Today we will be comparing two models of Motorola. This review article contains a comparison between Motorola T600 Motorola T800 models. Although these two products are very much alike, they still have distinctions that might help you read and understand which one is best suited for you.
Since Motorola introduces various new models of its two-way radios, there are high chances that consumers might get confused regarding which one to buy and why. Hence, this article will make it easy for you to envision which model to buy clearly.
Main Differences
Since both come from the same manufacturer, the Motorola T600 and Motorola T800 are almost identical. The biggest difference is probably that the T600 has a much better water resistance. In addition, the T600 has a normal LCD display, while the T800 has a hidden display.
Otherwise, there is little to no difference between the two devices in terms of functions, frequencies, usability, weight, range, etc.
Comparison – Motorola T600 vs T800
Motorola T600 | Motorola T800 | |
 |  | |
Range | 36 miles | 35 miles |
Power Output | 0.5-2 watts | 0.5-2 watts |
Frequency Ranges | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) | 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) |
License needed | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) | yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) |
Waterproof | IP67 | IPx4 |
VOX | ||
Emergency Alert | ||
Auto Squelch | ||
LED Flashlight | ||
Keypad Lock | ||
Low Battery Alert | ||
Weather Channels | 11 NOAA weather channels | 11 NOAA weather channels |
Call Tones | 20 | 20 |
Power Source | NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries | NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size | 7.78" x 2.4" x 1.5" / 19.76 x 6.10 x 3.81 cm | 7.52" x 2.2" x 1.28" / 19.05 x 5.56 x 3.25 cm |
Weight | 0.4 lbs / 180 g (without battery) | 0.47 lbs / 213 g (with batteries) |
Scope of Delivery |
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Motorola T600 | Motorola T800 |
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Range 36 miles | Range 35 miles |
Power Output 0.5-2 watts | Power Output 0.5-2 watts |
Frequency Ranges 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) | Frequency Ranges 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS) |
License needed yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) | License needed yes, if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license) |
Waterproof IP67 | Waterproof IPx4 |
VOX | VOX |
Emergency Alert | Emergency Alert |
Auto Squelch | Auto Squelch |
LED Flashlight | LED Flashlight |
Keypad Lock | Keypad Lock |
Low Battery Alert | Low Battery Alert |
Weather Channels 11 NOAA weather channels | Weather Channels 11 NOAA weather channels |
Call Tones 20 | Call Tones 20 |
Power Source NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries | Power Source NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries |
Size 7.78" x 2.4" x 1.5" / 19.76 x 6.10 x 3.81 cm | Size 7.52" x 2.2" x 1.28" / 19.05 x 5.56 x 3.25 cm |
Weight 0.4 lbs / 180 g (without battery) | Weight 0.47 lbs / 213 g (with batteries) |
Scope of Delivery
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Setup
Setting up the Motorola T600 and the Motorola T800 is almost the same. They come with a battery hatch that is easy to open and close. Using it for the first time could be a little tricky, but once you do it and understand it, it will be very easy for you to operate it further. All you need to do is insert the batteries and then switch on the device. Both the walkie-talkies come with a user manual.
Even if you are a beginner, you can still set it up easily. It is recommended to charge those batteries fully before inserting them. Most of the time, the batteries are already charged. However, you can check once whether they are fully charged or not before applying. Once you insert the batteries, the next step is to pair the devices. Pairing is important to communicate privately, which means you cannot communicate until both your radio sets are paired.
Hence it is recommended to read the user manual thoroughly before you start pairing the devices. The manual contains all the instructions that make it easy for you to pair the devices.
Just press and hold the pairing button you will notice that after a few seconds, the display shows that the pairing is complete. Once your devices are paired, you can release the button.
Waterproof
Well, Both the devices are quite different in terms of water resistance.
The Motorola t600 has a rating of IP67 that means this walkie-talkie can survive 30 minutes inside water and will not get damaged. This walkie-talkie is covered in thick neon green plastic, and hence all the buttons inserted are completely waterproof.
However, the Motorola T800 has an IP54 rating and is considered to be weatherproof & waterproof. In simple words, if you are stuck in an area with humidity, snow, or rain, you don’t have to worry about your video; it won’t get damaged and will work at its full efficiency.
Comparing the rating of both the devices, the Motorola T600 is the better option.
Power Source
Both The Motorola T600 & the Motorola T800 come with a dual battery. The batteries that come with the pack are NiMH rechargeable batteries. You can also opt for 3 AA disposable alkaline batteries as per your preference. In the case of rechargeable batteries, they have a battery life of 9 hours for Motorola T600 & 14 hours for Motorola T800, which makes the Motorola T800 a better option.
These disposable batteries can give you a lifetime of up to 25 hours, depending upon your usage. It is recommended to carry a few extra batteries so that you don’t have any problem doing exercise communication.
Range
The Motorola T600 has a range of 36 miles under ideal conditions. However, if you expect a 36-mile range on high terrain areas, you might get disappointed with this radio.
Whereas, The Motorola t800 has a variety of ranges depending upon which area you belong to. In the case of mountains to valleys, it ranges up to 35 miles. However, the open water range is up to 6 miles, and the neighborhood range is also 6 Miles.
Frequencies
Both the walkie-talkies are designed for GMRS and FRS frequencies ranging from 462 MHz to 467 MHz. If you are using the FRS channels, you won’t require a license, but in the case of GMRS frequencies, you have to get a license from the federal communications commission.
Features
The best feature of the Motorola T600 is that it is completely waterproof, and even if you drop it in water, the flashlight automatically lights up, and you can find it easily.
The flashlight inserted in the radio has both white and red LED attached to it. It also has an emergency alert feature that, while activated, will give a loud siren sound followed by 20-second transmission. Both the walkie-talkies have hands-free VOX functions.
The Motorola T800 has a sleek and stylish design. This walkie-talkie is about 7 inches from the antenna’s tip and about pounds in weight. This device is lightweight and can be easily carried to any place. It comes with an impressive hidden display and lights up just by pressing a button.
Both the devices come with an inbuilt flashlight and contain 22 channels and 121 privacy codes. Both the devices also have 2.5 mm headphone that helps you for effective communication.
The Motorola T600 and T800 offer 35 miles of range under ideal conditions (open areas with no instructions). They also have an NOAA weather alert radio and weather scan feature that automatically connects you to the strongest available weather channel that is accessible in your area.
Price
Currently, the T600 is available at $82.50 on Amazon, and the list price is $120. The Motorola T800 is sold at $74.99 on Amazon and is considered more expensive than other walkie-talkies.
Although both the devices are slightly expensive compared to other walkie-talkies, still looking at these two options, the Motorola T800 is a bit cheaper. In general, they are in a similar price range.
Conclusion – Motorola T600 vs T800
Well, Both the walkie-talkies are good in their way. However, choosing the Motorola T800 will save some money as it is cheaper than the other one.
So you can choose one depending upon your budget and preferences.
In the case of the Motorola T600, you will get a device that also survives harsh weather conditions and exposure to water as it has a better rating. But if you want a walkie-talkie that has a sleek-looking radio fit yet has exciting features, then The Motorola T800 is made for you.
T600 requires a screwdriver to remove/change batteries/pack, the T800 does not.