Plantronics Discovery 975 Review

Introduction and Design:

Unlike its Voyager series of Bluetooth headsets, the Plantronics Discovery line whole-heartedly keeps in mind fashion and a sense of style with its somewhat futuristic designs. Following up after the popular Discovery 925, which was a very well-rounded model, its successor in the Plantronics Discovery 975 aims to bring forth yet another similar experience. As it’s priced at the higher end of the spectrum at $130, you’re naturally presented with some nice features like AudioIQ2 & WindSmart technology for noise cancellation, dual-microphones, Multipoint technology, Voice Alerts, and its updated case that doubles as a battery charger. Included with the packaging are 3 gel ear tips, AC charger, case strap, and carrying/charging case.


One of the biggest distinguishable characteristic about the Discovery 975 is its stylish and futuristic design which seems to be foreign versus the usual crop out there. Amazingly, it has been reduced to nothing more than a narrow boom microphone that’s attached to the main body of the diamond shaped earpiece. Constructed out of glossy plastic that’s painted with a metallic finish, it contributes in making it very lightweight. Moreover, the subtle faux-pas leather adorning the earpiece complements its overall chic nature.


Utilizing almost the same exact ear gel designs, it feels a little bit more comfortable versus their previous outing since it’s gummier in texture – thus enabling us to wear it for prolonged periods of time without being too irritating. Meanwhile, the intricate design allows it to snugly fit in our ear without the worry of it getting loose and coming off.


Physicals buttons are limited to only two items with the Plantronics Discovery 975, and to make matters worse, they’re all not that great in terms of feel. The multi-function talk button is placed squarely on the earpiece and exhibits a stiff feel when pressed, while the tiny volume button that simply cycles through three preset settings is located inconveniently on one of its sides on the earpiece.

Of course, you can charge the headset through its microUSB port, but the advantage with it is that it comes along with its very own useful combination carrying/charging case. As stated by Plantronics, it’s capable of delivering triple the amount of talk time. And besides being able to carry and charge the headset simultaneously, this model features a tiny LCD that displays both the battery charge of the case and headset.

Performance:

Sadly, when compared to some of its other comparably priced headsets on the market, the list of features is slim with the Plantronics Discovery 975. Even though it boasts having Voice Alerts with it, there are very few instances when it’ll announce things verbally – such as when it’s low on battery or loses a connection. Additionally, it lacks voice guided instructions which issomething increasingly found with most contemporary headsets.

We managed to pair the headset up very easily with an iPhone 4 and Samsung Intercept, but unfortunately, pressing down on the multi-function button doesn’t activate any of the built-in voice recognition services on either phone. And if you plan on listening to some music stored on your handset, you might want to look elsewhere since it’s incapable of streaming music, sadly.


Volume output is on the mute side, but thankfully it’s not sharp at all in tone to make the experience unpleasant. However, the absolute best part about the Discovery 975 is its fantastic calling quality. In fact, natural sounding voices are experienced on both ends of the line, but impressively, its noise cancelling prowess is evident. With a good amount of wind streaming through the windows of our car, it’s able to drown out any distortion to present our callers with distinguishable voices. Moreover, it handles well in dealing with general background noise – which ultimately prevails in keeping callers fixed on our voice,

Although the manufacturer rates the Plantronics Discovery with 5 hours of talk time, we’re only able to obtain a little bit over 4 hours of usage, which is rather on the low side. Nevertheless, the battery case will keep you talking for much longer – and it’s nice to know that it’s pocketable.

Conclusion:

Undoubtedly placed on the pricey side at $130, it doesn’t quite feature some of the contemporary features found with rival headsets, like voice guidance, voice control, and A2DP. Despite those shortcomings, it actually excels in the most crucial area with calling quality – plus not to mention that it’s one fashionably chic looking headset. By no means is it revolutionary in the Bluetooth world, but we can tell that its improvements, combined with its well-rounded experience, still enable it to be money well spent once again.

Plantronics Discovery 975 Video Review: