If youve seen any rugged phones, the ThinkPhone 25 doesnt look anything like them.
Instead, it seems like an ordinary, if classy, smartphone.
The result is an everyday phone that isnt significantly compromised by being resistant to drops and the environment.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
But sadly, Motorola decided not to sell it in the USA.
This gadget costs 449 onAmazon.co.ukin the UK and 599 in most European countries.
The inclusion of user-definable buttons has become standard on rugged designs, but Motorola didnt take that path.
The only buttons on this phone are the power button and the volume rocker.
And with every ThinkPhone 25 box is the tool needed to eject the SIM tray.
A paper clip will work fine to eject the tiny tray if you misplace this item.
This tray significantly departs from normal rugged phone standards.
It is sized only to accept one Nano SIM and no MicroSD card.
However, eSIM support circumvents this design’s single SIM limitation to a degree.
Id trust one of those devices more than a MicroSD card.
The ThinkPhone 25 doesnt make the same mistake, supporting 15W wireless charging and enhanced 68W wired.
Perfect for those who forget to charge and wake up with a low battery alert.
But equally, should you be rewarding equipment abuse with such a nice phone?
The reason was undoubtedly cost because it certainly wasnt performance.
This chip also supports dual 5G comms.
The Dimensity 7300-Ultra gains the upper hand because its significantly more power efficient than many mobile processors.
This is something Ill talk about more in the performance section.
This is all from a 1/1.56-inch sensor and stacked into a phone thats barely 8mm thick.
However, with the ThinkPhone 25, there is also a 10MP telephoto sensor that allows optical zooming.
This arrangement makes for a remarkably flexible package that supports tons of special shooting modes and features.
If you take the resolution down a little, the rear sensors can also capture 120fps slow motion.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
However, in this instance, these arent just marketing hype.
That was a preference over my old Nikon D90, a classic DSLR with some expensive lenses.
OGL
5037
2809
Slingshot Ex.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
However, its also much more power-efficient.
In some tests, it literally doubles the performance, making for a more responsive experience.
But with the extra battery, it probably should have run for even longer.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
It has 44% more battery than the ThinkPhone 25 but only lasts 34% longer.
Or rather, if battery life isnt critical to you, it might be.
If you want to play 3D games, then other choices exist, but not at this price point.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Compared to most Chinese-made rugged phones, they seem remarkably elegant and refined, although regrettably more costly.
Should I buy a ThinkPhone 25?
And, it doesnt have annoying rubber plugs that can wear out.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Therefore, it isnt ideal for a camping trip that lasts a week.
But, if you take a Power Station with you, this phone will charge rapidly.
If you have a short-term requirement, many Chinese-made rugged phones cost much less.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
