Dual SIM Phone Review: My Year-Long Experience with the CECT T689
After using the CECT T689 dual SIM phone for over a year, I’m sharing my complete review of this budget-friendly dual SIM solution. This dual SIM phone offers some practical features but also comes with notable limitations worth considering before purchase.
Key Dual SIM Phone Features
The CECT T689 provides true dual SIM functionality without any need to switch between cards. You can manage two phone numbers simultaneously, which is perfect for separating work and personal calls. The phone includes:
- Two dedicated call buttons (one for each SIM)
- Clear labeling of calls and messages with “SIM B” for the second SIM
- 1.3MP camera for basic photography
- MP3 and video playback capabilities
- Standard audio player functionality
Dual SIM Phone Limitations
Despite its dual SIM convenience, the T689 has several shortcomings that affect daily use:
- No English predictive text (though Pinyin input is supported)
- Cannot easily reply to SMS from a different SIM card
- Limited keypad lock timeout options (minimum 5 seconds)
- Restricted SMS tone selection with unpleasant default options
Design Flaws in this Dual SIM Phone
The CECT T689 suffers from two significant design problems that impact usability:
The most frustrating issue is the accidental unlocking problem. The double-press “#” key unlock method is too easily triggered in pockets or bags.
| Issue | Impact | Workaround |
| Accidental unlocking | Phone activates in pocket/bag | None available |
| “Bad Contact -Charger!” error | Disables charging via USB | Squeeze phone or use spare battery |
The charging issue is particularly problematic. The phone randomly displays “Warning! Bad Contact -Charger!” even when no cables are connected. This error prevents both data transfer and charging through the USB cable, making the phone temporarily unusable.
Final Verdict on the Dual SIM Phone
Despite these issues, I continue using the CECT T689 for both my work and personal numbers. The core dual SIM functionality works reliably, which is the primary reason I purchased it. For budget-conscious users needing dual SIM capability, it remains a functional option if you can tolerate its quirks.
For those considering a dual SIM phone in 2025, many better alternatives now exist from major manufacturers like Samsung and Nokia that offer more refined experiences without these limitations.
Pros:
✓ True dual SIM functionality
✓ Clear SIM identification
✓ Includes spare battery
✓ Budget-friendly price
Cons:
✗ Charging connection issues
✗ Easily unlocks accidentally
✗ Limited SMS features
✗ No predictive text for English