At EMCI Wireless, we’re in the business of communication. Getting messages to the right people at the right time is super important to any business. Flawless communication is what makes sure that law enforcement officers can manage an accident scene. It’s what makes sure products make it from place to place. It also helps technicians with repairs when our utilities are compromised after a storm.

And for almost any industry out there, two-way radio solutions make communication easier. They’re far more reliable than cell phones, which rely on nearby cell towers to make connections. Two-way radios are also far more efficient than making the run from point A to point B in a large warehouse, hospital, or office building to tell someone something that they need to know.

But just what are the best two-way mobile radio solutions? At EMCI Wireless, we’re proud to be a Motorola solutions partner. And some of the best products out there for those in the public safety, utilities, and transportation sectors are the Motorola APX mobile radios. In this article, we’ll tell you just why that is.  

Why Motorola APX Mobile Radios are the Best Choice

While we may be biased as a Motorola channel partner, we do believe that Motorola APX mobile radios offer cutting-edge features and technology. These solutions are designed to account for the unique demands faced in the public safety space. But their use isn’t limited to police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel. Other industries can benefit as well.

One of the key advantages of the APX series is its P25 compliance. This means they are built to meet the strictest standards for public safety communications. This is significant because it means that different agencies and departments can communicate, regardless of the specific communications device that they use. If their solution is P25 compliant, it means it will work with other P25 compliant devices. 

So, whether responding to emergencies or coordinating across large geographic areas, APX radios make it easy to have uninterrupted communication between multiple teams, keeping everyone connected, no matter the situation. This can make a big difference when circumstances are urgent or dire.

Further, the rugged design of these radios means they are built to last. They are engineered to function in extreme temperatures, withstand dust and moisture, and handle everyday wear and tear.

From coordinating logistics to emergency response, the APX series is tailored to meet the unique needs of industries that rely on clear, secure, and reliable communication. The APX 1500, APX 4500, APX 6500, and APX 8500 mobile radio solutions are what you need for P25 compliant communications in critical environments.. 

So, without further ado, let’s explore the differences of each system so you can determine the best APX communication solution for your business needs.

Overview of Motorola APX 1500 Mobile Radio

The first mobile radio system on our list is the Motorola APX 1500 mobile radio. Motorola designed this solution first and foremost for simplicity and ease of use. And, this entry level system is excellent for smaller organizations who want the benefit of P25 capabilities and the reliability of long-range communications.

Key features of the Motorola APX 1500:

• Entry-Level Radio: A basic option that offers reliable P25 communication, ideal for users who don’t require the high-end features found in other models.
• Frequency Bands: Supports a single frequency band, available in VHF, UHF, or 700/800 MHz, depending on your specific communication needs.
• Functionality: Offers P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 interoperability, though it lacks more advanced features like 3600/9600 interoperability found in higher models.
• Display and Controls: Comes with a simple display and limited programmable controls, featuring a single multi-function knob for volume and channel adjustments.
• Mounting Configuration: Available in a dash mount configuration only, making it easy to install in vehicles such as police cruisers, fire trucks, etc.
• Target Use: A good choice for users such as school bus drivers and light-duty public works personnel who need reliable P25 communication without the need for complex multiband functionality.

Overview of Motorola APX 4500 Mobile Radio

Next on our list is the Motorola APX 4500 mobile radio. This radio comes with advanced features over the 1500 model including security features and the ability to to support advanced interoperability and encryption options. 

Key features of the Motorola APX 4500:

• Mid-Level Radio: The APX 4500 offers more flexibility than the 1500 with additional features and security enhancements.
• Frequency Bands: Like the APX 1500, it operates on a single frequency band (VHF, UHF, or 700/800 MHz).
• Functionality: Supports analog conventional, P25 Phase 1, and P25 Phase 2, with the option to enable 3600/9600 baud interoperability for more extensive network compatibility.
• Encryption: Offers more robust encryption compared to the APX 1500, supporting both ADP and AES 256-bit encryption.
• Display and Controls: Features the same O2 control head as the APX 1500, providing familiarity while adding more functionality. This means that those upgrading from the 1500 to the 4500 will experience a very short learning curve.
• Mounting Configuration: The APX 4500 is available in both dash and remote mount configurations.
• Target Use: A good choice for users who need more advanced communication features while working within budget limitations. It’s commonly used by public works departments, including road and bridge maintenance, landfill operations, and solid waste management.

Overview of Motorola APX 6500 Mobile Radio

Continuing to take capabilities up a notch, the APX 6500 is a step above the 1500 and 4500. It’s designed for more complex and demanding communication needs, but continues to be extremely flexible. The APX 6500 is classified as a public safety grade single band mobile radio, offering greater security, functionality, and control than the aforementioned APX 1500 and 4500 solutions.

Key features of the Motorola APX 6500:

• Frequency Bands: Like the APX 1500 and APX 4500, it operates on a single frequency band, offering a choice between VHF, UHF, or 700/800 MHz.
• Functionality: Offers advanced P25 capabilities, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 trunking, 3600/9600 interoperability, analog and digital conventional modes, and GPS location tracking for efficient team management.
• Encryption: Features advanced, FIPS-certified encryption options, including AES 256-bit, DES 128-bit, and ADP encryption. It also supports multiple key encryption and over-the-air-rekeying (OTAR) to keep communications secure.
• Display and Controls: The APX 6500 offers the same advanced control head options as the APX 8500, including a full-color display, customizable buttons, and a user-friendly interface. The E5 control head, for example, includes dedicated volume and channel control knobs.
• Mounting Configuration: Available in dash, remote mount, and dual control head configurations, making it adaptable to different vehicle setups.
• Target Use: Designed for users needing a versatile and powerful radio, the APX 6500 is a common choice for public safety professionals such as law enforcement and fire and emergency personnel teams who operate primarily on their own radio systems.

Deep Dive into Motorola APX 8500

Last but not least, let’s look at the Motorola APX 8500. This model stands apart from the APX 1500, 4500, and 6500 in both versatility and functionality. While the APX 1500 is an entry-level model, and the 4500 and 6500 add more advanced features like better encryption and trunking, the APX 8500 brings everything to the table. 

Whether your team operates in public safety or oversees large-scale events, the APX 8500 is a communication powerhouse that delivers flexibility and performance.

Key features of the Motorola APX 8500:

• Flagship Radio: The APX 8500 is the top-tier mobile radio, offering maximum versatility, performance, and interoperability.
• Frequency Bands: It operates as a true multi-band radio, capable of simultaneous operation across VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands.
• Functionality: Packed with advanced features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and high performance options, this system also supports various trunking systems and is highly customizable.
• Encryption: Similar to the APX 6500, it offers advanced encryption options, including FIPS-certified algorithms like AES 256-bit.
• Display and Controls: The APX 8500 uses the same control head configurations as the APX 6500, including full-color displays, customizable buttons, and intuitive interfaces.
• Mounting Configuration: Available in dash, remote mount, and multiple control head configurations.
• Target Use: The APX 8500 is ideal for federal, state, and local public safety agencies that require multi-band, multi-agency interoperability. It’s also a perfect fit for teams managing large-scale operations.

Comparing the APX 1500, 4500, 6500, and 8500 Mobile Radio Solutions

As you can see, each system offers increased capabilities that may be more or less useful depending on your communication requirements. Let’s take a quick look at the following comparison table so you can make the best decision for your organization.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an APX Mobile Radio

Choosing the right mobile communications system for your needs is not a decision to take lightly. Though Motorola offers excellent options for mobile radios, some systems are better for certain industries than others. At EMCI Wireless, we are happy to offer a free consultation to better understand your needs and offer suggestions that work best for you.

In addition to the product comparison we shared above, here are the factors to consider when determining the best Motorola mobile radio solution.

• Frequency and Band Needs: Evaluating the frequency ranges required for your operations is important. Motorola APX radios offer options for VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands. Be sure to choose a model that supports the bands most relevant to your area and team.
• Coverage Area and Interoperability Requirements: Consider the size of the area your team needs to communicate across, as well as the need to connect with other agencies or departments. 
• Budget and Cost-Effectiveness: While APX radios offer advanced features, aligning your choice with your budget is important. The APX 6500 is a great option for those seeking reliable communication at a more accessible price point, while the APX 8500 offers more extensive capabilities for those willing to invest in a higher-performance solution.
• Future-Proofing: Consider how the radio system can grow with your organization’s needs. The expandability of the APX series allows for future upgrades, whether it’s through additional control heads or software updates. 

Choose EMCI Wireless For Your APX Mobile Radio Needs 

We’re proud to be a top Motorola channel partner, serving central and southern Florida. We have nearly 50 years of experience helping organizations improve their communications through two-way radios, and we’re confident that we can do the same for you.

Request your free consultation today or request a quote. We’re ready to serve you and help you meet your communication goals.