ThinkPhone 25 – Review.

The ThinkPhone 25 stands out as one of the most practical rugged phones yet, achieving durability without compromising on style. If you’re looking for a reliable device that can handle tough conditions while remaining suitable for everyday use, this is a strong contender.

 

Good Points :-

• Powerful enough
• Stunning p-OLED display
• Lightweight
• Battery Life
• Great Camera’s
• IP68 without rubber plugs
• Wireless Charging
• Fast Wired Charging.

Bad Points:-

• Programmable Button Removed
• Micro SD Card Slot Removed.

 

ThinkPhone 25: Specs

 

The ThinkPhone 25 is a refined evolution of its predecessor, combining rugged durability with modern upgrades while maintaining a sleek, everyday design. Sold under both Motorola and Lenovo branding, it offers a more accessible price point and updated hardware.

One of the biggest changes is price, the new ThinkPhone 25 launches at £449, nearly half the cost of the original £899 model, which was initially hard to obtain outside business and educational sectors. A savvy move by Motorola to make the device more accessible!

Beyond cost, the hardware upgrades are significant. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 has been replaced with the more power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra, optimizing battery life without sacrificing performance. The camera system has also been improved, addressing one of the key weaknesses of the first model.

Despite its rugged credentials, the ThinkPhone 25 defies expectations by avoiding the bulky, industrial look typical of rugged phones. Instead, it delivers a sleek, premium design that blends seamlessly into daily life. It meets the IP68 waterproof standard, allowing it to be fully submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, all without requiring a rubber plug over the USB-C port. Its battery life, while not as large as some rugged devices, is still solid—lasting around two days of typical use. Plus, it compensates with fast charging, going from empty to full in under an hour, making it a highly convenient choice.

Another noticeable change is its smaller form factor—now 6.36 inches, compared to the original’s 6.6 inches, making it even more compact and comfortable to hold. Despite this reduction, its display performance has been enhanced, boasting a higher 144Hz refresh rate (up from 120Hz) and a sharper 462ppi resolution, thanks to the 1220 x 2670 19.5:9 ratio screen over the older 1080p 20:9 panel.

The ThinkPhone 25 is also lighter, partly due to its plastic frame, much like the Edge 50 Neo, whereas the original featured an aluminium chassis. While this shift in materials may impact its premium feel, it hasn’t compromised rugged durability, as it still meets MIL-STD-810H compliance and IP68 waterproofing. The Aramid Fibre back remains, ensuring the same sturdy protection. Another upgrade comes with the Gorilla Glass 7i, which promises advanced toughness for intermediate devices, offering nearly the same level of protection as Victus, found on the original model. With its balance of toughness, usability, and practicality, the ThinkPhone 25 is a strong contender for those who want resilience without compromise.

What’s In The Box ? 

In the box you get. the phone itself, obviously,  USB wired headphones. A USB type C to USB type C charging cable. The usual documentations and sim injection tool, A 68 watt charging brick and a slim line hard plastic protective case, although not really needed when the rear of this phone is made out of aramid fibre. But unlike other manufacturers of the day. It’s nice to see all these accessories included in the box.

 

ThinkPhone 25: Design:- 

• Slim and stylish
• Simplified button layout
• Nano SIM and eSIM support
• Wireless charging

Most rugged phones tend to embrace bulky, heavy-duty aesthetics, but the ThinkPhone 25 defies expectations, looking more like an elegant everyday device than something out of a sci-fi show. At 8.1mm at its thickest point, tapering down to around 6mm across most of its body, it maintains a sleek profile with minimal screen bezels. The camera cluster does stand out, but given the inclusion of telephoto optics, it earns a pass in terms of functionality.

Unlike many rugged phones that incorporate customizable buttons, Motorola opts for a streamlined approach, keeping only the power button and volume rocker. The fingerprint reader is embedded under the screen, making the device better suited for left-handed users compared to phones with side-mounted sensors. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, but Motorola includes USB-C headphones in the box along with a power adapter. A protective bumper is also provided, ensuring the camera lenses sit flush with the housing when attached.

 

A SIM eject tool comes with every ThinkPhone 25, though a simple paperclip works just as well if misplaced. The SIM tray breaks from rugged phone norms, accommodating only one Nano SIM and no MicroSD card, though eSIM support partially offsets the single SIM limitation. For corporate users, eSIM functionality is particularly valuable it allows remote carrier switching via QR code, eliminating the need for physical SIM replacements when changing service providers.

 

ThinkPhone 25: Storage and Charging:-

• No MicroSD slot, but external SSD support via USB-C
• 15W wireless charging & 68W fast wired charging

While the absence of a MicroSD card slot might be a dealbreaker for some, the ThinkPhone 25 compensates with USB-C external SSD support, offering a reliable way to carry large amounts of data. In many cases, an external SSD is a more dependable solution than a MicroSD card.

A common frustration with rugged phones is their flat-back design, which often lacks wireless charging capability. Thankfully, the ThinkPhone 25 avoids this flaw, delivering 15W wireless charging alongside 68W wired fast charging.

 

In testing, the phone took around 3 hours and 40 minutes to charge wirelessly from empty, whereas wired charging refilled the battery in just 50 minutes. This fast-charging capability ensures that users can quickly top up battery life, making it ideal for those who forget to charge and wake up to a low battery alert.

ThinkPhone 25: Hardware:-

• MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra SoC
• Energy-efficient performance
• High-quality p-OLED display

Branded smartphones once relied almost exclusively on Samsung and Qualcomm processors, while MediaTek was seen as a budget alternative in Chinese devices. However, times have changed, and the Dimensity 7300-Ultra proves just how far MediaTek has come—offering greater power than the Snapdragon 7cPlus Gen 3, a widely used mid-range chipset.

While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the Dimensity 7300-Ultra (MT6878) brings enhancements well-suited to rugged devices. This 4nm, eight-core chip, released in Q3 of 2024, supports WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and advanced camera features. It also enables dual 5G connectivity, with 3CC carrier aggregation unlocking up to 3.27Gb/s download speeds, depending on regional spectrum availability.

The key difference between this and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 lies in the GPU—the ARM Mali-G615 MC2 cannot match the Adreno 730 in demanding 3D gaming, but for everyday tasks, it’s more than sufficient. Additionally, the Dimensity 7300-Ultra excels in power efficiency, making it one of the most energy-conscious choices among mobile processors.

Display:-

The ThinkPhone 25’s display is far from ordinary, with a 1220 x 2670 pixel resolution and 39:18 aspect ratio, its p-OLED panel boasts impressive visual capabilities. Utilizing the latest AMOLED technology, it covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space at 10-bit depth, supporting adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.

But what truly sets this display apart is its peak brightness of 3000nits, making it one of the few phones fully capable of HDR10+. This extreme brightness enhances outdoor visibility, especially in strong sunlight, by delivering massive contrast levels. While an anti-reflection coating could further improve usability, the screen remains highly effective right out of the box. Beyond photography, The device also includes Widevine L1 encryption, ensuring high-resolution playback for streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV, and Disney+, allowing users to enjoy their

For drone pilots, where screen reflections can be a challenge, this display could be an ideal companion for outdoor use.

In Use :-

I think Motorola made a wise move by scaling down the ThinkPhone 25’s dimensions. While large displays have their perks, a work phone should be as unobtrusive as possible. The device now sports a compact profile, measuring 71 x 8.1 x 154mm and weighing in at just 174g—light enough to carry around all day without fuss.

Despite its smaller size, it remains impressively durable. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, and the IP68 rating ensures solid resistance against dust and water. Although the frame has shifted from aluminium to plastic, it doesn’t feel like a downgrade. The back panel, made from aramid fibre—the same material used in bulletproof vests and aerospace equipment—gives it a reassuring toughness and a pleasantly soft texture.

There’s only one colour option—black—which suits its professional role. It looks sharp enough, although the aramid finish does tend to pick up fingerprints a little too easily for my liking On that note, both the under-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock worked reliably throughout my testing—quick and consistent every time.

That about wraps up the hardware highlights. Unfortunately, Motorola has removed the signature red customizable button that featured on the original ThinkPhone. It was a genuinely useful shortcut for launching apps or security functions, and its absence feels like a step back. Without it, the ThinkPhone 25 loses a bit of the distinctiveness that once set it apart from other mid-range devices.

Display:-

The ThinkPhone 25 drops from the original’s 144Hz refresh rate to a slightly lower 120Hz, but in day-to-day use, that difference is barely noticeable. Navigation remains silky-smooth, whether you’re swiping through apps or scrolling social feeds.

Brightness performance held up well during testing. With auto-brightness disabled, the display peaked at 461cd/m². Switching to adaptive mode and triggering the sensor with a flashlight pushed that up to an impressive 1,098cd/m²—a standout result at this price point

Like many of Motorola’s recent mid-range devices, the ThinkPhone 25 offers three distinct colour modes. Vivid and Radiant both cater to the DCI-P3 colour space—Vivid leaning slightly cooler, while Radiant delivers a warmer palette.

For those who prefer accurate colour reproduction, the Natural profile targets the sRGB gamut. In my testing, it hit 100% sRGB coverage with a gamut volume of 104.6%. The average Delta E colour variance measured 1.48—not quite perfect, but still accurate enough that colours remain true to life and nothing appears visually off

 

Performance and Battery Life:-

You’d expect Motorola to prioritise smooth and efficient performance with the ThinkPhone 25—especially given its focus as a productivity tool. While the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset holds its own, it doesn’t stand out dramatically from the competition.

In the Geekbench 6 CPU benchmarks, the ThinkPhone 25 delivered results in line with most rivals for single-core performance. However, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G pulls ahead with a 14% advantage in multi-core scores. The Google Pixel 8a takes an even more commanding lead—outpacing the ThinkPhone by 64% in single-core and 45% in multi-core processing.

Though not positioned as a gaming handset, the ThinkPhone 25 performs competently in GFXBench graphics tests. Most rivals are on par here, with the Pixel 8a again being the main exception. In real-world terms, it handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact at medium settings fairly well, and breezes through casual games like Candy Crush or Solitaire with ease—ideal for a quick break between meetings.

Battery-wise, the 4,310mAh cell might seem modest by today’s standards, but paired with the energy-efficient Dimensity 7300, it proves surprisingly capable. It managed a solid 28 hours and 33 minutes in my video playback test.

Charging is another plus. Thanks to 68W fast charging and the supplied adapter, the ThinkPhone 25 goes from flat to 50% in just 17 minutes, reaching 100% in only 42 minutes—comparable to the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, which shares the same charging spec.

 

Software:-

Shipped with Android 14 and now upgraded to Android 15, the ThinkPhone 25 is backed by Motorola’s promise of five years of OS and security updates. That takes support through to August 2029—generous for this price range, with only Google’s Pixel 8a pushing further, offering seven years of support well into the next decade

I had numerous software updates with my time with the ThinkPhone which clearly shows that Motorola are providing slow incremental updates rather than the huge updates some manufactures push out, which is important in the corporate world.

 

When it comes to Android interfaces, Motorola’s version ranks as one of my top picks outside of Google’s own Pixel devices. It’s refreshingly minimal—clean icons, a streamlined layout, and barely any bloatware cluttering the experience.

The handful of preloaded apps serve a clear purpose, enhancing the ThinkPhone 25’s business-first appeal. Chief among them is Moto Secure, a centralised hub for managing your device’s protection. Whether it’s scanning for threats via Motorola’s AI-driven ThinkShield or setting up a disguised secure folder for sensitive content, everything’s neatly tucked into one straightforward, user-friendly app.

There’s also Smart Connect, a handy feature that streamlines multitasking across devices. It lets you effortlessly transfer files between your phone, tablet, and laptop, cast apps to a larger screen, mirror your phone to your laptop, and even use the ThinkPhone 25 as a webcam for video calls. It all works with impressive ease, making cross-device productivity feel practically effortless

Camera Performance:-

• Rear cameras: 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C primary, 13MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto
• Front camera: 32MP
• Four cameras in total
• The ThinkPhone 25 is equipped with a versatile camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C primary sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto sensor for optical zooming. On the front, a 32MP camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls.

While smartphone manufacturers often push high-megapixel counts, raw resolution isn’t everything. The Sony LYTIA 700C, previously seen in the Motorola Edge 2024, takes imaging to the next level with dual-layer pixels that create an f/1.8 aperture and 1.0µm pixel size.

Sony’s Ultra Pixel Technology enhances low-light performance by delivering 2.0µm effective captures while maintaining optical image stabilization—all from a 1/1.56-inch sensor housed in a phone just 8mm thick.

The ultrawide sensor doubles as a macro shooter, providing flexibility for various photography styles. Plus, the inclusion of a telephoto lens ensures optical zoom without sacrificing image quality.

Notably, both rear and front-facing cameras support 4K video recording, a rare capability among rugged smartphones. At lower resolutions, the rear cameras can also record at 120fps for slow-motion capture, adding to the device’s creative potential.

Real-World Performance:- 
Unlike many smartphone cameras that sound impressive on paper but fall short in actual use, the LYTIA 700C sensor delivers outstanding results. HDR imaging comes standard, and low-light performance is excellent, making this a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.

With its high-performance sensors, flexible shooting options, and strong video capabilities, the ThinkPhone 25 stands out as one of the best-equipped rugged phones for photography and media consumption.

 

 

Price, Availability, and Value:-

The ThinkPhone 25 continues Motorola and Lenovo’s rugged phone lineup, offering durability without sacrificing everyday usability. However, its availability is somewhat limited, and pricing varies across regions.

Price: £450 / €321
Availability: Currently available in Europe and Asia
Where to buy: Available outside the USA from online retailers

Motorola has chosen not to sell the ThinkPhone 25 in the USA, despite offering its predecessor there. This decision may disappoint American customers looking for an upgrade.The ThinkPhone 25 is priced at £449 on Amazon.co.uk and €599 in most European countries. While this price point places it above rugged phone brands like Ulefone and Doogee, it remains significantly cheaper than the original ThinkPhone, which launched at $900/£899.

Some features of the original model have been downgraded, while others have been upgraded, making the halved price a reasonable trade-off. Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy XCover7 (£274) and Nokia XR21 (£403.75), the ThinkPhone 25 commands a higher price, but its specifications justify the cost for those seeking rugged durability with premium features.

It might not be the cheapest option, but for users who need both toughness and practicality, the ThinkPhone 25 offers solid value.

 

Conculsion:-

Motorola’s intentions with the ThinkPhone 25 are clear—it’s trying to fill the business-phone void left by the likes of BlackBerry. But while that niche once had a loyal following, the market may have simply evolved past the need for phones specifically branded for work.

Mainstream smartphones have more than caught up in terms of productivity and software features, making the idea of a dedicated “work phone” feel less essential in today’s landscape.

That said, the ThinkPhone 25 has its strengths. It excels in battery life, and its tough design and inclusion of a telephoto camera are rare perks in this price bracket. I loved my time with the ThinkPhone I enjoyed the smaller form factor and stella battery life, and without the need to case the device, certinally made me ponder do I really need to spend over double on the latest and greatest flagship device, when I’m getting 95% plus of what I need from the ThinkPhone.