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Doro PhoneEasy 520X outdoors phone has a magic torch

Going one better than 1970s kid's TV icon Jamie and his Magic Torch, the Doro PhoneEasy 520X is both torch and phone.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
Expertise Films, TV, Movies, Television, Technology
Richard Trenholm
2 min read

1970s kids' TV icon and nocturnal adventurer Jamie may have had a Magic Torch that opened a portal to Cuckoo Land, but could it text his mates to tell them about it? No. The Doro PhoneEasy 520X is both torch and phone -- now that's magic.

The PhoneEasy 520X is a 3G feature phone designed for conquering the great outdoors, whether you're a mandy-addled youngster dodging tripwire-like guy ropes at your first festival or a bitter-swilling retiree enjoying a night-time constitutional in our green and pleasant land.

Features include a 3-megapixel camera and flash, an FM radio, the aforementioned torch, and a dedicated texting button to tell people you forgot how to use a torch and now you've fallen into a ditch. Like the Doro PhoneEasy 740 and many of Doro's accessible phones, the 520X is controlled with giant chunkbuttons for use while wearing gloves, or by those who struggle with smaller keys.

It's reinforced and sealed for extra protection against shock, splashes and dust should you drop the phone in a lake, sand trap or glass of locally brewed porter. Handy for gardeners, farmers, walkers, anglers and anyone who loves the great outdoors. I love the great outdoors -- as long as it stays on the correct side of the pub window, and doesn't expect me to put on wellies or get involved with any of that wildlife nonsense.

The 520X comes with a lanyard so you can wear it round your neck, to either pretend you're someone important while blagging your way backstage, or to avoid losing your phone to an opportunistic goat while out rambling.

Press play on our video below to see a Doro phone in action.

Watch this: Doro PhoneEasy 740 hands-on

The Doro PhoneEasy 520X costs £130 and comes in black, white or mocha. Would you use your phone to find your way in the dark? What extra features would you like to see built into phones? Shine a light in the comments or illuminate us on our Facebook page.