Motorola T605 vs T631

Motorola is one of the most popular brands on the market today when it comes to high-quality walkie-talkies. It has manufactured many durable portable radio models, and two of them are the Motorola T605 and Motorola T631 from the T600 series.

In a nutshell, these two walkie-talkie models have similar specs and features, but which one outweighs the other? In this article, I will be comparing the T605 and T631 and find out which of the two is a better choice. If you have considered these two models for your outdoor activities, this comparison will help you choose the right one.

Comparison – Motorola T605 vs. T631

Setup

As I have previously mentioned, Motorola T605 and T631 are quite similar to each other, including their straightforward setup. With T605, you have to install three AA Alkaline or rechargeable batteries at the back compartment to power up the device. Once they are in place, you can turn on the portable radio and set it with the same channel code and interference elimination code. The user manual contains a list of frequencies and channels, so check it out before setting the codes. After that, the device is ready to use.

The Motorola T631, on the other hand, is also easy to assemble. Since it comes from the T600 series, it uses the same type of batteries as the T605 and has the same battery compartment found at the back of the device. When the batteries are installed, you can turn it on then set the codes to use them properly. It only has a few controls, which means you will not have difficulty using the handheld radio. For proper guidance, do not forget to read the user manual.

 

Waterproof

Both Motorola T605 and T631 are labeled with an IP-67 waterproof standard. It means that you can submerge them a maximum of one meter of water for 30 minutes without worries. They will still function well even if it has been underwater. They also have a built-in flashlight that you can turn when you are swimming or even diving. Aside from that, these devices are weatherproof, too. They are fully functional even when you use them in extreme weather conditions.

If you love doing water adventures, you can use either one of the models. They are also perfect for other outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

 

Power Source

There are two primary power sources of T605 and T631 – rechargeable batteries and alkaline batteries. If you purchase either of the two Motorola models, you get the same battery and charger type. They come with a NiMH rechargeable battery that gives life to the device for nine hours. They also have a micro USB adapter that recharges the radio when the battery no longer has power. For longer hours of usage, it is ideal to use three disposable AA batteries. They last for 23 hours, but unfortunately, they are not included in the package. You need to purchase them separately.

Between the two power sources, the rechargeable battery is ideal if you go to a place where you can access electricity. You can easily recharge it whenever the battery is low. However, if your outdoor activity is far from modern technology, disposable alkaline batteries are the best options. They can last up to 23 hours, but you do not need to use them up in one go. You can turn off the device to save the remaining power. To play it safe, you can bring both types of batteries whenever you are on an outdoor adventure.

 

Range

Apparently, both models have the same range, covering up to 35 miles. But the maximum coverage can only work under ideal conditions. It means that the weather is perfect, and there are no obstructions like barriers or structures blocking the transmissions. However, the devices can only cover a shorter range than what Motorola guarantees. Even if that is the case, T605 and T631 are still effective at transmitting signals within a closer coverage.

 

Frequencies

Let us talk about the frequencies of Motorola T605 and T631. The T605 has a frequency range of 462-467 MHz, covering 22 FRS and GMRS channels, and each channel has 121 Privacy Codes. If you use FRS channels within the US, there is no need to acquire a license. These license-free channels are from eight to 14. But if you transmit frequencies from channels one to seven and 15 to 22, you need to get a license from the FCC because they belong to the GMRS system.

Meanwhile, the T631 also has the same frequency range as T605. It has FRS and GMRS channels, and the same rules apply when you use either of those channels. Additionally, the frequency range is in UHF, which is extensive and highly suitable for outdoor activities and water adventures.

 

Features

In all honesty, there is still no major difference that sets the two Motorola models apart. But the features may break the tie. One of the special features of T605 is its built-in LED flashlight that automatically flashes red and white lights when it is submerged in water. If you accidentally drop it, the device floats, making it easier for you to retrieve it. This portable radio also features an Emergency Alert Button that you press to transmit a distress signal, alerting everyone you are in trouble.

As a portable radio, you must get weather updates from time to time, and that is just what you get from Motorola T605. This model allows you to access 11 NOAA weather channels that give you weather-related updates like hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods, and even alerts on emergency evacuations. You can also turn on the built-in FM radio and listen to local FM radio broadcasts. I also would like to appreciate the fact that this device is compatible with radios of different brands. Just make sure that the devices are on the same channel and privacy codes.

Wait! There is more. The Motorola T605 features the VOX hands-free command that allows you to operate the radio through voice commands. It has a Quiet Talk feature that filters out noises and disruptions from other transmitting devices. With this feature, the messages you transmit and receive are loud and clear. And to ensure that you do not miss any of the messages, the T605 has a VibraCall Alert that vibrates the radio whenever you receive incoming calls.

There is no question about the many impressive features of the Motorola T605, but the T631 has its fair share of outstanding features, too. For one, it has the built-in LED red and white flashlight that activates the moment it submerges in the water, NOAA weather channels, and alerts, as well as an easy-to-retrieve design that allows it to float when it is in the water. It also features the VOX hands-free command for easy communication.

But one of its key features is the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button. This button boosts the transmission range, increasing the transmission output from 0.5 to 2.0 watts. If you use this feature, it can save the device’s battery life, especially when the battery level is going down. So whenever your walkie-talkie is losing its power, use this button to make sure that it is still working until you can recharge it.

 

Price

The price can be a little tricky because, currently, both T605 and T631 cost $80 (well, $79.99 for T605 and T631 is unavailable as of writing). They are the same, but if you look at the features, T605 is slightly better than T631. The former has more features than the latter, making it a better choice to consider. You can check other online markets to see if they have different prices.

But if the T605 is more expensive than T631, I think that is fine. It is typical to pay a higher cost for a higher-quality device. But there is nothing wrong if you go with Motorola T631. As I said, they are almost the same as T605. And if it is cheaper but of the same quality, then, by all means, take it. Nowadays, it can be challenging to find a durable walkie-talkie with a friendly price.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T605 vs T631

Between Motorola T605 and T631, which of the two is the best? I have said several times how similar they are to each other. From the setup, waterproof details, power source, range, frequencies to their features and prices, there is no striking difference that can set them apart from each other. Yes, there is a difference in their respective features, but it is not exactly a major deal breaker if you think about it. They even look the same, except for the color – T605 is light green while T631 is yellow.

With that said, if I have to make a choice, I will probably get the Motorola T605 because it has one or two more features than T631. The price has no bearing in this comparison because they are the same.

View the Motorola T605 on Amazon* View the Motorola T631 on Amazon*