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Motorola has long been at the forefront of innovation in two way radio technology. With its MOTOTRBO brand, it has pioneered and driven the evolution of digital mobile radio (DMR).
Handsets like the various DP series models have become industry standards. Motorola Solutions radio software, meanwhile, including products like IP Connect and Capacity Max trunking, has led the way in taking digitised radio beyond the physical boundaries of conventional RF.
Building on this rich tradition, Motorola’s latest generation of digital handsets, the R2 and R7 series, have proven to be every bit as dynamic and popular as their forbears. One a traditional no-display model described by the manufacturer as a ‘next-level workhorse’, the other full of cutting-edge features with the option of a full screen and keypad, the pair combine resilience, performance and flexibility in a classic two way radio design.
And now there comes a third addition to the range, a ‘middle child’ that sits in between the reliable functionality of the R2 and the all-singing, all-dancing R7 – the MOTOTRBO R5 radio. So what exactly does this third wheel in the range have to offer, how does it compare to the R2 and R7, and why would you opt for it over those two?
Head-to-Head: MOTOTRBO™ R5 vs R2 vs R7
Close observers of two way radio will know that the release of the R5 very much fits with how manufacturers like to organise their commercial radio ranges. The R5 series includes an ‘LKP’ model, short for ‘limited keypad’. So unlike the R2, it does have a front-mounted keypad (and a small 1.5” monochrome screen). But not the full numerical keypad and 2.4” QVGA colour screen of the R7.
As such, the R5 completes the classic trilogy seen across so many business radio ranges – no screen / keypad, small screen and partial keypad, full screen and keypad.
The slight curveball with these latest offerings from Motorola is that all three models – the R2, R5 and R7 – are available as no-keypad (NKP) handsets. The R2 is NKP-only. But the others have versions with their respective full and partial keypads/screens. And versions without.
So what’s the thinking from Motorola behind this? The simple answer is making sure they cover all bases – different uses, different environments, different industries, different budgets.
Let’s unpick how that plays out across different features.
Audio Quality
If there’s one thing that defines two way radio performance above all else, it’s audio quality. A radio that is too crackly or has too much interference from background noise to hear messages clearly is no good to anyone.
The R5 outperforms the R2 on audio quality. With the R2, you can add Motorola’s SINC+ noise cancellation as an optional extra. The R5 comes with AI-powered noise suppression as standard, and also features intelligent volume adjustment and received audio levelling, meaning it caters for both background noise and discrepancies in how loud a person speaks.
This is more on a par with the R7, which takes audio quality and clarity up a notch further with more advanced dual microphone noise suppression. Overall, the R5 is better suited to providing clear audio across a range of different environments than the R2, including those with high noise levels.
Signal Range and Connectivity
Signal range is another critical indicator of two way radio performance. On this, all three models have similar credentials. They are all capable of maximum signal outputs of 5W in the VHF frequency band and 4W in UHF. And all three benefit from high receiver sensitivity and high-efficiency antennas that maintain strong signal quality over large distances.
With all MOTOTRBO DMRs, you have the option to integrate radio with a wider ecosystem of communication and security platforms, be that expanding network range and capacity with the likes of IP Site Connect or Capacity Max, or connecting to command centre systems. But that raises the question of how you connect.
The R7 features in-built WiFi, which makes connecting to any cloud or IP-based systems simple and seamless. With the R2 and R5, additional integrations have to be programmed in. Like the R7, the R5 does feature Bluetooth, though, so you can connect wireless accessories like headsets and microphones for hands-free use on the move.
Durability and Environmental Resistance
All three models are built with durability in mind. Like all MOTOTRBO radios, each has been put through Motorola’s unique Accelerated Lifecycle Testing (ALT) regime which simulates five years of real-world use. They are all also stress tested to MIL-STD-810, the industry standard for things like impact, temperature and shock resistance. Rugged build and long-term reliability come as standard.
As for ingress protection, once again the R5 and R7 stand apart from the R2. The latter has an IP55 rating, which means it offers moderate protection from water and dust. It will withstand a few splashes and general dust in the atmosphere. But you might not want to chance using it outside in bad weather. Or in very dusty environments like construction sites.
The R5, meanwhile, has an IP67 rating, and the R7 IP68. These are radios you can confidently use outdoors in all conditions, as well as in the dustiest and grimiest industrial environments.
Safety Features
Like all Motorola radio models designed for use in business and industry, the three R series all come with features designed to support worker safety. The features they all have in common are Emergency Calling, which overrides all current traffic on channels, and Lone Worker monitoring. With people working alone, be it in construction, maintenance and industry, or retail workers, delivery drivers and security personnel, facing heightened risks from accidents and threats, Lone Worker is a simple time check mechanism that requires users to contact colleagues within a set time period, otherwise an alarm is raised.
In addition to these, the R5 also features a dedicated Emergency Button, which sends an alarm with a single touch. The R7 has the most safety features of the three, with Man Down fall detection alerts also included.
In addition to these alarm and monitoring features, the R5 and R7 also have built-in GNSS satellite receivers. GNSS, which stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, runs location services from all compatible satellite systems. Radios with GNSS provide pinpoint universal location tracking, ideal for speeding up emergency responses and getting help to users in need.
One final point to note is that the R5 and R7 are both available in certified intrinsically safe versions. Intrinsically safe means radios that are suitable for use in environments where there is a high explosion risk from combustible gases and dust. Intrinsically safe radios are specially modified to minimise the ignition risks from sparks or heat generated by their electrical circuitry.
Efficiency and Battery Life
Motorola uses the latest high density battery technology and energy efficient radio design to maximise operation time. Radios from all three series will run though multiple shifts before the battery needs to be recharged.
The R5 is the most energy-efficient of the three. It offers a massive 32 hours of use on a single charge, compared to 26.5 hours for the R2 and 19 hours for the R7.
Pricing and Value
Finally, the one that ultimately goes a long way to determining choice of radio – how much do they cost, and what sort of value does that represent for features and performance?
The R5 compares very favourably with its cousins for value. The R2 is available in a pre-programmed analogue-only and digital versions, priced at £189 and £249 (excl VAT) respectively. Both the the R5 LKP and NKP models retail at £189 excl VAT.
The R7 sits in another price bracket altogether, with the FKP model retailing at £628.00 excl VAT.
Technical Data Sheet of the Comparison of MOTOTRBO R5, R2 and R7 Series
Which is the Right Motorola Solutions Two-Way Radio for You?
So now for the crunch – which Motorola digital portable two-way radio is the right one for you? Is the R5 the best fit for your needs?
The one thing that stands out above all about the MOTOTRBO R5 is that it is great value for money. For the same cost as the R2, you get more for your money – more channels, better audio, more safety features. You also get the option of a screen and partial keypad, which is useful for managing the increased number of call groups the extra channels allow.
Another compelling reason to choose the R5 over the R2 is its additional durability, especially for ingress protection. The R5 is a better choice for outdoor use and for challenging industrial environments, including those where ignition risks are a hazard. It’s a resilient, reliable performer in environments where efficiency and safety matter most.
If you’re looking for the very best features and performance two way radio has to offer, including massive channel capacity, seamless wireless connectivity options and a full screen and keypad for controlling all these extra options, the R7 is the obvious choice. But it is priced to reflect its premium credentials.
That’s all the basics covered. Ultimately, the best choice of radio for you will come down to the details of your operation and your priorities. Our friendly team of experts have years of experience matching customers to the right radio. So get in touch with us today to get started.