Yealink T7 & T8 Series Announced: Full Review and Comparison

The new Yealink T7 and T8 series deliver slimmer designs, USB-C connectivity, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, AI noise cancellation, and enhanced security, all while addressing customer feedback from previous generations. With the T5 series moving toward end-of-life, businesses now need to decide when (and how) to make the switch.

Last week, our team had the chance to host Yealink at our office for an exclusive preview of their newest desk phone series. They brought demo units of the T88 model, shared their roadmap, and walked us through what’s changing as Yealink transitions from the long-standing T5 series to the brand-new T7 and T8 families.

This review and comparison will break down the new features, compare the T7 and T8 to Yealink’s older models, and share our honest perspective on where these phones shine and where they’re simply incremental improvements.

Table of Contents

• Why is Yealink moving from the T5 series to T7 & T8?
• What are the key upgrades in the T7 &T8 phones?
• What industries benefit most from T7 & T8 series phones?
• What is the pricing and upgrade path from T4/T5 to T7/T8?
• What’s new with Yealink’s WiFi handset (AX86)?
• Which specific models are available in the T7 and T8 series?
• Yealink T5 vs T7 vs T8 Comparison Table
• When are the new Yealink T7 & T8 phones available?
• Our Take on the Yealink T7 & T8 Series

Why is Yealink moving from the T5 series to the T7 & T8?

The T5 series has been on the market for more than five years. In telecom terms, that’s a long lifecycle, and Yealink has now confirmed it’s time to transition.

• T4 series → replaced by T7 series (cost-efficient models, updated hardware).
• T5 series → replaced by T8 series (premium, feature-rich models).
• End-of-life timelines: T4 and T5 phones will officially be retired in the coming year, giving customers time to plan their upgrades.

It’s worth noting that while the T4 and T5 phones are moving into end-of-life status, they remain solid, reliable devices that will continue to work for the foreseeable future. Yealink just won’t be manufacturing them anymore, and the T7/T8 represent the next phase.

What are the key upgrades in the T7 & T8 phones?

Yealink made several visible and practical hardware improvements:

• Slimmer design with a hidden hinge and a more modern aesthetic.
• Dedicated paging and emergency buttons instead of requiring line key programming.
• USB-C port alongside USB-A, giving users flexibility with accessories.
• Triple speakers for louder, clearer audio in busy work environments.
• PCR (recycled) materials in T8 models, supporting sustainability initiatives.

These upgrades were made with direct feedback from customers who wanted phones that looked more modern, fit into different vertical needs, and handled day-to-day challenges like noisy offices

From our perspective, these are welcome quality-of-life upgrades rather than radical changes. They make the devices more user-friendly and align them with current workplace needs, but they don’t fundamentally transform how a desk phone is used.

How do Yealink T7 & T8 improve call quality?

The T7 & T8 series takes audio quality seriously:

• AI-powered noise cancellation actively removes background noise.
• Acoustic Shield technology focuses the microphone on the speaker.
• Upgraded three-speaker system delivers clearer sound in speakerphone mode.

This is one of the more meaningful improvements for roles in call centers, open offices, or education where noise is a real issue. While other manufacturers like Poly introduced noise cancellation years ago, Yealink’s AI-driven approach feels like a step forward rather than a groundbreaking leap.

What new security features come with the T7 & T8 series?

Security is where the T8 series makes its strongest case:

• Trusted Execution Environment (TEE): Keeps sensitive information in secure, isolated storage.
• TLS 1.3 encryption: Modern protocol support for stronger communication security.
• Additional network protections: Against injection attacks and vulnerabilities.

These additions align Yealink more closely with enterprise-grade expectations, especially in industries where compliance and data protection are critical. Again, not revolutionary, but essential for staying competitive.

How do the new Yealink phones support accessibility and usability?

Accessibility has been given attention in both series:

• Dark and light mode for the interface.
• Color correction for users with color vision challenges.
• Large text mode for better readability.
• Hearing aid compatibility (continued from previous series).
• BLF Pop-Up function for easier line monitoring.

These adjustments show Yealink is thinking about inclusivity, though for most businesses these will be “nice-to-have” rather than decisive features.

What connectivity options are available on T7 & T8 phones?

The new series modernizes connectivity:

• WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 on wireless models.
• BYOD / Device Mode: Use the desk phone as a USB audio device for PC-based platforms. (T88 Only)
• Unified accessories: Simplified sidecar and wall mount options.

We see this as one of the more practical upgrades, especially for hybrid workers who jump between phone calls and collaboration platforms.

What industries benefit most from T7 & T8 series phones?

• Schools: Emergency buttons for compliance and safety.
• Healthcare: Antimicrobial PCR materials and the AX86 WiFi handset.
• Warehouses and manufacturing: Rugged cordless models for mobility.
• Enterprise executives: Premium models like the T85 and T88 with advanced features.

These align with clear use cases where the new features matter most. For general office roles, the upgrades may be less impactful.

What is the pricing and upgrade path from T4/T5 to T7/T8?

Pricing has been designed to make the transition smoother:

• T7 series is roughly 5% or less than T4 models.
• T8 series is about 10% higher than T5 models.

Direct replacements include:

• T54 → replaced by T74 models.
• T57 → replaced by T87 models.
• T58 → replaced by T88 models.

Importantly, this isn’t a case like smartphones where new models come with huge price hikes. Yealink’s incremental pricing shows they’ve listened to customers and kept costs reasonable.

Another factor to consider is Yealink’s YPP partner program, which includes extended three-year warranties. Some providers may choose to pass only one year of that warranty to the customer while retaining the benefit of free replacements themselves. It’s important for buyers to ask how their provider handles warranties so expectations are clear and the value of the program is passed along fairly.

What’s new with Yealink’s WiFi handset (AX86)?

The AX86 WiFi handset has quickly become a standout:

• Works directly over WiFi — no base station required.
• Ruggedized design for heavy-duty environments.
• Long battery life: 200+ hours standby.
• Built-in emergency alarm button.
• Easy QR-code deployment.

This handset is particularly appealing in healthcare and schools, where mobility and reliability are essential. It also solves range issues that limited older DECT models.

Which specific models are available in the T7 & T8 series?

• T88W – Premium wireless Android desk phone.
• T88V – Premium video desk phone with built-in camera.
• T87W – High-end wireless phone with AI noise cancellation.
• T85W – Executive-level wireless model with advanced audio.
• T77U – Mid-tier wired model with strong performance.
• T74W / T74U – Successors to the T54 series.
• T73W / T73U – Entry-level models for cost-conscious deployments.

Yealink T5 vs T7 vs T8 Comparison Table

When are the new Yealink T7 & T8 phones available?

The rollout is happening in stages:

• Demo units are already shipping for testing.
• First production batch is limited to ~1,000 units, with priority for larger opportunities.
• General availability is expected within the next month, with supply ramping quickly after.
• Distribution will run through Yealink’s Tier 1 U.S. partners: 888, TD Synnex, and Ingram. End users will be able to purchase from authorized partners (like TeleCloud)

For IT leaders, this means now is the time to test demo units so deployment decisions can be made as inventory scales.

Our Take on the Yealink T7 & T8 Series

The Yealink T7 and T8 series represent a thoughtful evolution rather than a revolution. They add meaningful improvements in audio, security, and usability without straying too far from what already works. For organizations that rely heavily on desk phones, particularly in education, healthcare, or executive settings, these upgrades are practical and worth considering.

For general office use, the differences compared to the T5 may feel incremental rather than game-changing. Still, Yealink has done well to keep pricing in check while responding to customer feedback with features that improve the user experience. The upgrades may not be revolutionary, but they are sensible and customer-focused.

At TeleCloud, we help businesses evaluate new technology like Yealink’s T7 and T8 series so they can modernize without downtime or disruption.

Curious about Yealink’s new T7 & T8 phones? Contact TeleCloud today to explore the right models for your business.