It is somewhat of a moving target and largely depends on the client need, their budget and your resulting margins and, of course, your own opinion in working with the various makes and models. I might also add, that the source from which you buy is also a factor. While the source may have nothing to do with the 3CX aspect, it may impact you for price, delivery and support.
All of the supported phones work rather well with 3CX, but a quick look at the forum will also tell you that even with the supported phones, there can be some issues along the way. Firmware and templates play a key role and especially so with the later 3CX releases where one may have automatic updates employed.
I prefer the Yealink and Grandstream lines followed by Fanvil. The first two have the larger breadth of models to include low end to high end, conference, video, cordless versions, expansion modules and more readily accessible accessories (dongles, EHS, headsets, etc,). They also seem to maintain a similarity of operation between their respective models so that the look and feel of the GUI keeps you from having to hunt for specific settings and users know pretty much how to use them even if their own extension is a different model (same make). While I tend to think the Yealinks have a little better sound quality, this is my own opinion and most clients have no real expectation and tend to gravitate towards the features and looks (Cisco and Polycom have better sounding audio to me, but are legacy and expensive). I have had very few sound quality complaints and those that I have had are not with any single make or model.,.,,,,,it is highly subjective.
As an example, using Amazon as a pricing comparison tool as a client might do, one can buy a Yealink T23 for ~ $74, a GS GXP2130 for ~ $62 (2135 for ~$85) and a Fanvil X4 for ~ $74. If I were to place all of these in front of a customer (powered up of course), the Yealink would probably never get touched as the color screens and buttons are more appealing. Logo brand the screen and then see which they look at.
Fanvil is also a favorite nowadays. While their product line is not nearly as broad, the models they have in the X4, 5, and 6 are really quite innovative with their appearance, multi-screens and physical BLF buttons galore. These are quickly gaining ground as the physical press keys are still paperless naming, but the navigation to use them is easier and does not interfere with the main screen.
The Yealink is in there as well, but the price points tend to hurt their appeal. I do have a few clients where cost is not an issue and the T46 and T48 definitely come into play and have been fantastic. I did sell a lot of the T2X and T3x, but not so much now days due to the others being more appealing.
From a support perspective, both Yealink and GS have capable folks. Firmware is updated frequently (although not always flawlessly). I have not had to use Fanvil support, so cannot comment. I have had no Fanvil failures to date, but the installed base is not as large. I had some GS screens fail (washed out appearance), but GS replaced them even after the warranty period as there was a bad batch and my client managed to get more than their share. Somewhat of a pain, but they stepped up. I have had 1 T48 failure where the touch screen quit working, It was 2 weeks out of warranty and Yealink declined. I went ahead and replaced it as the client's future business and satisfaction were worth it to me.
Using any of these as remote phones presents no real issue, all 3 makes are suitable.
I am elated that GS is back in the fold and I hope the relationship expands to include the gateways and ATAs in the future. Thank you, Nick!
I have used many other makes, but I have not personally used SNOM other than the PA1. I would consider them as well, but for me the Yealink, GS and Fanvil suit my needs nicely.
