Motorola T800 vs T801

Motorola is one of the go-to brands when it comes to two-way radios. They have established their name with the quality of the products they provide and their reliability. If you are looking for good walkie talkie options, then there is no way that Motorola would not be included in your options.

Today we will be reviewing the Motorola T800 and the Motorola T801 models, both peas of the same pod. These two are very much alike that it is almost impossible to tell them apart. Let us get to know what these radios have to offer and determine the answer to the question – which is the best model for you between the two?

Comparison – Motorola T800 vs. T801

Set-up

Both models are extremely alike, setting aside the colors that they come with. This being said, it is no surprise that there isn’t exactly any difference between their set-up procedures.

Setting up the T800 and the T801 is extremely easy, even to a beginner. Its basic functions are also relatively easy to understand and perform. To start up both devices, all you need to do is place the battery inside the radio by opening the hatch located at the back. After doing so, you may proceed to turn on the device via the power knob.

Most of the time, the rechargeable batteries that come with the package have some power in them. However, I recommend charging them fully before using two-way radios. Once you are set and done, all you need to do is tune your radios to the same channel and press the talk button, and you should be good to go.

Setting up its other features based on your personal preferences and needs might need some time to get used to, but nothing you can’t achieve with the user manual’s help comes with your device. Other than that, pairing both devices to any radio is quite a piece of cake.

 

Waterproof

Are the Motorola T800 and T801 waterproof?

I get that this is what most of you are reading this article want to be answered the most, and as such, I will be answering this question for you.

As per the manufacturer’s information, the Motorola T800 has an IPX4 water rating. This means that your two-way radio can survive water splashes from any direction but would probably not be able to deal with it being submerged underwater. As for the Motorola T801, it is not clearly stated if it has any water resistance but assuming from its being so similar to the T800. I personally think that it also can be considered as having an IPX4 water rating.

Although this may not be considered true water resistance, this can be fairly decent, especially when dealing with sudden weather changes such as rain and the like.

 

Power Source

Both the Motorola T800 and the Motorola T801 can be powered with either the NiMH rechargeable batteries that come with the package or AA Alkaline batteries. This is quite convenient as it gives you the option to choose which power source you should lead towards depending on the current situation that you are in.

With the NiMH rechargeable batteries, you are guaranteed at least 14-hours of usage, even longer depending on your use, while using the disposable AA batteries gives you about 24 hours’ worth of battery usage. Both have their merits and demerits depending on the user’s preferences.

Using the rechargeable batteries will cut off your expenses slightly as you can recharge them after draining the battery to zero. Still, with disposable batteries, you cannot do this. However, if you are in a place where you do not have access to a power supply to recharge your batteries, then the disposable battery options become such a useful thing to have. Depending on your situation, both can be considered advantageous over the other.

 

Range

According to the manufacturer’s provided information, both the Motorola T800 and the Motorola T801 has a maximum range of about 35 miles under ideal conditions. This means that if you are in an area where there is little to no obstructions, its true potential can be realized.

However, if you will be using it in an urban area or somewhere with many disruptions, the range drops down significantly to about 3 to 6 miles. The good thing about both models tho is that you can increase its range when you pair it with your smartphones and communicate using the Talkabout app,

Unfortunately, the expected range of 35 miles will not be experienced as most of us won’t have such ideal conditions readily, but this does not mean that the T800 and the T801 are bad options. As a matter of fact, they even offer a better range compared to most of the available walkie talkies in the market under this price range.

 

Frequency

The frequency range in which the Motorola T800 and T801 operate is around 462MHz to 467MHz. They also support multiple channels making them quite compatible with most radios in the market. This ultra-high-frequency range makes what makes the T800 and T801 a good option to choose from.

No matter how good this it sounds, you must never forget that there are some regulations that you need to be aware of. As per the FCC, using FRS channels does not require you to procure a license, but if you decide to use the GMRS channels as well, then you must obtain said license. To know more about this, please click here.

 

Features

As I have mentioned previously, the Motorola T800 and the T801 are like two peas from the same pod. They are extremely similar to the point that it is tough to set them apart. However, even if this is the case, it is still a good idea to know the different features it offers.

So what exactly do the T800 and T801 have for all those planning to buy out there? Let me enumerate them for you.

The most amazing feature that both models have to offer is its compatibility with the Talkabout app. The Talkabout app is a mobile application that allows you to send messages and your location to the other group by pairing your radio to your smartphones. This is extremely useful, especially during emergencies, as it allows you to send out a map of your current location. If you have a downloaded map, there is no way you will be unable to keep track of your other member’s whereabouts.

In addition to that, the T800 and the T801 has access to a total of 22 channels plus 121 privacy codes. This widens your options and compatibility even towards walkie talkies of a different brand. As long as the walkie talkie supports the channel you are using, then you will be able to keep contacting each other without a doubt.

Not only that, but both devices also have access to NOAA weather radio channels and updates. If you wish to keep yourself updated on the sudden changes in the weather in the area, this is certainly a good feature. It allows you to prepare accordingly for whatever storm may be coming your way increasing your overall safety.

The T800 and T801 also have iVOX/VOX hands-free operation as an option. This is a good feature to go with both model’s ability to use or connect to an earphone. This works by allowing you to select a sensitivity level, which will tell the device when you wish to talk.

When it detects your intention to send a message, it automatically transmits your message to all the radios within your vicinity tuned to the same channel/or privacy channel. This option allows you to do more with your hands as it frees them for more productive tasks.

Other included features for both models are as follows:

• Built-in Flashlight
• Emergency Alerts
• VibracallTM Alert feature
• Support with the Talkabout app
• Availability of a headphone jack

There are a lot more features that the T800 and T801 might have, which are not listed above but rest assured, the most common and most necessary features which are necessary for whoever who wishes to purchase a radio is included in the enumeration above.

 

Price

Now that we have established how similar the Motorola T800 and the T801 is, then it is time to determine how much exactly each unit cost. Given that individual budget is one of the factors that might affect your decision on which product to buy, it’s extremely important and wise to know beforehand its price.

The Motorola T800 can be bought at $74.99 on Amazon, while the T801 can be purchased for $99.99. This can indeed be considered somewhat pricey compared to other competitions in the market. The set of features that come with it is certainly not something to be ignored.

The Motorola T800 and T801 will both receive the same outside the box accessories and a carry case for the Motorola T801. This explains why the Motorola T801 is being sold at a much higher cost.

 

Conclusion – Motorola T800 vs T801

To sum things up, the Motorola T800 and the T801 are the same in terms of functionality and build except for the difference of available colors for both models and the T801 being sold with a carry case to come with it. If aesthetics don’t matter to you, it will come down to your budget and personal preference.

Choosing the Motorola T800 may allow you to save some cash as it is cheaper than the other option. The additional accessories that come with the Motorola T801 are certainly enticing. With both models having something to offer, this will certainly make your decision making harder.

Before deciding on which one is best for you, try assessing your needs and budget first. As I have clearly stressed out a lot of times now, there is really no difference between the two in terms of features and functionality. There will be no such thing as regretting your decision for this matter, so please feel free to trust your intuition and choose the model which your intuition says is right for you.

View the Motorola T800 on Amazon* View the Motorola T801 on Amazon*