Why do I need to call voicemail to listen to them?

[Tbrownie1]

Why is it still a thing to physically call voicemail to listen to them?

I thought it was an android thing but recently found out on O2 or other providers you can listen to voicemails directly in the calls app.

Absolutely archaic and extremely frustrating.

[bristolian]

What you've likely encountered is not an O2 facility, but an Apple facility, known as visual voicemail. EE offer the same facility if you'd prefer - https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/manage-use/visual-voicemail 

The standard voicemail facility works well for those who'd rather not use their phone's menu or don't have smartphones.

[Tbrownie1]

No this is on Pixel

[Peter_W]

Good afternoon @Tbrownie1. 

Welcome to the EE Community!

At present we only offer visual voicemail on iOS like @bristolian mentioned. 

We don't currently have this as an option on any Android device, but if this were ever to change in the future we'd be sure to let customers know. 
Peter

[Tbrownie1]

Please do as it is pretty frustrating especially when it's available as you say across iOS as well as on android from other providers.