Motorola ThinkPhone 25 Launch: The Smaller ThinkPhone (Update: No US Version)

Updated: October 2, 2024 (3:50 a.m. EST): Motorola confirmed Android authorities that the newly announced ThinkPhone 25 will not be available in the US. However, the company noted that the device will be available in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.

Motorola added that the device will cost €499 (~$552) in Europe and £450 (~$598) in the UK. In contrast, the original ThinkPhone retailed for $700 in the US and €999 (~$1,105) in Europe. Either way, you’re looking for a cheaper device.

Original article: October 1, 2024 (5:59 ET): Motorola launched the ThinkPhone over a year ago, offering a business smartphone that resembles the ThinkPad in appearance. We’ve seen leaks about the successor before, and the company actually just launched the Motorola ThinkPhone 25.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the new device is that it has a smaller 6.36-inch screen (2,670 x 1,220, 3,000 nits peak brightness) compared to the original model’s 6.6-inch panel. This new display is also sharper and brighter than the ThinkPhone display, which offers 1080p resolution and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. The ThinkPhone 25, however, offers a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the older phone’s 144Hz screen. Either way, we’re glad to see more and more brands offering pocket phones.

Look at the back of the ThinkPhone 25 and you’ll find an aramid fiber cover that’s very similar to the original model, although it looks like the fiber finish extends to the camera body this time. Additionally, Motorola claims that the phone has Gorilla Glass 7i protection on the front, which seems to be an inferior version compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus in the first-generation ThinkPhone.

Motorola ThinkPhone 25: What else will you get?

Motorola’s new smartphone takes a step back in terms of performance, offering a mid-range Dimensity 7300 processor instead of the more powerful but aging Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. But you still get 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The ThinkPhone 25 also comes with a 4,310 mAh battery instead of the 5,000 mAh battery in the original model. Fortunately, the new phone retains 68W wired and 15W wireless charging power.

The new ThinkPhone has the same main and ultra-wide-angle rear cameras as the previous device, namely a 50MP main camera (one-micron pixel size) and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera with macro support. However, Motorola replaced the old phone’s 2MP depth sensor with a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. So expect much better camera zoom quality on the new ThinkPhone. The 32MP punch-hole camera supports selfies.

Motorola also promises five years of Android OS and security updates. This update policy lags behind Google and Samsung, but it’s still a great commitment and means the phone should be updated until 2029.

Other features worth knowing about the ThinkPhone 25 include an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP68 rating, MIL-STD 810H certification, and an included 68W charger.

The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 is listed on Motorola’s European website, but there’s no word on price. We’ve asked Motorola for pricing and availability details and will update the article accordingly. For what it’s worth, the original model launched for $700.