---
title: "Difference Between Desk Phone, Mobile Phone, Soft Phone, & Call Center"
canonical: "https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/2784165916/Difference%20Between%20Desk%20Phone%2C%20Mobile%20Phone%2C%20Soft%20Phone%2C%20%26%20Call%20Center"
format: markdown
---
To gain a better understanding of the differences between phone technologies, let’s focus on how each device is used.

### **Quick Comparison**

| Option | Internet Required | Portable | Best For |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ### **Legacy Desk Phone**<br>![LEGACY PHONE](media://0e9fe75f-10fe-47e3-8503-9fb0de5b5f58) | ❌ No | ❌ No | Basic, legacy campus calling |
| ### **Mobile Phone or tablet**<br>![mobile phone.jpg](media://99fc6637-6114-4ee0-b415-75016a0b14c8) | ✅ (cell LTE or Wi-Fi) | ✅ Yes | Remote work |
| ### **Soft Phone App**<br>![softphone app.jpg](media://8e08a6eb-2fa1-4d72-94c7-12e17d59bc25) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Remote or hybrid work |
| ### **IP Phone**<br>![ip phone.jpg](media://4b700ddf-ce2f-4b4b-9d7a-8224b2d3a10d) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Office use with Internet calling |
| ### **Mitel Call Center**<br>![call center.jpg](media://3b47d5c5-e909-45af-bea6-5bf5fe3d4ed7) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | High-volume call-handling teams |


### **Click the tabs to learn more about each type of phone…**


> Macro (rw-ui-tabs-macro)
> 
> > Macro (rw-tab)
> 
> ![3212.png](media://0e9fe75f-10fe-47e3-8503-9fb0de5b5f58)
> 
> **Think:** *Traditional landline phone.*
> 
> **Description:** This is the familiar, corded or cordless desk phone that plugs into a wall jack.
> 
> **How it works:** Uses traditional phone lines (like the ones used at home before internet calling became popular).
> 
> **Typical use:** Found in office setups, reliable but not internet-connected.
> 
> > Macro (rw-tab)
> 
> ![mobile phone.jpg](media://99fc6637-6114-4ee0-b415-75016a0b14c8)
> 
> **Think:** *Your personal cell phone.*
> 
> **How it works:** Uses a cellular network and Wi-Fi to make calls, send texts, and use apps.
> 
> **Where used:** Anywhere with cell service; portable and personal.
> 
> > Macro (rw-tab)
> 
> ![softphone app.jpg](media://8e08a6eb-2fa1-4d72-94c7-12e17d59bc25)
> 
> **Think:** *Phone on your computer or smartphone.*
> 
> **Description:** A software application you install on your computer or mobile device that lets you make calls using the internet.
> 
> **How it works:** Uses your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) instead of a physical phone.
> 
> **Typical use:** Great for remote work. Just use your headset or laptop microphone.
> 
> > Macro (rw-tab)
> 
> ![ip phone.jpg](media://4b700ddf-ce2f-4b4b-9d7a-8224b2d3a10d)
> 
> **Think:** *Modern desk phone that uses the internet.*
> 
> **Description:** Looks like a regular office phone but connects through the internet instead of old phone lines.
> 
> **How it works:** Plugs into your internet network, offering better features and flexibility.
> 
> **Typical use:** Common in modern office environments, especially with VoIP systems.
> 
> > Macro (rw-tab)
> 
> 
>  
> 
> ![call center icon](media://3b47d5c5-e909-45af-bea6-5bf5fe3d4ed7)
> 
> **Think:** *Special software + headset for customer support teams.*
> 
> **Looks like:** A headset worn by a person working on a computer.
> 
> **How it works:** Uses internet-connected software (like Mitel) for handling high volumes of calls, with features like call queues, transfers, and reports.
> 
> **Use case:** Designed for call center agents or teams who answer/manage lots of calls.