Motorola T600 vs T800

Motorola has been in the business of manufacturing quality walkie talkies, even as we speak. If you are looking for a reliable brand of two-way radios, then there is no way Motorola can be left out. This is because they have established themselves quite well in the walkie talkie industry.

But when you are stuck choosing between two great Motorola walkie talkies, which one should you go for? How do you know which one is the choice you won’t regret?

Today I will be comparing the Motorola T600 and the Motorola T800 in terms of functionality and specs. Let me help you decide which Motorola radio is perfect for your need and budget – the T600 or the T800? Get ready as I get to know what sets these two models apart.

Comparison – Motorola T600 vs. T800

Set-up

One good thing about Motorola radios is that they are extremely easy to set-up and use. Coming from the same series, the Talkabout series, setting up your Motorola T600 or T800 is done the same way. Its basic look is closely the same as each other. They are also relatively easy to start-up.

All you need to do to start up both models is to put in the battery. This can be done by opening the hatch found on the backside of the device. Once the battery is popped in, you can now turn on the radio.

The basic functions can be easily familiarized. However, the user interface can take some time to get used to. It will take you more than one try to have yourself well-acquainted with its interface. Of course, no matter how hard it may seem, you will always have the user manual to guide you on the way.

 

Waterproof

In terms of water resistance, there is quite a big difference between the two, especially with their water ratings. The Motorola T600 has an IPX7 rating, while the Motorola T800 only has an IPX4 rating.

The main difference between these two is that the IPX7 rating allows the walkie-talkie to survive being submerged underwater for at least 30 minutes up to a distance of 1 meter, while the IPX4 only protects the radio from splashes coming from any direction. This means that in this aspect, the Motorola T600 is the better option compared to the T800, which cannot survive full submersion under the water’s surface.

 

Power Source

Both Motorola models, the T600 and the T800, support dual battery capabilities. They can be powered up using the two NiMH rechargeable batteries that come with the package or by using three AA Alkaline batteries. This option is helpful, especially when you don’t have an available power outlet in the vicinity to charge your rechargeable batteries.

The pair of NiMH rechargeable batteries can give you about 9 hours of juice for the Motorola T600 and up to 14 hours of use for the Motorola T800. Looking at this, the T800 certainly has an advantage in terms of battery life.

Using the three AA Alkaline batteries to power up your walkie talkie will give you enough juice for about 24 hours approximately. This is certainly longer compared to when using the rechargeable batteries; however, do remember that after one-time use, these AA batteries will be disposed of as there is no way to recharge them,

If you are looking into going on a trip with these radios, it is best to prepare disposable batteries good enough to last your entire trip just in case of an emergency. This will ensure that you can stay connected at all times.

 

Range

Knowing your radio’s capabilities in terms of range is very important as this will dictate how far you and your group can get separated without losing communication. The distance mentioned in the walkie talkie’s specifications will allow you to gauge this said capability.

As per the manufacturer’s information, both the Motorola T600 and the Motorola T800 has a range of about 35 miles under ideal conditions. However, as we all know, this can only be possible under the best possible conditions. The best possible condition would be being in an environment where there is little to no obstructions at all and at the same time has good weather conditions.

Upon testing, to my disappointment, I found out that the Motorola T600 has only a good range of about 3 to 6 miles depending on the location. The same goes for the Motorola T800. Still, this can be considered somewhat decent since most of the two-way radios available in the market nowadays offer the same range or even lesser.

 

Frequency

The Motorola T600 and T800 both operate at a frequency range of about 462MHz to 467MHz. Both devices are also able to connect to both FRS and GMRS channels. As most walkie talkies available everywhere operate at this frequency, you will have little to no problems in terms of compatibility.

However, do keep in mind that there are some regulations you must be aware of. Although using FRS channels is free and will not require you to apply for any license, the opposite is true if you wish to connect to GMRS channels. For more information regarding FCC’s rules and regulations regarding this matter, you can click here.

 

Features

And now, for the most awaited part.

Every walkie talkie buyer has a purpose in mind for it. Functionality that fits most people’s needs is the most common one. The best way to know whether which walkie-talkie is best for your needs is to know the different features that come with it.

Below I will be enumerating the different features of both Motorola models and comparing them along the way to the best of our abilities. Without further ado, here are the T600’s and the T800’s supported features and capabilities.

 

Design

The first thing that you’ll notice in almost any merchandise is the product’s design. How it looks holds a lot of influence on the buyer’s decision making.

In terms of design, the Motorola T600 is vibrant and compact. As it is a part of the Talkabout series, it is also small and portable. The T600 has a rugged design that can protect your radio, especially during extreme outdoor activities.

As for the Motorola T800, the first thing you would notice is its sleek design and stylish design. It is also noticeably smaller than the T600 model in terms of dimensions, although not by much. It looks simple and more compact compared to the T600. It is also lighter than the previous in terms of weight.

 

Supported Channels and Privacy Codes

Both the T600 and the T800 support the same number of channels and privacy codes. They have 22 channels you can connect to plus 121 privacy codes you can use. This wide range of supported channels allows your device to connect to more walkie talkies than just your own.

The more channels there is, the more its compatibility to other walkie-talkies in the market increases.

 

Long-range communication

One aspect to consider when deciding on which radio to choose is based on its range capability. The longer its range, the more it is easier to stay connected. As such, it is important to be aware of your two-way radio’s maximum range capability.

In this aspect, according to the manufacturer’s information, both the Motorola T600 and the T800 offer the same range of about 35 miles under ideal conditions. When I say ideal conditions, it means that it is being used in an open field with little to no obstructions.

However, upon testing it personally, both the T600 and the T800 only have a range of about 3 to 6 miles, depending on where it is being used. Nevertheless, though this may be the case, this can still be considered somewhat decent than its competition.

 

NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan

When on a trip, you never know when the weather might suddenly change, potentially putting you and your party at risk. Thus being updated with the weather changes and such puts you in a much better position.

Lucky for you, both the Motorola T600 and the T800 have this feature. This means that the T600 and the T800 have access to the most recent weather updates with its NOAA weather alert feature. This works by giving your radio the ability to connect automatically to the strongest available weather channel accessible to the area you are in.

This is an outstanding feature to have as it gives you the knowledge and ability to prepare for the sudden weather change and act accordingly, keeping your group safe from harm.

 

iVOX/VOX hands-free feature

Another great feature that is being offered by both models is the iVOX/VOX function. This feature allows the user to operate the radio hands-free. It works by setting a sensitivity level for the walkie-talkie. Every time you wish to speak, your radio will detect this and automatically transmit whatever you are saying to all the radios on the same channel as you do.

Paired with the T600 and T800’s ability to use headphones, you can now operate your device without having to hold it. This frees your hands and allows them to do more things than it normally can.

 

Price

The Motorola T600 is priced at $82.50, while the Motorola T800’s price starts at $74.99. Looking at these two options alone, then the T800 surely is cheaper compared to the previous options. However, with all the additional features that come with the T600, I can say that the higher price range than the latter is well justified.

However, both units can be considered quite pricey compared to other walkie talkie brands available in the market that have more or less the same features. Still, it is undeniable that with Motorola, you can never go wrong.

The Motorola T600 comes with 2 radios, 2NiMH rechargeable batteries, 2 belt clips, 1 Y charging Cable, 1 user manual, and a brochure. In comparison, the Motorola T800 comes with 2 radios, 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries, 2 belt clips, 1 Y charging cable, and 16 personalization stickers.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T600 vs T800

So which one is the best option for you – is it the T600 or the T800?

Well, that depends entirely on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a rugged walkie talkie who can survive harsh weather conditions and water exposure, then the T600 is probably what you need the most. However, if you prefer a sleek looking radio fit and perfect for your budget, then the T800 should be what you’re looking for.

Over-all, both gadgets are equally worth getting. It entirely depends on what you need and what you’re looking for. It can be quite pricey compared to the other options in the market but, if anything, it is certainly worth its price.

View the Motorola T600 on Amazon* View the Motorola T800 on Amazon*