Which Motorola Is Right For The Job?
Motorola's current range runs from a straightforward entry-level portable through to genuinely intrinsically safe hazardous-area radios, an Android-based smart radio, and a broadband PoC platform that doesn't need a licensed frequency at all. This guide breaks the whole line-up down by what actually matters, band, feature tier, safety rating, and network type, so you can find the right model without wading through spec sheets.
Browse the full Motorola range →
01
VHF or UHF?
This comes down to your existing licence and coverage area, not preference. Mixed bands can't talk to each other.
02
Entry-level, or flagship features?
Motorola's ladder runs R2 (entry) → R5 (mid) → R7 (flagship), with GPS, Man Down and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth stacking up as you climb it.
03
Standard, or genuinely ATEX/IECEx certified?
Only models explicitly named Ex or Ex-suffixed (R7Ex, DP4401Ex, DP4801Ex) carry real hazardous-area certification. TIA-hardened is a durability tier, not a safety rating.
04
Licensed two-way radio, or broadband PoC?
MOTOTRBO needs an RSM-licensed frequency. WAVE PTX (TLK series) rides 4G/WiFi instead, no repeater network required.
Entry & Everyday Portables
Straightforward, dependable digital radios for teams that need clear communication without paying for features they won't use.
VHF
UHF
Both bands available
| Model | IP Rating | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| R2 | IP55 | Entry point into MOTOTRBO, simple PTT, clear digital audio, up to 26.5hr battery | Retail, hospitality, education, light industrial use |
| R5 | IP67 | AI-trained noise suppression, GNSS, RFID/NFC asset tracking, up to 32hr battery | Manufacturing, logistics, event security, asset-tracking teams |
| SL2600 | Slim, professional | 23mm thin profile, Bluetooth, built for a discreet professional look | Front-of-house retail and hospitality wanting a low-profile radio |
Ladder logic: R2 is the value entry point, simple and reliable without GPS or advanced safety features. R5 steps up with asset tracking and body-camera integration for teams that need more than voice. SL2600 trades some ruggedness for a genuinely slim, professional form factor. Pick the lowest tier that covers your actual feature needs, not the longest spec sheet.
Mid-Tier Commercial Portables
The established DP series, still genuinely capable and fully supported hardware for teams extending an existing fleet or wanting proven mid-tier durability.
| Model | Band | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP2400 | VHF or UHF | Established, compact, reliable digital platform | Straightforward commercial fleets on a mid-range budget |
| DP3441e | VHF or UHF | Compact, exceptionally rugged, proven fleet performer | Manufacturing, construction, transport fleets extending an existing DP fleet |
| DP3661e | VHF or UHF | Compact, high-performance digital portable | Professionals wanting proven DP-family reliability |
Why choose DP over R series in 2026: the main reason is fleet consistency. If you're already running DP2400s or DP3441es and need a handful more units, staying within the DP family keeps your existing batteries, chargers and accessories working across the whole fleet. For a fresh deployment with no existing fleet to match, the R series below is generally the better starting point.
Flagship & Smart Radios
The top of Motorola's conventional DMR range, plus a genuinely different Android-based smart radio for teams wanting broadband data alongside two-way voice.
| Model | IP Rating | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| R7 (also VHF) | IP68 & IP66 | Adaptive dual-mic noise suppression, GPS, Man Down, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth OTAP, up to 28hr battery | High-risk, isolated or mission-critical roles, forestry, heavy industry |
| Ion | Rugged Android platform | Full Android smart radio, voice, broadband data and multimedia in one device | Teams wanting apps and broadband data alongside two-way voice |
R7 is not the same as R7Ex: the standard R7 (including any "TIA-hardened" variant) is a rugged, durability-tested radio, but it does not carry intrinsically safe certification. TIA refers to a feature and durability tier, not a hazardous-area safety rating. If your site involves flammable gases, dusts or vapours, you need the separately certified R7Ex below, not a standard R7. See our full Motorola R7 review for the deep dive on audio, battery and fleet-management specs, and our R Series comparison guide for R7 vs R5 vs R2 side by side.
ATEX/IECEx Intrinsically Safe
For fuel depots, gas processing, mining and any site where a standard radio's internal spark risk is a genuine hazard. These are the only Motorola portables in this guide genuinely certified for classified hazardous areas.
| Model | Rating | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| R7Ex | ATEX / IECEx | Genuinely certified R7-platform radio, no-keypad (NKP) or full-keypad (FKP) | Energy, oil and gas, any ATEX/IECEx-classified zone |
| DP4401Ex | ATEX / IECEx | No-display DP-platform Ex radio, VHF or UHF | Hazardous sites wanting a simpler, no-display Ex radio |
| DP4801Ex | ATEX / IECEx | Full keypad and 5-line colour display, VHF or UHF | Hazardous sites wanting full on-radio menu control |
Confirm your zone classification first: ATEX and IECEx certification is matched to specific gas groups and zone classifications, not a generic "safe for hazardous areas" label. Confirm your site's actual classification against the radio's certification before ordering, this isn't a spec to guess at.
WAVE PTX Broadband PoC & Infrastructure
For teams spread across a wide area without dedicated radio infrastructure, plus the hardware that extends a conventional MOTOTRBO network's coverage.
| Model | Type | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLK110 | Handheld PoC | WAVE PTX broadband push-to-talk over 4G LTE or WiFi, nationwide range | Teams needing nationwide reach without a licensed frequency |
| TLK150 | Mobile PoC | WAVE PTX broadband push-to-talk for vehicles | Fleet vehicles needing nationwide broadband PTT coverage |
| SLR 1000 Repeater | Compact repeater | Coverage extension for challenging locations, VHF or UHF | Sites needing to close a coverage gap on an existing MOTOTRBO network |
No RSM licence needed for WAVE PTX: the TLK110 and TLK150 run over the cellular network, so there's no RSM licence required, unlike every conventional MOTOTRBO radio in this guide. Coverage depends on cellular signal rather than a licensed repeater network, worth factoring in for genuinely remote sites.
Fixed-mount vehicle radios: Mobile Systems does not currently hold a Motorola fixed-mount vehicle radio as standard catalogue stock. As an authorised Motorola dealer we can source one on request, but if you need a fixed-mount DMR radio quickly, we stock the Tait TM9355 as a proven, currently available alternative covering the same ground, DMR digital voice, analogue compatibility, and vehicle-mount durability. See our Tait Buying Guide for the TM9355 and the rest of Tait's fixed-mount range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Motorola MOTOTRBO radios need an individual RSM licence in New Zealand?
Yes. Motorola's conventional MOTOTRBO range operates on licensed VHF or UHF frequencies through Radio Spectrum Management, not the licence-free General User Radio Licence that covers UHF CB radios. The WAVE PTX TLK110 and TLK150 are the exception, they run over the cellular network instead and don't require an RSM licence.
Can Motorola radios talk to other brands?
MOTOTRBO follows the open DMR standard, so it can interoperate with other DMR-compliant radios when programmed to matching frequencies and settings. Compatibility across Motorola's own R series, DP series and older generations depends on the specific models and firmware, worth confirming before mixing generations in one fleet.
What's the real difference between the R2, R5 and R7?
Mainly ruggedness, battery life and safety features. The R2 (IP55) is the straightforward entry point with no GPS or advanced safety features. The R5 (IP67) adds AI-trained noise suppression, GNSS location and asset tracking. The R7 (IP68/IP66) sits at the top with GPS, Man Down, Lone Worker and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for remote fleet management.
Is the standard R7 intrinsically safe for hazardous sites?
No. Neither the standard R7 nor any TIA-hardened R7 variant carries intrinsically safe certification, TIA refers to a durability and feature tier, not a hazardous-area safety rating. The Motorola R7Ex is a separate, genuinely ATEX/IECEx-certified product for hazardous, potentially explosive atmospheres. If your site involves flammable gases, dusts or vapours, ask specifically for the R7Ex rather than assuming a standard R7 is rated for that use.
What ruggedness rating do Motorola radios carry?
It varies by model: the R2 carries IP55 (dust and splash resistant), the R5 carries IP67 (dust-tight, submersible to 1m for 30 minutes), and the R7 carries a dual IP68/IP66 rating (submersible to 2m for 2 hours, plus resistance to pressurised water jets). Check the specific model's rating against your site's actual conditions before assuming coverage.
Not sure which one fits?
Every model in this guide is available to order in through our regular Motorola supply channel. Tell us the job and we'll match the spec.
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