Motorola ThinkPhone Review


6 min read 14-11-2024
Motorola ThinkPhone Review

In a world where smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, the quest for the perfect device tailored for business needs is ever-present. Enter the Motorola ThinkPhone, a device that marks Motorola's serious commitment to combining productivity features with robust smartphone capabilities. With a focus on security, productivity, and connectivity, the ThinkPhone is designed specifically for professionals who demand more from their devices. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the features, performance, design, and overall usability of the Motorola ThinkPhone to help you determine whether it deserves a spot in your tech arsenal.


Design and Build Quality

When you first lay your eyes on the Motorola ThinkPhone, it is evident that this smartphone is crafted with the corporate user in mind. The design is sleek and professional, with a matte black finish that exudes sophistication. The aluminum frame gives the device a premium feel, while the Gorilla Glass Victus ensures durability against scratches and drops.

The ThinkPhone weighs around 188 grams and has dimensions of 158.76 x 74.38 x 7.6 mm, making it easy to hold and carry. The screen is a 6.6-inch FHD+ OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, which enhances productivity during presentations and document editing. The 120Hz refresh rate is an added bonus, allowing for smoother scrolling and animations, which can be particularly useful during multitasking.

IP68 Rating and MIL-STD-810H Compliance

One of the standout features of the ThinkPhone is its IP68 water and dust resistance rating. This means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for about 30 minutes, making it perfect for users who often find themselves in challenging environments. Additionally, it meets MIL-STD-810H military standards, which guarantees durability against extreme conditions like temperature fluctuations, humidity, and vibrations. This ruggedness makes the ThinkPhone a reliable companion for fieldwork or travel.


Performance and Software

At the heart of the Motorola ThinkPhone lies a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, which boasts a high-performance 3.2 GHz speed, paired with 8GB/12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage options. This combination allows for seamless multitasking and the ability to run multiple applications without any slowdown. Users can easily switch between video conferencing, document editing, and heavy apps, making it a perfect fit for busy professionals.

The device runs on Android 13, providing a clean and user-friendly interface. Motorola has opted for a near-stock Android experience, which means that bloatware is kept to a minimum, allowing users to focus on productivity rather than navigating through unnecessary apps. Motorola's ThinkShield security features ensure that sensitive data is well-protected. With features like Secure Folder and encryption capabilities, users can feel safe knowing that their information is secure.

Productivity Features

Motorola has included several features that enhance productivity:

  1. Ready For Desktop Mode: Connect your ThinkPhone to a monitor and use it like a desktop computer, enabling a larger workspace for document editing, presentations, and more.

  2. Microsoft Teams Integration: Built-in Microsoft Teams allows for quick access to communication tools, making it easier to stay connected with colleagues.

  3. Note Taking and Gestures: The ThinkPhone allows for quick note-taking with gestures, ensuring that ideas can be captured instantly.

  4. Moto Features: Motorola's signature features, like Moto Actions for quick access to settings and Smart Compose for fast typing, can enhance efficiency.


Camera Performance

In today's business world, having a reliable camera is crucial for both professional use and personal enjoyment. The Motorola ThinkPhone features a 50MP primary camera that captures sharp and vibrant photos, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. This versatile camera setup allows users to switch between wide-angle shots and close-ups with ease.

The camera's performance excels in well-lit environments, producing images with excellent detail and color accuracy. In low-light conditions, however, the performance tends to falter slightly, showing more noise than one would prefer. That said, the camera does support Night Vision mode, which can help improve low-light photography.

The front-facing camera is a 32MP sensor, perfect for video calls and virtual meetings. With its ability to deliver clear images, the ThinkPhone is ideal for professionals who rely on video conferencing to stay connected.


Battery Life and Charging

One of the primary concerns for any smartphone user is battery life. The Motorola ThinkPhone is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, which promises a full day of usage, even under heavy workloads. Users can expect up to 18 hours of talk time, which is impressive for anyone in the business sector.

Moreover, the ThinkPhone supports 68W fast charging, allowing users to quickly juice up their device during short breaks. In addition, it features 15W wireless charging capabilities for added convenience. This ensures that even if you're running low on battery, a quick plug-in or a wireless charge can get you back to business without significant downtime.


Connectivity and Additional Features

In today's digital age, connectivity is key. The Motorola ThinkPhone does not disappoint on this front, supporting 5G connectivity, ensuring that users can enjoy fast data speeds and quick downloads. Additionally, it has Wi-Fi 6E compatibility for enhanced internet performance.

Bluetooth and NFC

The device features Bluetooth 5.2, allowing for seamless connections with other devices such as earbuds, speakers, and wearables. The inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication) enables easy mobile payments and quick data transfers.

Enterprise Features

Understanding the need for security and management in a corporate environment, Motorola has included enterprise-grade features that simplify device management for IT departments. The ThinkPhone supports Google Mobile Services, which facilitates security updates, as well as a range of management tools to ensure compliance with corporate policies.


Pricing and Availability

The Motorola ThinkPhone is positioned as a premium device in the corporate smartphone market. Pricing generally starts around $999, depending on the configuration and retailer. While this price point may be higher than some competitors, the ThinkPhone justifies it with its durable build, advanced features, and enterprise capabilities.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, the ThinkPhone offers similar performance and features, especially in terms of camera capabilities and productivity tools. However, its unique focus on business users gives it a distinct advantage for professionals seeking a device that aligns with their work environment.


Conclusion

The Motorola ThinkPhone offers a well-rounded package tailored to meet the needs of professionals. With its robust design, powerful performance, and advanced productivity features, this device is an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their business capabilities. It strikes a perfect balance between work and leisure, making it not just a tool for productivity but a versatile smartphone for all aspects of life.

As we step into a world where mobile technology continues to evolve, devices like the ThinkPhone pave the way for the future of corporate communication and productivity. If you're in the market for a powerful, durable smartphone that can handle the rigors of daily business life, the Motorola ThinkPhone is undoubtedly worth considering.


FAQs

1. Is the Motorola ThinkPhone suitable for gaming?

Yes, the Motorola ThinkPhone is equipped with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and a 120Hz display, making it capable of handling mobile gaming without lag.

2. What security features does the ThinkPhone offer?

The ThinkPhone includes several security features, such as ThinkShield, Secure Folder, and encryption capabilities to protect sensitive data.

3. Can I use the ThinkPhone for video conferencing?

Absolutely! The 32MP front-facing camera and integrated Microsoft Teams make it an excellent choice for video calls and virtual meetings.

4. How does the battery life compare to other smartphones?

The 5000mAh battery provides up to 18 hours of talk time, which is competitive compared to other smartphones in its class.

5. Does the Motorola ThinkPhone support wireless charging?

Yes, the ThinkPhone supports 15W wireless charging along with 68W fast charging, providing flexibility for users to charge their device quickly.