Motorola T480 vs T600

Walkie-talkies are the go-to communication device for outdoor adventures and emergencies. Choosing the best walkie-talkie suited for your needs is crucial, especially if you want an interrupted communication with your family and friends.

That is why I am here to compare both handsets best for emergency and outdoor activities, namely – Motorola T480 and Motorola T600. Both handsets have almost the same features but with different purposes. Regardless, this guide will help you choose the best walkie-talkie for you.

Comparison – Motorola T480 vs. T600

Setup

Motorola T480 is easy to set up. Unscrew the battery door to open the cover, and you can install either a rechargeable or alkaline battery.

Turn the knob (located at the top left portion of the device) clockwise to turn on the handset. It will then produce a chirping sound and display all icons on the radio. Set the radio to the same channel and interference elimination code to enable the two-way mode feature.

To determine which channel you want to use, refer to the user manual. It provides a list of channels and frequencies you can use to test the device. Refer to the user guide to navigate other features.

Meanwhile, T600 has the same set up as Motorola T480 for installing the batteries. After that, you can press the menu button as shown on the user manual to turn on the device. It chirps when it’s switched on and displays the current channel, feature, and code currently enabled. Make sure to set the same channel and interference elimination code to enable two-way mode communication.

The setup for both devices is easy to use. Both have descriptive and easy-to-understand user manuals. The only difference for both devices is the power button, which you need to rotate for the Motorola T480 while you press it on Motorola T600.

 

Waterproof

The Motorola T480 is IP54 weatherproof. The rating indicates that both handsets can withstand any weather conditions such as rain or snow. However, you cannot dip it into the water because the device is not waterproof.

Motorola T600, on the other hand, has an IP67 rating. You can drop it into one-meter deep water for 30 minutes and still work. This means that you can use it in extreme outdoor and water activities while keeping you connected to others. Additionally, the rugged design and the water sensors feature to enable the device to float and activate the flashlight when in contact with water.

In summary, if you’re planning to go out with your family on extreme water activity, you can use Motorola T600. However, you can count on Motorola T480 for necessary outdoor activities and emergencies.

 

Power source

Both devices have dual power – NiMH rechargeable battery and 3 AA disposable alkaline battery. However, both batteries have different lifespan upon usage.

Motorola T480’s NiMH rechargeable battery can last up to 10 hours. You can charge it using a micro-USB charger when you plan to bring it with you on an adventure. However, if your place does not have a power outlet, you can rely on a 3 AA disposable battery. The device will last up to 26 hours.

On the other hand, the NiMH rechargeable battery for Motorola T600 can only last up to 9 hours. Once it runs out, you can recharge it for 8 hours to use it again. If you want to use an AA alkaline battery, you can do so since it lasts up to 23 hours, which is lesser than Motorola T480.

Both devices have a low-battery alert feature, which is helpful. I was able to determine when to change or charge the batteries before the battery runs out.

Words of caution, if you don’t intend to use a NiMH battery, make sure to charge it every three months. Also, avoid the battery in a damp or high humid area to prevent corrosion and damage.

 

Range

While Motorola T480 promises seamless communication for up to 35 miles, it can vary in real-life conditions. The device advertises maximum range only for ideal conditions, including a clear line of sight with the least obstructions and perfect weather conditions.

However, as much as it will decrease the range output in real-life conditions, you can use it under extreme weather conditions like thunderstorms. You can use Motorola T480 under such conditions because of its weatherproof rating. However, the range is much lesser than the mentioned ideal range.

Moreover, Motorola T600 has a maximum range of 35 miles, similar to Motorola T480. But, the range is achievable under ideal conditions, which does not happen in real life. You can use it in open water and with minimal obstructions to fully experience the range output.

When I used this device, I was able to get a good signal on hilly terrain. When I tested it in an open area, I got a range of 6 miles, which is pretty decent for a walkie talkie.

 

Frequencies

Both devices have a frequency range of 462 MHz to 467 MHz, which can be used for FRS and GMRS frequencies. It also has 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes, totaling 2662 combinations.

For Motorola T480 and T600, you can use FRS channels 8 to 14 freely. However, you need a license to operate channels 1 to 7 and 15 to 22. The reason is these channels use a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) System, which requires an FCC license to operate.

Additionally, you can optimize the device for up to a 0.5 Watt power button if you’re using FRS channels. Otherwise, you might still not improve the transmission range when you power it up to 2-Watts. After all, the 2-Watt power button is exclusive for GMRS channels.

 

Features

No matter what walkie-talkie you choose, it’s essential to know the features it offers based on your needs and budget. First, let’s go over the features of the Motorola T480. This walkie-talkie provides you many features such as:

• The maximum range of up to 35 miles under ideal conditions such as a clear line of sight
• 22 channels and 121 Privacy Codes: It makes it easy for you to find an available channel for seamless communication with your family and friends.
• Emergency alert button feature: Once you click this button, the radio will emit an alarm sound to alert others you are in danger.
• Quiet Charge Feature: If this feature is on, you won’t receive two-way communications. Instead, it will give you alerts on weather and emergencies.
• iVOX/VOX Hands-Free: It allows you to operate the device using your voice without touching it.
• Quiet Talk Feature: This feature filters out noise from other non-Motorola devices while you’re communicating with the other person.
• FM Radio. You can tune in to local FM channels as long as you like, even during a power outage or network disruptions. It has good sound quality for an FM radio.
• IP54 Weatherproof
• PTT Power Boost
• Built-in LED flashlight
• 11 NOAA Weather Alerts and Channels

The device also comes with a checklist and whistle for emergency purposes. After all, Motorola T480 is designed for emergencies. However, when I tried listening to NOAA weather reports, the device switched into two-way radio mode after a few minutes. This is the downside that I encountered when tuning in to weather reports.

Motorola T480 also comes with excellent battery life. It has features like Eco Smart, low battery indicator, time-out timer, and PTT Power Boost to maximize the battery life. However, changing the battery is challenging because you need to unscrew first to open the battery cover. With this, it’s wise to use a 3 AA alkaline battery instead.

While Motorola T600 offers the following features:

• Range of up to 35 miles under ideal conditions such as on open land or sea
• Auto-Squelch feature: It keeps your device quiet when there’s no detected signal.
• VibraCall feature: You can switch your device into silent mode.
• 11 NOAA Weather Alerts: This allows you to keep updated on current weather conditions.
• Backlit display
• Low battery meter indicator
• Time-Out Timer
• 20 customizable call tones
• IP67 waterproof
• 22 channels and 121 privacy codes
• Keypad lock feature

Another feature includes a water-activated flashlight, a reliable partner when you use it during night camps and activities. Once you drop it in water, it floats face-up while the light automatically turns on. The flashlight has LED colors of white and red (red is activated in night vision mode).

The Motorola T600 also comes with an emergency alert feature. Once you activate it, it will produce a siren sound followed by a 20-second transmission.

Lastly, it is compatible with any other radio brands. You can communicate FRS and GMRS radios with the other person regardless of the brand as long as it is on the same channel and privacy code.

 

Price

Motorola T480 and Motorola T600 have quite a large price gap. The reason being is that both devices have quite different features. Moreover, I find Motorola T480’s price to be quite competitive and cost-effective for the features it offers compared to Motorola T600.

Motorola T480 is currently at $46.46 on Amazon, while Motorola T600 is priced at $82.50. Considering both only differ in waterproof capabilities and a few features, Motorola T600 is quite expensive. Nonetheless, you can opt for a second hand Motorola T600 for a cheaper value.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T480 vs T600

Motorola T480 and Motorola T600 are both reliable walkie-talkies to allow for seamless communication even under extreme conditions. Both devices have almost the same features with a different purpose. Depending on your preference, you can choose one over the other. Hence, here’s a quick summary of the walkie-talkies.

Motorola T480 is a walkie talkie for emergencies. Thus, the device has features catered for emergencies, such as Emergency Alert Button and LED flashlight. It’s IP54 weatherproof, which makes it reliable to use even during rain or storms. It also has a longer battery life compared to Motorola T600. It’s even on the lower price point, making it an excellent buy for walkie talkie amateurs and radio operators.

However, if you plan on using a walkie-talkie for fishing, snow-sports, or hiking, you can count on Motorola T600. What’s unique with this device compared to Motorola T480 is that it is compatible with other radio brands as long as you use the same channel and privacy code. While it has lower battery life than Motorola T480, you can back up on 3 AA Alkaline Batteries to prevent it from running out.

Regardless, your choice will depend on where you want to use the device. With all things considered, this guide should have provided the information to determine the walkie talkie suited for your needs.

View the Motorola T480 on Amazon* View the Motorola T600 on Amazon*