Motorola T460 vs T480

If you are searching for walkie-talkies to bring hiking or camping with the family to the next level, you can rely on the Motorola brand. But which one should you purchase? Here, I am making a comparison of the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T480. Both devices promise to give you a maximum of 35 miles range—ideal for your communication requirement. But how do they differ—or are they just the same? Continue reading this walkie-talkie review.

Comparison – Motorola T460 vs. T480

Setup

Even beginners will find setting up the Motorola T460 so easy. Use the MON buttons to scan for available channels. Press the menu and the +/- buttons to get to different channels. You can talk from the same channel using the call button for hearing the ring sound each time.

You can also switch from two-way communication to NOAA weather mode or vice versa without any hassle by just choosing the mode button. After you have set your preferred setting, particularly the chosen channels, you can lock it by holding the menu button for a few seconds.

For Motorola T480, you will experience the same ease of use. The important first step is to charge the batteries before using them. Turn on the devices and configure them to the channel and interference elimination code. You can find the list of channels and frequencies in the user manual included in the package. You will notice that under the description of the channels, it is indicated if these are using FRS or GMRS frequencies. For GMRS, you need to secure a license. After this, you are ready for your first walkie-talkie adventure.

 

Waterproof

The Motorola T460 is not only waterproof—it’s weatherproof. It has a rating of IP54 weatherproof. It can withstand dust and splash coming from any direction. It is protected from rain and snow. Use the rubber plugs as protection against moisture. However, make sure not to submerge or drop this device in the water, or else it will no longer work. Seal the battery cover and the ports (micro-USB and headset accessory) to avoid damaging it.

The same is true with Motorola T480, as it also has an IP54 rating. Come rain or snow, dust or splash, you will not have an issue.

Therefore, either you choose to buy the Motorola T460 or the Motorola T480, you can be confident to use it during storms or similar weather conditions.

 

 

Power Source

The Motorola T460 gives you two ways to power up: using the NiMH rechargeable batteries or the AA batteries. The NiMH rechargeable batteries can let you communicate for up to 10 hours. However, if you need it for a longer time, opt for the AA batteries, 3 pieces at that. It can last you for 26 hours.

T460 boasts of its battery save feature, wherein you can choose to put the radio into sleep mode. Charge the rechargeable batteries using the micro-USB charging port, which is included in the package. It will take you about 14 hours to charge an empty battery.

Similarly, the Motorola T480 offers dual power options: rechargeable batteries or alkaline batteries. The rechargeable batteries can give you up to 10 hours of uninterrupted talk, and the 3 pieces of AA alkaline batteries can last up to 26 hours.

AA batteries are not included in the package of both handsets.

 

Range

For any walkie-talkie, weather conditions, terrains, and interference can affect its range. Without or with minimal obstructions, like when you are in the valleys or the mountains, you can go as far as 35 miles and still communicate smoothly using the Motorola T460. When in open water, you can reach only up to 6 miles. For busy cities and communities, you must be closer by 2 miles only to communicate efficiently. Power output is at 2 watts, which is typical of walkie-talkies.

Again, it’s the same for the Motorola T480: 35 miles for ideal conditions or the best weather conditions or with minimal barriers. The range gets affected when there are major obstructions, such as in busy neighborhoods. The Motorola T480 may have been built as an important component for emergency preparedness; however, the maximum range of 35 miles may not be reached.

 

Frequencies

The Motorola T460 works for both the Family Radio Service or FRS and the General Mobile Radio Service or GMRS, within the 462 to 467 MHz in the UHF or ultra-high frequency band. The Federal Communications Commission or FCC requires a license for radios that operate on GMRS frequencies. It comprises 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes. If you will use it outside the USA or Canada, it may be subject to the country’s regulations or may be prohibited. It is always best to read the local radio guidelines before buying.

Even in frequencies, the Motorola T480 is the same as the Motorola T460 as it is also working within the frequency range of 462 to 467 MHz. The same thing is true with the number of channels (22) and privacy codes. If you operate the Motorola T480 on FRS channels 8 to 14, you will not need to secure a license. However, if you will opt to use channels 1 to 7 and 15 to 22, which are GMRS channels, getting a license is required.

Learn more about the rules and regulations of the FCC here.

 

 

Features

Here are the features for the Motorola T460:

Dual power – Power your Motorola T460 radio in two ways: NiMH rechargeable batteries or AA batteries (3 pieces). If your rechargeable goes empty, you can continue using your walkie-talkies if you have spare AA batteries in your bag.

Built-in LED flashlight – Staying overnight in a camp? Encountering an unexpected emergency during hiking? Experiencing a power outage? You have nothing to worry about. The device is equipped with a built-in LED flashlight. It can give you the brightness that you need.

iVOX/VOX hands-free – You can choose to talk without using your hands. The Motorola T460’s iVOX/VOX function acts as a speakerphone just so you can continue hiking while talking.

22 channels – You will never run out of channels to choose from as it lets you find an available channel from its 22 channels. Each comes with 121 privacy codes.

NOAA weather channels and alerts – With Motorola T460, you can avoid weather disturbances. Get the latest weather news before you proceed with outdoor activities. Receive alerts when there’s a storm or similar weather condition approaching.

IP54 weatherproof – Continue using the handsets even in the midst of rainfall or storm as it is made to withstand it. It has protection from rain, splash, and the likes. However, avoid submerging or dropping it in water, or else it will no longer function.

Emergency alert – You have nothing to worry about if you are in danger, as you can rely on your T460 to get help. Push the emergency alert button, and an alert siren and sounds will emerge. Those who will hear it will know that you are in urgent need of help.

Push-to-talk power boost – This feature lets you Increase the transmission range by improving the transmitter power output.

 

Here are the features for the Motorola T480:

22 channels – The Motorola T480 offers 22 channels. Each of which comes with 121 privacy codes. So, searching for available channels will come in handy.

FM radio – Do you need music? This handset also works as an FM radio to help you chill while enjoying hiking or camping.

NOAA weather channels and alerts – You can avoid storms and the likes. Receive weather alerts or connect to one of NOAA’s weather channels to get the latest weather news.

Built-in flashlight – If it’s getting darker outside, use the built-in flashlight to light your path or give you the peace of mind you need during camping.

Dual power – You can opt to use alkaline batteries or the NiMH rechargeable batteries to power the walkie-talkie. For outdoor adventures that will require you to be out for a day or two, you can rely on both for uninterrupted communication.

IP54 weatherproof – The Motorola T480 is reliable even under extreme weather conditions as it can withstand splash, dust, and the likes. However, make sure not to drop it in water and get it submerged.

iVOX/VOX hands-free – Make use of it as a speaker, so you don’t need to use your hands. Yes, Motorola T480 also allows hands-free communication like other walkie-talkies.

Emergency alert – If you are in danger, you can rely on T480 to help you out. Just press the emergency alert button, and it will automatically give out an alert siren and incidental sounds. This way, others will know that you need urgent help and will be there to give you just that.

Push-to-talk power boost – Expand the transmission range as you improve the transmitter power output.

 

Price

The Motorola T460, as of this writing, is priced at $69.85 on Amazon. The Motorola T480, on the other hand, is at $49.04. As both have the same features, you can opt to buy the Motorola T480, which is a lot lower by $20.81.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T460 vs T480

Knowing all the features of both the Motorola T460 and the Motorola T480, you can easily notice that they are made to offer the same features that amazingly respond to the requirements of typical walkie-talkie users. It will now be up to you to choose which one will be best for you. Should you base your decision on the price or the appearance?

View the Motorola T460 on Amazon* View the Motorola T480 on Amazon*