You can select between eight ring tones and 12 musical ringers, while the supplied audio patch cord allows you to record custom ring tones. The full-color handset LCD screen comes with six preset images that you can assign to phone directory entries or set as background wall-paper; the included USB cable and image editor software also allow you to download custom images to your phone.

Speakerphones on both the base and handset combine with headset compatibility to provide a number of hands-free communication options. Handset-to-handset call transfer allows you to route incoming calls to any handset registered to the system, while three-way conferencing lets you communicate with multiple parties at once. An intercom feature provides a way to communicate between handset locations, and a global page/handset function lets you speak with all handsets at once.

Additional features include flash, redial (last 10 numbers), hold, and mute. The NiMH battery provides up to eight hours of talk time and up to five days of standby, while a low-battery indicator lets you know when to return a handset to its charging cradle. A new message waiting indicator alerts you to any new voice mail messages (requires subscription to a fee-based service). Handset and speakerphone controls allow you to adjust volume levels. The i5857 also comes backed with a one-year limited warranty.