Motorola T460 vs T465

Are you looking for a walkie-talkie for your next hunting trip? The Motorola Talkabout T460 and the Motorola Talkabout T465 belong to the Motorola Talkabout Two-way Radio T4xx series. These two models were designed with features that are meant to fit a hunter’s needs. This review will compare the differences and similarities between the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465.

Comparison – Motorola T460 vs. T465

Setup

Configuring the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 are both equally easy. If you are used to using walkie-talkies, which is not your first time using a Motorola two-way radio, then setting up these two models will be easy and intuitive. If you are a novice at operating walkie-talkies, you need not worry. The packages for both the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 come with a user-friendly manual that you can read to guide you through the setup process.

First, check if the batteries are charged to full capacity before putting them into the handsets. Turn on the handsets and set them to the channel and frequency that you would like to use. The user’s manual contains a list of channels and frequencies that you can choose from. Set the radios to the same interference elimination code as well. When you are done configuring the devices, you are all set. Press the PTT button and speak into the handset to start communicating with your team, friends, or family members.

Everything that you need to get the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 to work the first time is included in the box in which they are packed. The Motorola T465 includes two extra items, though: two boom microphone headsets and a carry case.

 

Waterproof

The Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 are both waterproof and weatherproof. They have the same rating on the Ingress Protection (IP) Code: IP54. An IP54 rating means that it is dustproof and splashproof. It can be used even in weather conditions with heavy precipitation, and it will still function well. So, if you need to use these walkie-talkies while it is raining heavily or snowing outside, both of these two-way radio models should work just fine. Just be careful not to plunge either of these walkie-talkies in water. Both radio models can sustain water splashes but not water submersion.

 

Power source

You can use rechargeable batteries or single-use batteries on both the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 since they have dual power options. The packages for both these models already include NiMH batteries and two micro-USB wall charging cables for each handset. Because the chargers are micro-USB, these are not as bulky as other chargers. You can even use car chargers to charge the batteries.

With NiMH batteries, the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 can be used up to 10 hours on a single charge. With AA alkaline batteries, the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 can be used up to 26 hours.

 

Range

According to the manufacturer for both the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465, both models are guaranteed to reach a maximum range of up to 35 miles. Realistically speaking, though, that maximum range promise always comes with the requirement that the walkie-talkies should be operated in the best conditions. This means using them within a clear line of sight and in the best weather. Given that, the maximum range for both the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 when I tried them out was both at 6 miles, and this was with minimal obstructions. Using these two-way radios within an urban setting, as expected, drives the range down to about 2 miles.

 

Frequencies

The Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 both can transmit over 22 channels, each of which has 121 privacy codes. Both models can also be used to transmit over GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) channels within the 462 – 467 MHz frequency range. However, take note that you need to secure a license first before using the GMRS channels for your radio communications. This is required by federal law, according to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). If you are going to transmit over the FRS channels, though, you do not need to

If you want to transmit over GMRS channels, you will have to obtain a license before doing so. This complies with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) guidelines for radio use. If you are going to transmit over FRS channels, then you do not have to worry because the use of FRS channels is license-free.

 

Features

The Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 have the same features. In fact, I am going to tell you now that they are essentially the same two-way radio.

Both the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 have a backlit display, and a built-in LED flashlight, so you will have no problems using this at night. Both their PTT buttons have an option for a power boost to increase range. This will not make a difference, though, if you are only transmitting on license-free FRS channels. So, unless you are transmitting on a GMRS channel, you better skip using the power boost. It will only drain the battery of your walkie-talkie. Both two-way radio models do have battery-saving features. If you are not actively using the walkie-talkies, these will automatically go on time-out mode to minimize battery usage. These will also alert you when you need to charge them or change the batteries.

The Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 both have auto-squelch and Quiet Talk (QT). These two features are useful for reducing noise during transmissions. They also have the VibraCall feature, which alerts you for incoming calls by vibrating instead of emitting a ring tone. This is particularly useful for hunters to whom silence while pursuing hunting game is crucial. Hunters will also find the iVOX/VOX feature highly useful since this will allow them to operate the walkie-talkies using their voice instead of their hands. This will keep their hands available to handle other things while they are on a hunting trip.

The emergency features of the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 includes an emergency alert button. When you press that alert button, it sends out a distress signal and a 22-second-long transmission. This will let your companions know that you require an urgent need for assistance. You can also access the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels using these two walkie-talkie models. Besides that, you receive emergency weather-related alerts such as flash floods, tornadoes, or emergency evacuation announcements.

The Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 are both reasonably durable because of their IP54 rating. They are also lightweight. However, unlike the Motorola T460, the Motorola T465 comes with two boom microphone headsets, one for each handset. The Motorola T465 also comes with a carry case.

 

Price

The Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 both share the same internal features and physical controls. Both models are also within the medium price range. However, there is a big difference in their selling price. The Motorola T460 is sold at $89.99. On the other hand, the Motorola T465 is sold at $104.99. If they have the same features and controls, why is the Motorola T465 noticeably more expensive, you may ask.

The difference lies in what is inside the box. The Motorola T465 comes with all the items included in the Motorola T460 package. However, the Motorola T465 comes with additional items: two boom microphone headsets and a carry case.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T460 vs T465

The Motorola Talkabout Two-way Radio T460 and the Motorola Talkabout Two-way Radio T465 share the same features. In fact, the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T465 are literally the same two-way radio.

The biggest differences between these two radio models are the price and the contents of the box they come in. The box that the Motorola T465 is packed in contains all the accessories that the Motorola T460 box contains. However, the Motorola T465 box includes a carry case and two boom microphone headsets. Thus, the Motorola T465 is more expensive than the Motorola T460. In buying the Motorola T465, you are not actually paying for an updated version of the Motorola T465 with additional features, as you might think. In essence, you are paying for the additional carry case and the boom mic headsets. If you do not really need these items, then the Motorola T460 is the better purchase for you.

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