Skip to content
Home…›Motorola
Manual
Motorola Android 13 Released Jan 2023

Motorola ThinkPhone

8.0 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 19 critic reviews
Android 13 Operating system
6.6" Screen size
50MP f/1.8 Main camera
SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) Octa-core Processor
256 GB Storage
5,000 mAh Battery

Verdict

A powerful, secure smartphone with a familiar design and strong business features.

+
What's good
+ Strong business design
+ Tough build quality
+ Great performance
+ Solid battery life
+ Seamless PC integration
−
What's not
− Mediocre camera performance
− No expandable storage
− Not the latest chipset
− No carrier partnerships
− Chunky design
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
19 reviews
weighted by credibility
PC Magazine
PC Magazine
8

“The Motorola ThinkPhone is clearly geared toward professionals, but anyone can benefit from its excellent performance, appealing battery life, toughened build, and efficiency-boosting laptop tricks.”

Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck
8.9

“Of course, the Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola benefits from the well-known ThinkPad name and the manufacturer does not waste any opportunity in promoting the smartphone as the perfect companion to its popular notebook series. But the ThinkPhone also works very well with any other Windows laptop thanks to wireless app streaming, Windows integration and Motorola ReadyFor. If need be, the phone can even replace the PC if you connect a mouse, keyboard and monitor.”

GSMArena
GSMArena
8.2

“It is pretty hard to properly describe the ThinkPhone in all of its nuances. One thing is certain, it is not your run-of-the-mill smartphone, but a unique and very particular product, both in its essence and intent. Although you can technically buy one as an end user, the ThinkPhone is, first and foremost, a business-to-business enterprise product. Corporate criteria, requirements, contracts and services work a bit differently than what we are used to on the open market. Hence, judging the actual value of the ThinkPhone and its pricing competitiveness is a tough task.”

Android Authority
Android Authority
8

“The Motorola ThinkPhone is sleek, powerful, and stable. The Google Pixel 7 will be a better purchase for most people, especially if you value great photos, but enterprise customers looking for excellent reliability should keep this one in mind.”

Video reviews

Watch before you decide

Reviews
Motorola ThinkPhone – The Thinnest and Lightest RUGGED Phone!
Flossy Carter
Motorola ThinkPhone review
GSMArena Official
Motorola ThinkPhone Review // The Best Motorola Phone in Years!
TechOdyssey
Motorola ThinkPhone Teardown Disassembly Repair Video Review
PBKreviews
Motorola ThinkPhone Review after Three Months – Best Deal Yet!
StevealiciousTech
Long-term
Motorola ThinkPhone Review 2 Years Later: Jack Of All Trades…
VoloKin Project
Speakers Sound Quality On MOTOROLA ThinkPhone
HardReset.Info
Motorola ThinkPhone Australian Review
Alex Kidman
Comparisons
Galaxy s23 Ultra vs Xiaomi 13 Pro Vs Motorola Thinkphone
Pixacre Tech
CAT s75 (Vs) Motorola thinkphone – These phones are slim and Rugged | CAT S 75
Techtips Ninja
Camera tests
Motorola ThinkPhone Front and Rear Camera 4k Video Test
BTech Reviews

In Depth

Design

Motorola ThinkPhone boasts a business-oriented design, marked by its minimalist lines and matte finishes. This gives it a distinct, professional appearance. The use of aramid fiber on the back not only enhances durability but also maintains a sophisticated look, as reviewers noted, ‘The phone is a joy to hold’ due to its soft, grippy texture.

Experts praised the ThinkPhone for its rugged build, capable of withstanding falls and water exposure without sacrificing style or comfort.

There’s a nod to the iconic ThinkPad with the customizable red button, adding a touch of practicality and tradition to the phone’s sleek silhouette.

Display(s)

The display offers a vibrant pOLED experience that takes up 89% of the front. You’ll enjoy sharp visuals with a 2400×1080 resolution and a pixel density of 402 ppi.

The 144Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling which makes every tap and swipe seamless and enjoyable.

Experts found the screen’s “brightness up to 1200 nits” aids visibility, even in bright sunlight. This feature ensures great readability outdoors.

Performance

The ThinkPhone houses a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, providing ample power for general smartphone tasks and even intensive gaming. Experts have noted that “the performance is strong enough for demanding tasks,” showcasing its ability to run smoothly under load with minimal heat issues.

With 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, you’ll find multitasking and storage needs well-addressed. The device can handle everything from productivity apps to high-resolution videos with no noticeable slowdowns or stutters.

Despite its impressive performance now, reviewers caution that without the most cutting-edge hardware, there may be limits in future-proofing for those who frequently seek the highest tech.

Software & Storage

The software on this phone combines a simple and familiar Android feel with additional tools from Motorola for perfect customization. You won’t encounter anything confusing here.

ThinkShield provides enhanced security, securing data and offering peace of mind for those concerned about privacy threats. Experts appreciate the added layer of security.

The software’s user-friendly nature keeps distractions at bay, focusing on functionality and smooth operation.

Cameras

The camera on this phone includes a 50MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide for a range of shots, performing well in daylight with decent clarity. Session results in low or inconsistent light are less impressive, sometimes appearing dark or dull. A reviewer from Android Authority noted, “Most of the shots we took outside, and even those in bright indoor lighting looked good overall.” Despite detailed designs, these cameras could lack some sparkle in comparison to flagship models offering multiple lens functionalities.

While overall camera quality feels competent for daily snaps, certain users may notice that the ultrawide and macro capabilities are functional but not strikingly outstanding. You can shoot vibrant images for social media but expecting flagship-grade versatility with complex scenes might be stretching beyond the current offering.

Battery

With a notable 5000 mAh capacity, the battery life lets you power through two days of typical usage. This is ideal for professionals and travelers who can’t always charge their phones frequently. You can enjoy seamless productivity or entertainment without the hassle of frequent charging interruptions.

Charging time is minimized thanks to the 68W fast charger included with the phone, which fills up the battery in just over 50 minutes, according to experts. “It’s refreshing when a charger comes with the phone,” reported Android Authority, emphasizing the convenience offered to users.

Complementing the fast wired charging, the phone also supports 15W wireless charging, perfect for quick power boosts during busy days at the office or casual moments at home.

Audio

Select reviews stress the phone’s dual-speaker setup, with both the earpiece and main speaker working together for a clear stereo output. “The sound is balanced almost perfectly,” an expert pointed out.

When using the phone for calls, the audio quality ensures your voice comes through clearly, addressing common frustration with muddled sound on other devices. Meanwhile, the phone’s performance while watching videos or playing games is equally strong, thanks to the engaging audio output.

For those who value immersive experiences, the audio performance here stands out as a benefit, enriching media consumption and communication.

The Bottom Line

This phone targets business professionals and embraces a solid, sleek design with a soft, grippy back, reminiscent of popular laptops. It handles drops and water splashes well, aligning with its sturdy construction ethos.

Performance is reliable with a fast chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking and operations. You’ll love the long-lasting battery life, easily exceeding a day of heavy use, which complements the business focus.

Reviewers highlight “its excellent battery life and fast-charging speeds with the included power brick,” as noted on Android Central. However, if top-tier camera quality is crucial, it might not be the best fit for all users.

Common questions

What people actually want to know

When was the Motorola ThinkPhone released?
How long does the battery last on the Motorola ThinkPhone?
Is the Motorola ThinkPhone water resistant?
Does the Motorola ThinkPhone support wireless charging?
Does the Motorola ThinkPhone have a headphone jack?
Does the Motorola ThinkPhone have NFC?
Where can I get support for the Motorola ThinkPhone?
Where can I download the Motorola ThinkPhone manual?
Community

Questions & answers

💬
Be the first to ask

Have a question about the Motorola ThinkPhone? Ask it here and we'll email you as soon as someone answers. Readers have answered 5,000 questions across PhoneCompass.

Motorola
Made by
Motorola
514
Phones reviewed
PhoneCompass Newsletter

New phones, honest scores.

One email when something worth knowing changes. No deal spam, no filler.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from PhoneCompass. Unsubscribe anytime.

Compare is full