Motorola T605 vs T800

When you have two models of devices to choose from, which one should you go for? The question becomes more serious when you should only choose one between two choices. This decision is mostly the case when you select a set of walkie-talkie devices.

You can’t just jump and add to cart without comparing which models give you the most optimal solution. You’ll need to make the same choice deduction between the Motorola T605 and Motorola T800.

The T Series in Motorola’s communication solutions indeed puts out a communication walkie-talkie handset for every occasion. Below is the comparison of both devices so you can decide the more suitable model for your daily use. It’s best to get the model that suits your needs and budget.

Comparison – Motorola T605 vs. T800

Setup

Upon getting the model packages, setup is the next item in the agenda checklist. Luckily, the setup and initialization process of both the T605 and T800 isn’t complicated. With the right tools and the complete package in hand, you can immediately set up and use the devices at hand. It won’t take a day before you can use any of these models.

For the T605, put the battery pack in the device slot. The package comes with a NiMH battery pack that includes a charging adaptor for the handset. After putting in the battery, turn on the T605 and check for the current battery level. The manual gives the details and instructions in pairing both the device T605 handsets.

For the T800, the same setup process follows. Find the battery in the package and insert it in the handset battery slot. Check for the current levels of battery source and charge if the levels are extremely low. The pairing steps of the T800 Series are a bit different from the T605. With the T800, you need to set up the software via the Motorola Talkabout App on a smartphone.

Though the T800 may take longer to set up, both model setups and initializations are uncomplicated. Even for non-technical users of walkie-talkies, getting an initial hold of both device models is simple.

 

Waterproof

Whether you love trekking outdoors or you are primarily in commercial settings, waterproof devices come in handy. Waterproofing and weatherproofing capabilities significantly increase the durability of devices.

The T605 comes with a rating of IP67. Moreover, the T605 champions its model with waterproofing abilities. The device can withstand up to 1-meter water submersion for 30 minutes without damage.

The T800, on the other hand, has an IPX4 rating. Any T800 device can resist splashing water. It doesn’t matter which direction the splashing jets come from. However, the IPX4 rating means that you should never submerge the T800 in water; less you want to damage the unit severely.

Both models are weatherproof. The T605 and T800 can withstand rain and varying weather conditions daily.

 

Power source

Battery levels matter, especially if you go out a lot and use the walkie-walkies for more extended periods on average. It’s best to consider various power options that you can exhaust to have a functional device.

Luckily, both the T605 and T800 have two power options. Both models make use of NiMH battery packs that are rechargeable. If the power levels of the device dip too low, you can plug it in via the connector to any power source with a USB port. The next option is using 3 AA batteries to power the device. If you need backup power, you need to purchase the batteries, which are not part of the package inclusions.

The T605 lasts up to 9 hours on the NiMH batteries and up to 23 hours on AA batteries. The T800 lasts up to 14 hours on the NiMH battery pack and up to 25 hours for the separate AA batteries.

 

Range

Walkie-talkies compete by having the best features at a reasonable cost. The maximum distance range of any model affects the function of the product. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend hundreds of bucks for two paired units that don’t work with minimal obstructions in between. That’s not the case for the T Series models of Motorola two-way radios.

The T605 has a maximum range of 35 miles away with a mountain to valley setting. The same maximum range distance applies to the T800 device.

Though this is the maximum range, do note that these ranges fall under ideal conditions and settings. With a lot of interference and environment, the distance range is much less than the maximum. The same applies to the T605 water submersion, which limits the distance range of the handset in water.

 

Frequencies

The T605 and T800 both support 22 channels with 121 privacy codes each. There are many channels to choose from to gain better communication using the devices.

For FRS channels (Channel 8 to 14), both models have license-free use. In contrast, fees and FCC licenses apply for GMRS channels (Channels 1 to 7, 15 to 22).

Both models work on FRS 462-467 MHz in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band.

 

Features

• VOX function:
  • For a more convenient hands-free communication experience, some Motorola models support the VOX function. With the T605 and T800, you can talk to your caller without having to touch the device, turning the walkie-walkie into a speakerphone handset with VOX.
• Keypad tones:
  • Sound alerts are critical in putting out alarms. The keypad tones of the T605 and the T800 can turn into a sound machine with various tones.
• Caller tones and customization:
  • Who says you can’t customize caller IDs with an old-school device like walkie-talkies? Both the T605 and the T800 support tone customization to each paired handset caller within your channel.
• Auto Squelch:
  • While sounds can be very informative and alerting, some sounds turn into unwanted noise. The auto-squelch suppresses these noises that are not necessary for the T605 and T800. Only strong signals can produce a sound for your handset.
• Emergency alert:
  • Emergencies are detrimental. Everybody needs attentive alert and effective alarms to prevent crises and stop unfortunate circumstances from happening. The T605 and T800 can produce emergency alerts in case of any incited danger near the device.
• NOAA Weather Radio:
  • Weather updates are crucial, especially when you go out or do your job on the field. The T605 and T800 support NOAA Weather Radio Channels to alert you of any inclement weather changes or general weather info daily.
• Quiet Time (QT) feature:
  • QT is one of the compatible “silent conversations” features present and supported in the T605 and T800. With the QT feature, you can talk to other devices that support QT without interruptions.
• Push-To-Talk (PTT) function:
  • The PTT feature boosts power to handset devices, so you can talk discreetly while the handset stays out of sight and hidden. There’s no need to keep pressing a button while speaking with the PTT feature present in the T605 and T800.

 

Additional features for T605 only:

• Waterproof function:
  • While there are other two-way radios on the Motorola series lines, not all devices sport the same waterproof function for the device. The T605 has an IP67 rating that includes waterproofing features for the device.
• Water floating capacity:
  • On top of waterproofing, the T605 has a water floating ability for easier detection in water. Note that this only applies to NiMH battery-operated T605 units. The AA batteries may add too much weight causing the device to sink slowly.
• Automatic LED light alert:
  • While the LED light alerts you with red and white flashes, you can easily fish out the device on water. Now, you have a light and sound alert, so you don’t need to lose the T605 in the dark.

 

Additional features for T800 only:

• Bluetooth feature:
  • Who would expect Bluetooth to be a feature of any walkie-talkie device? Fortunately, the T800 boasts of the Bluetooth feature that allows for data transmission to smartphones. You can set, transmit, and initialize the T800 on a smartphone with the respective Motorola Talkabout App and Bluetooth connection.
• Off-grid sharing location:
  • With the T800 Bluetooth connectivity and any smartphone with the Motorola Talkabout App alone, it’s possible to access locations off-grid. Connect the smartphone and the T800 handset and use the smartphone app for off-grid sharing of the location to other people.
• Off-grid messaging function:
  • With the power and Bluetooth connection of the T800 and smartphone, it’s also possible to send messages to another smartphone. All you need to do is download the latest version of the Motorola Talkabout App before going on your hike or work.

 

Price

Most customers note the price difference in weighing essential buying decisions. The price can become the single determining factor for a walkie-talkie device as you choose between the two models.

The T605 costs about $119 for a set, while the T800 costs $109 for a two-pack order. Each model has a defining feature that sets it apart from the other series models.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T605 vs T800

It comes to a point where you need to choose only one model for your walkie-talkie purchase. Which model should you select and why? The best thing you can do is weigh your needs and the setting of where you will usually use the device.

If you are an avid adventurer that constantly switches between mountains, lakes, and untapped wilderness, it’s best to get the T605. Nothing beats the waterproof capabilities of the handset. The design of the T605 can withstand significant time in water and still give you the same communication capability present afterward.

On the other hand, if you work in an area with a lot of signal interference for your smartphone, it’s best to get the T800. Once you connect the T800 to the smartphone, you can communicate, send location, and transmit data with the other callers who have the same app on their smartphone via Bluetooth connectivity.

All walkie-talkies work best in certain conditions and ideal environments. Choose the features that suit your constant use and your budget.

View the Motorola T605 on Amazon* View the Motorola T800 on Amazon*