farmingahead.com.au

Individual Reports: Phones for farmers

Utilising specifi cations and reception sensitivity information collected, Kondinin Group Engineers have identifi ed eight potential handsets that we felt would be best suited to farmers.

In most cases, reception sensitivity is the most important feature for farmers but ease of use is a consideration not to be ignored.

Ergonomics, call sound, ease of use and durability are evaluated by our friends at Choice. See our website for an updated listing including these ratings.

Ease of use scores are measured by performing everyday tasks such as accepting a call, saving a call as a contact, opening the address book, adjusting the volume level and diverting an incoming call to the message bank.

Durability is another important consideration for farmers. Testing involves each phone being placed in a hot environment at 60C for three hours, followed by a drop test, where each handset is dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 80cm, four times on each of their six faces with calls made after the 12th and 24th drops.

Apple iPhone 5sLIKES Pocket friendly size Simple operation including email

and SMS Good screen clarity Lots of apps available Very good reception sensitivity

DISLIKES No removable memory card Battery capacity could be better

for heavy users Fingerprint unlocking requires

very clean hands The most expensive handset

Apple iPhone 5s

Aspera R5LIKES Shock water and dust-proof

(IP67) Dual-sim allows for carrier

options Rubberised tough housing inbuilt

(no case required) Removable battery Best reception sensitivity of all

smartphones

DISLIKES Flimsy attachment of USB

charge plug seals Comparatively chunky and bulky

form The heaviest phone tested Screen resolution not as high as

other smartphones Not 4G compatible



Table 1: Reception sensitivity and specifications

Make/modelMaximum

distance from tower (km)

Reception Sensitivity

score

Internal memory

(as tested)

USB connection type

Telstra blue tick** SIM Operating

system Screen size, mm, WxH

Screen resolution, pixels, WxH

Camera resolution, megapixels

4G Battery capacity, mAh

Standby time claimed, d Talk time claimed, h Weight, g Dimensions, mm, HxWxD Contact Best advertised

price at printing $

Aspera R5 39.5 92 4GB micro-USB N Dual - mini Android 4.2 50x88 480x854 8.0 N 2800 25.0 9.5 240 139.7x76.4x17.6mm asperamobile.com $398.00

HTC One M8 36 84 16GB micro-USB N Nano Android 4.2.2 62x110 1080x1920 5.0 Y 2600 20.7 20.0 160 146.4 x70.6x9.35mm htc.com $840.00

Motorola Moto G 35.5 82 8GB micro-USB N Dual - mini Android 4.4 56x100 720x1280 5.0 Y 2070 14.0 14.0 143 130 x 66 x 12 mm motorola.com.au $238.00

Motorola Moto X 34.5 80 16GB micro-USB N Nano Android 4.4.2 59x104 720x1280 10.0 Y 2200 24.0 13.0 130 129.3 x 65.3 x 10.4 mm motorola.com.au $438.00

Nokia 208 35.5 82 64MB micro-USB N Micro n/a 37x49 320 x 240 1.3 N 1020 20.0 4.5 89.6 114.2 x50.9x12.8mm nokia.com $78.00

Nokia Lumia 630 31 72 8GB micro-USB N Micro Windows 56x100 480x854 5.0 N 1830 25.0 13.1 134 129.5x66.7x9.2mm nokia.com $249.00

Nokia Lumia 1320 36 84 8GB micro-USB N Micro Windows 75x133 720x1280 5.0 Y 3400 28.0 21.0 220 164.2x85.9x9.8 mm nokia.com $397.00

Samsung Galaxy S5 36 84 16GB micro-USB Y Micro Android 4.4.2 63.5x113 1080x1920 16.0 Y 2800 16.3 21.0 145 142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm samsung.com $894.00

Samsung Galaxy Young 36 84 160MB micro-USB Y Mini Android 2.3 48x64 240 x 320 3.0 N 1300 12.5 4.0 109 109.8 x 60.6 x 11.95mm samsung.com $139.00

Sony Xperia Z2 32.5 75 16GB micro-USB N Micro Android 4.4.2 65x115 1080x1920 20.7 Y 3200 30.8 19.0 163 146.8 x 8.2 x 73.3mm sonymobile.com $672.00

Telstra Dave T83 39 90 2.5GB micro-USB Y Mini Android 4.1.2 46x91 400x800 5.0 Y 2500 15.6 8.0 160 128.4 x 66.1 x 12.1mm zte.com.au $360.00

Telstra Easycall 3 T303 39 90 2.5GB micro-USB N Mini n/a 29x36 128 x 160 3.0 N 1100 12.5 4.0 88 112.8x50.6x13.9mm zte.com.au $99.00

Nokia White 1020 39 90 32GB micro-USB N Micro Windows 59x98 768x1280 41.1 Y 2000 16.0 13.3 158 130.4x71.4x10.4 mm nokia.com $588.00

LG Nexus 5 (D821 ) 32 74 16GB micro-USB N Mini Android 4.4 62x110 1080x1920 8.0 Y 2300 25.8 15.0 130 137.84 x 69.17 x 8.59mm lg.com $420.00

Apple iPhone 5s 39 90 32GB Lightning N* Nano Apple iOs 7.1 50x89 640x1136 8.0 Y 1440 10.4 10.0 112 123.8x58.6x7.6 mm apple.com $995.00

Telstra Roamer (116A) 41 95 20MB micro-USB N Mini n/a 32x37 176 x 220 0.3 N 820 10.4 3.0 70 110x47.5x11.8mm zte.com.au $19.00

Source: Kondinin Group * 5c has a blue tick, but 5s does not ** Telstra blue-tick status can change over time – refer to reception sensitivity scores

SPECIAL FEATURE MOBILE AND SATELLITE PHONES


Nokia 1020LIKES Handy form factor and size Very high camera resolution Slightly rubberised body may

provide some protection Good screen resolution and clarity

DISLIKES Camera adds some bulk to the size Limited app range of apps available

with windows OS Screen sits proud of housing – prone

to scratching Side buttons easy to bump

Telstra Dave T83LIKES Dust and waterproof tough rubberised

housing – case not required Very good reception sensitivity Not as bulky as Aspera R5 4G connectivity

DISLIKES Screen resolution relatively low Battery slightly smaller than Aspera

R5 Flimsy attachment of USB charge

plug seals Screen brightness and readability

could be better

Samsung Galaxy S5LIKES Clear, large and bright screen Very large battery capacity Housing offers some level of

waterproofi ng Has memory expansion slots

DISLIKES Camera sits proud of rear case –

prone to damage Plastic housing does feel a bit cheap Reception sensitivity lags iPhone,

Aspera and Dave Fingerprint reader inconsistent and

needs clean hands Expensive



Table 1: Reception sensitivity and specifications

Make/modelMaximum

distance from tower (km)

Reception Sensitivity

score

Internal memory

(as tested)

USB connection type

Telstra blue tick** SIM Operating

system Screen size, mm, WxH

Screen resolution, pixels, WxH

Camera resolution, megapixels

4G Battery capacity, mAh

Standby time claimed, d Talk time claimed, h Weight, g Dimensions, mm, HxWxD Contact Best advertised

price at printing $

Aspera R5 39.5 92 4GB micro-USB N Dual - mini Android 4.2 50x88 480x854 8.0 N 2800 25.0 9.5 240 139.7x76.4x17.6mm asperamobile.com $398.00

HTC One M8 36 84 16GB micro-USB N Nano Android 4.2.2 62x110 1080x1920 5.0 Y 2600 20.7 20.0 160 146.4 x70.6x9.35mm htc.com $840.00

Motorola Moto G 35.5 82 8GB micro-USB N Dual - mini Android 4.4 56x100 720x1280 5.0 Y 2070 14.0 14.0 143 130 x 66 x 12 mm motorola.com.au $238.00

Motorola Moto X 34.5 80 16GB micro-USB N Nano Android 4.4.2 59x104 720x1280 10.0 Y 2200 24.0 13.0 130 129.3 x 65.3 x 10.4 mm motorola.com.au $438.00

Nokia 208 35.5 82 64MB micro-USB N Micro n/a 37x49 320 x 240 1.3 N 1020 20.0 4.5 89.6 114.2 x50.9x12.8mm nokia.com $78.00

Nokia Lumia 630 31 72 8GB micro-USB N Micro Windows 56x100 480x854 5.0 N 1830 25.0 13.1 134 129.5x66.7x9.2mm nokia.com $249.00

Nokia Lumia 1320 36 84 8GB micro-USB N Micro Windows 75x133 720x1280 5.0 Y 3400 28.0 21.0 220 164.2x85.9x9.8 mm nokia.com $397.00

Samsung Galaxy S5 36 84 16GB micro-USB Y Micro Android 4.4.2 63.5x113 1080x1920 16.0 Y 2800 16.3 21.0 145 142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm samsung.com $894.00

Samsung Galaxy Young 36 84 160MB micro-USB Y Mini Android 2.3 48x64 240 x 320 3.0 N 1300 12.5 4.0 109 109.8 x 60.6 x 11.95mm samsung.com $139.00

Sony Xperia Z2 32.5 75 16GB micro-USB N Micro Android 4.4.2 65x115 1080x1920 20.7 Y 3200 30.8 19.0 163 146.8 x 8.2 x 73.3mm sonymobile.com $672.00

Telstra Dave T83 39 90 2.5GB micro-USB Y Mini Android 4.1.2 46x91 400x800 5.0 Y 2500 15.6 8.0 160 128.4 x 66.1 x 12.1mm zte.com.au $360.00

Telstra Easycall 3 T303 39 90 2.5GB micro-USB N Mini n/a 29x36 128 x 160 3.0 N 1100 12.5 4.0 88 112.8x50.6x13.9mm zte.com.au $99.00

Nokia White 1020 39 90 32GB micro-USB N Micro Windows 59x98 768x1280 41.1 Y 2000 16.0 13.3 158 130.4x71.4x10.4 mm nokia.com $588.00

LG Nexus 5 (D821 ) 32 74 16GB micro-USB N Mini Android 4.4 62x110 1080x1920 8.0 Y 2300 25.8 15.0 130 137.84 x 69.17 x 8.59mm lg.com $420.00

Apple iPhone 5s 39 90 32GB Lightning N* Nano Apple iOs 7.1 50x89 640x1136 8.0 Y 1440 10.4 10.0 112 123.8x58.6x7.6 mm apple.com $995.00

Telstra Roamer (116A) 41 95 20MB micro-USB N Mini n/a 32x37 176 x 220 0.3 N 820 10.4 3.0 70 110x47.5x11.8mm zte.com.au $19.00

Source: Kondinin Group * 5c has a blue tick, but 5s does not ** Telstra blue-tick status can change over time – refer to reception sensitivity scores

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55www.farmingahead.com.au No. 270 July 2014 Farming Ahead© Kondinin Group – Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission. Freecall 1800 677 761


SPECIAL FEATURE MOBILE AND SATELLITE PHONES


Telstra Easycall 3LIKES Very good reception sensitivity Is just a phone and very easy to use Large buttons suited to big hands

and vision impaired Speaks numbers when pressed Inbuilt torch easy to turn on

DISLIKES Small battery only offers

4-hour talk time Feels cheap – numbers rattle

in housing No smart-phone functionality Side buttons can be easily bumped Relatively small screen

Telstra Roamer 116ALIKES Excellent reception sensitivity Cheapest phone tested –

bought for $19 Very small form – pocket friendly

DISLIKES Very small battery –

only 3 hours talk time Tiny buttons hard to use Camera is terrible quality

HTC One M8LIKES Large bright high resolution screen Alloy housing gives a solid build

feel Excellent battery capacity

DISLIKES At 146x71mm, this is a very large

phone Expensive Reception sensitivity lags iPhone,

Aspera and Dave

What about the rest?

Nokia Lumia 1320Great screen, but just too big for most pockets

Samsung Galaxy YoungGood size for pockets but terrible quality screen

Motorola Moto G and Moto XDual SIM in the Moto G a good feature, both worthy contenders if reception sensitivity is not an issue.

Dual SIM in the Moto G a

LG Nexus 5Very poor reception sensitivity compared to other handsets

Nokia 208Great size for pockets, battery and reception sensitivity could be better.

Nokia LumiaVery poor reception sensitivity, Windows app offerings limited.

Nokia LumiaVery poor reception sensitivity, Windows app offerings limited.



57www.farmingahead.com.au No. 270 July 2014 Farming Ahead

There are few things more frustrating than patchy mobile phone coverage particularly when trying to negotiate a deal, arrange

directions or request some help.Mobile telephony has become an essential

part of our farm business and day-to-day essential operations are now driven, directed and reported remotely.

However, for many farmers, mobile phone coverage is patchy or non-existent and with communications to the outside world a lifeline for any farm business, options for connectivity can make farming remote locations easier and more efficient.

Satellite phones offer the ability to make and receive calls from the bulk of the Australian mainland. And while a clear view to the sky is required to get a connection, hybrid options such as the Thuraya XT-Dual and SatSleeve give us the best of both worlds, connecting with terrestrial (land-based GSM) mobile phone networks as well as satellite connectivity when out of range.

Kondinin Group engineers put a range of satellite phones and SatSleeves through their paces from three remote locations in New South Wales and Western Australia and were impressed with the ease of use, connectivity and coverage.

Satellite optionSWorking with Pivotel, Optus and Telstra, Kondinin Group was able to loan and trial three different satellite phone options. Two of these options were stand-alone handsets in the Iridium Extreme 9575 and Thuraya XT-Dual, the third was a sleeve adaptor for terrestrial phones.

Iridium and Thuraya Satellite networks were used with the handsets trialled.

iridiumIridium satellite phones use a network of 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites continuously orbiting the earth. Regardless of location, the moving constellation ensures a satellite will be accessible to the caller with a clear view to the sky.

Call costs via the Iridium network vary according to the monthly plan cost selected. As an example, pricing from Pivotel indicates call costs on a “casual” $22 per month plan are an eye-watering $3.30 per 30 seconds. However, increasing the monthly plan cost to $45 per month drops call costs to a more comfortable 75c per 30 seconds and includes about 10 minutes worth of calls per month. All calls also incur a 40c connection fee.

Left to right: Thuraya XT-Dual, Thuraya SatSleeve for Apple iPhone4/4s and iPhone5/5s, Iridium Extreme 9575 and Thuraya SatSleeve for Samsung S4.

thurayaAs opposed to the Iridium network, Thuraya satellites are geostationary, meaning they are positioned over the same location relative to the earth and rotate with it.

The Thuraya satellite providing coverage over Australia is positioned above an area near Singapore meaning the further southeast in Australia you are located, the lower to the northwest horizon you need to point the phone antenna.

Kondinin Group tested Thuraya handsets near our remote mobile test area in Southern NSW without any problems, but did have to point the antenna very low to the horizon. While not tested, buyers intending use in lower and eastern Victoria, particularly in hilly areas, would be advised to witness proven coverage before committing to purchase or plans.

Call costs across the range of Thuraya plans vary between provider. For example, pricing from Pivotel was quoted as a fixed 99c per minute, with text messages at 50c each.

Thuraya also offers data for those that need to access it in remote areas but comes at an ultra-premium cost of about $5 per megabyte.

iridium extreme 9575Iridium Extreme 9575 offers a stand-alone handset and utilising Iridium satellite connection offers national coverage including the lower southeast corner of Australia. The handset usually retails for about $1750 including GST but pricing can vary according to plan selection. Call costs are as per the Iridium network costs quoted.

thuraya SatSleeveThe SatSleeve is available with carrier adaptors for iPhone 4/4s iPhone 5/5s and Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4. The sleeve is essentially a stand-alone device that utilises the Bluetooth connectivity of other devices via a downloadable app available on Apple

iOs and Android platforms. Kondinin Group engineers were

impressed with the simple connectivity of the SatSleeve after downloading the free app. The sleeve, while increasing the bulk of the phone, allows the choice of connectivity via standard terrestrial means, or, if out of range, the app can be used to access the satellite network. Interactivity between the two platforms includes access to the users phonebook making dialling existing contacts simple. iPhone SatSleeves can also use the internal battery to charge the phone.

For farmers in marginal areas, who can access mobile phone networks most of the time, but have significant ‘black-spots’ on the farm, the SatSleeve is an excellent option.

Pricing of the SatSleeves varies according to plan selection but indicative costs from Pivotel are $849 upfront on a $15per month plan, $599 upfront with $65 per month plan over 24 months (including $45 in calls, text messages and data) and $399 upfront on a $99 per month plan over 24 months (including $75 in calls, text messages and data). Call costs are as per the Thuraya network costs quoted.

thuraya xt-dualA handset with land-based and satellite access is an innovation allowing users to get the best of both worlds. Although the handset relies on the GSM network for land-based calls, which does not cover the more extensive footprint of other network options such as Next-G, once the phone is out of range, calls can still be made using the Thuraya satellite network.

XT-Dual handsets vary in price according to plan and provider. Pivotel, which provided a handset for trial retails the unit for $999 upfront on a $15 casual plan, $749 upfront on a $65 plan over 24 months or $549 upfront on a $99 per month plan over 24 months. Call costs are as per the Thuraya network costs noted previously.

Satellite phone handsets and SatSleeves offer options



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