Yealink T31G Review -- Australia 2026

Who is this phone for?

The T31G is the right phone for businesses that need a capable, no-frills desk phone and want consistent Gigabit connectivity throughout the office. At two SIP lines and a compact 2.3-inch LCD screen, it is not a power-user phone -- but for staff who take and make calls without needing to monitor multiple lines, it covers everything required. Buy it for: light-duty admin desks, back-office roles, and any position where one active call at a time is the norm -- it is not suited to a busy multi-line reception desk. It works correctly with all Australian VOIP providers and NBN connections. Step up to the T33G if you need a colour screen and four SIP lines. Step up to the T43U if you need a larger display and more programmable keys for BLF monitoring. The T31G makes most sense when you are deploying multiple handsets across an office and want a cost-effective standard handset for non-specialist desks.

Specs at a glance

T31G vs T31P -- what's the actual difference?

The T31G and T31P are identical in almost every respect. Same screen, same SIP account count, same DSS key layout, same HD audio codecs, same PoE support. The one hardware difference is the built-in Ethernet switch port: the T31G is Gigabit (1000Mbps), the T31P is Fast Ethernet (100Mbps). For voice calls, Fast Ethernet is more than sufficient. A voice call uses roughly 80-100 Kbps of bandwidth -- a fraction of what a 100Mbps port can carry. You will never saturate a 100Mbps port with voice traffic alone. The case for the T31G comes from network consistency and IT standards, not from call quality. If your office is running Gigabit switches throughout and you prefer all devices presenting at the same speed, the T31G fits that standard. Autonegotiation problems are generally configuration or endpoint-compatibility issues; both 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps copper links can autonegotiate, so choosing the T31G does not categorically eliminate that risk. For most small businesses, the T31P is the sensible default. The T31G is the right choice when network homogeneity is a deliberate infrastructure decision.

Call quality on Australian NBN

The T31G performs well on all NBN connection types. It supports G.722 (HD voice) and handles standard G.711 at full quality. FTTP and FTTC can carry VoIP, but access technology alone does not guarantee PSTN-equivalent call quality. nbn’s Targeted Upgrade program applies to selected legacy nbn copper-based connections where full fibre is available; first suspensions under that program are not expected before January 2028. On HFC or FTTN connections where upload jitter can be higher, enable QoS (quality of service) on your router to prioritise voice traffic. Follow your VoIP provider’s and router vendor’s guidance on SIP ALG. Many SIP services recommend disabling it, but some router and firmware combinations require it to remain enabled. The T31G connects via its Gigabit Ethernet port to the network switch or router directly. The handset’s local network connection is wired, so that hop is not affected by local Wi-Fi interference; end-to-end call quality still depends on the router, access network, provider and wider voice path.

Build quality and design

The T31G has the same compact form factor as the T31P. The phone is lightweight and takes up minimal desk space -- appropriate for desks where a smaller footprint matters. The 2.3-inch screen is functional rather than impressive: it shows caller ID, time, date, and SIP registration status clearly, but does not have a touch interface or colour display. The two DSS keys alongside the screen are programmable for BLF, speed dial, or line monitoring. The keypad has clear key labelling and good tactile feedback. The handset is connected via a standard coiled handset cable, compatible with aftermarket replacement cables. Build quality is consistent with the Yealink T-series range -- designed for office deployment, not consumer aesthetics.

What works / What doesn't

Australian pricing and where to buy

The T31G is stocked by Digiphone and most AU IT retailers. Single-unit pricing is typically around $90-$110 AUD. Prices on this page are updated nightly via StaticICE. The T31P is typically $15-$20 cheaper per unit. For a multi-desk deployment where the Gigabit feature is not a specific requirement, the T31P is the better value. For an IT department standardising on Gigabit across all ports, the T31G is worth the small premium applied across the installation. Check current price via the Digiphone link above, which reflects live Australian stock and pricing.

Verdict

The T31G is a solid entry-level phone for single-line use cases, with the specific advantage of a Gigabit switch port over the T31P. If your office network is all-Gigabit and you want consistent port speeds across every connected device, the T31G is the correct choice at a small premium. For most small businesses, the T31P covers everything needed at a lower price. The T31G's value is narrow but real for the right deployment context. For a full comparison of available handsets, see our SIP desk phone buying guide for Australia. For help choosing the right VoIP setup for your business, see our best phone system guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Yealink T31G and T31P?

The only hardware difference is the Ethernet switch port: the T31G has a Gigabit (1000Mbps) port, the T31P has a Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) port. Both phones have the same screen, same 2 SIP accounts, same DSS keys, and same HD audio codecs. Call quality is identical on both.

Does the Yealink T31G work on Australian NBN?

Yes. The T31G can be used over an NBN internet connection with a compatible SIP service. Confirm provider support and provisioning before purchase, because some Australian NBN voice services restrict third-party equipment. Disable SIP ALG on your router and configure QoS for voice traffic for best results. G.722 HD audio requires your VOIP provider to support wideband codecs -- most AU providers do.

Can I use the Yealink T31G with Maxotel?

Yes. The T31G is compatible with Maxotel and all other major Australian SIP providers. Maxotel supports zero-touch provisioning for Yealink T-series phones, which means the phone can auto-configure when plugged in without manual setup.

Does the T31G need a separate power adapter?

No, if your network switch supports PoE (Power over Ethernet, 802.3af). The T31G draws power from the Ethernet cable when connected to a PoE switch. If your switch does not support PoE, a compatible Yealink AC adapter is required; Yealink’s T31G datasheet specifies a DC 5 V/0.6 A output.