Skip to main content

Motorola ThinkPhone 25: A Detailed Examination of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

Motorola ThinkPhone 25: A Detailed Examination of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 is a business-focused smartphone that carries the legacy of the iconic ThinkPad brand. Developed with productivity and efficiency in mind, the ThinkPhone 25 is designed to cater to users who need both performance and durability, combined with a robust suite of features tailored for business environments. Boasting a premium design, flagship-level performance, and AI-powered features, the ThinkPhone 25 aims to redefine what a business phone should be.

Despite its potential, users have reported several issues, bugs, and limitations with the ThinkPhone 25 that could impact its day-to-day performance. This article takes a comprehensive look at the common problems faced by users, providing an in-depth analysis of each issue, along with their impact. We will also compare the ThinkPhone 25 with similar devices and assess whether it’s worth buying or if better alternatives exist.


1. Design and Build Quality: Premium Look with Some Durability Concerns

The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 features a sleek and modern design, reminiscent of the ThinkPad laptops, with a strong focus on professional aesthetics. Its aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass, and IP68 water and dust resistance provide a sense of security. However, users have noticed several issues related to the build and durability of the device.

a) Fragility of the Glass Back

  • Problem: Despite the inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass, the glass back panel on the ThinkPhone 25 is prone to cracking or scratching under moderate pressure.
  • Cause: While Gorilla Glass is durable, it’s still glass and can shatter if subjected to impact or high pressure.
  • Impact: This is a problem for users who expect their phone to survive accidental drops or bumps in business environments.
  • User Experience:
    “I’ve had the phone for two months and already noticed some microcracks on the back. I thought it would be more durable considering the price.” – User review on a tech forum.

b) Uncomfortable Protruding Camera Module

  • Problem: The rear camera module, while capable of taking impressive photos, protrudes significantly, making the phone wobbly when placed on a flat surface.
  • Impact: This can make typing or swiping on the screen uncomfortable when the phone is lying flat, and it may cause the camera lens to get scratched over time.
  • User Experience:
    “The camera bump is so pronounced that the phone wobbles when placed on a table. It’s inconvenient for everyday use.” – Comment from a user on Amazon.

2. Display: Sharp and Bright, but Not Without Issues

The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 offers a 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness levels, making it a great choice for media consumption and productivity tasks. However, several users have noted issues related to screen performance and quality.

a) Display Flickering Under Low Brightness

  • Problem: Some users have reported screen flickering when the brightness is set to a low level, making it difficult to use in low-light environments.
  • Cause: This issue may be caused by poor PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) handling at lower brightness levels, which can cause the screen to flicker.
  • Impact: This results in eye strain, especially during prolonged use in dimly lit surroundings.
  • User Experience:
    “The screen flickers badly when I dim the brightness. I’ve tried everything, but it’s still uncomfortable to use at night.” – Feedback from a user on Reddit.

b) Color Inaccuracy

  • Problem: While the AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, some users have reported color inaccuracies, especially when viewing images or videos in different lighting conditions.
  • Impact: This can be distracting for users who expect precise color representation, particularly in business-related tasks like presentations.
  • User Experience:
    “The display is bright, but the colors seem off when viewing images. It’s frustrating for anyone who needs accurate colors.” – Comment from a user on GSM Arena.

3. Performance: Flagship Power, Yet Some Performance Hiccups

The ThinkPhone 25 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience in most tasks, including multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. However, some users have reported occasional performance hiccups.

a) Thermal Throttling During Heavy Use

  • Problem: Despite its powerful specs, the ThinkPhone 25 tends to experience thermal throttling when subjected to demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing.
  • Cause: This issue can be attributed to the device’s thermal management system, which struggles to dissipate heat effectively during prolonged use.
  • Impact: This can cause the phone to become sluggish during extended gaming sessions or heavy multitasking, potentially leading to an overall reduction in performance.
  • User Experience:
    “When gaming or doing heavy tasks, the phone slows down and becomes hot to the touch. It’s disappointing for a phone marketed as a powerhouse.” – Review on a mobile performance blog.

b) Inconsistent App Launch Times

  • Problem: Some users have reported that apps on the ThinkPhone 25 take a bit longer to launch than expected, even with the high-performance chipset.
  • Impact: This creates an issue with productivity, especially for business users who rely on quick access to apps and documents.
  • User Experience:
    “I have noticed a slight lag in app launch times, especially when switching between apps quickly. It’s a small issue but affects workflow.” – Comment from a user on an Android review site.

4. Software and UI: Smooth, But Some Bugs and Limitations

Running on Android 13 with a near-stock experience, the ThinkPhone 25 offers a clean and smooth user interface. However, several software bugs and limitations have been reported by users.

a) Buggy Notification Management

  • Problem: Users have encountered issues with the notification system, where notifications don’t appear at the right time, or some apps fail to push notifications altogether.
  • Impact: This can be problematic for users who rely on timely notifications for important business updates.
  • User Experience:
    “I often miss notifications from Slack and email apps. It’s as if the phone doesn’t push them correctly.” – Review on Android Central.

b) Inconsistent Software Updates

  • Problem: Despite being a premium device, the ThinkPhone 25 has experienced delays in receiving timely software updates, with some users reporting that critical security patches are missing for weeks.
  • Impact: This can expose users to security vulnerabilities and frustrate those who expect timely software fixes.
  • User Experience:
    “It’s been over a month since the last security update, and I’m worried about potential security risks.” – User feedback on a tech forum.

5. Battery Life: Good on Paper, But Real-World Performance is Mixed

The 5000mAh battery in the ThinkPhone 25 is advertised to last for a full day of heavy use. While the battery life is generally acceptable, some users have reported issues that can affect its real-world performance.

a) Battery Drain During Standby

  • Problem: A significant number of users have noticed high battery drain during standby mode, even with minimal background activity.
  • Cause: This could be due to excessive background apps or poor power management in the software.
  • Impact: This results in the need for more frequent charging, especially when the phone is not being actively used.
  • User Experience:
    “The phone loses battery even when I’m not using it. I’ve checked the battery usage stats, and nothing seems to be running in the background.” – User comment on a mobile tech blog.

b) Slow Charging Speed

  • Problem: Despite supporting fast charging, users have reported that the ThinkPhone 25 charges much slower than advertised, especially when using third-party chargers.
  • Impact: This can be frustrating, particularly for users who need to top up their device quickly before heading out.
  • User Experience:
    “It takes almost 2 hours to charge the phone fully. I was expecting faster charging speeds for the price.” – Comment on a smartphone review site.

Conclusion: Is the Motorola ThinkPhone 25 Worth Buying?

The Motorola ThinkPhone 25 presents itself as a well-designed, high-performance device aimed at business users who demand both functionality and style. However, as we’ve seen, there are several common issues and bugs that detract from its overall appeal.

Pros:

  • Premium design and build quality.
  • Strong performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 12GB RAM.
  • AI-driven features for enhanced productivity.
  • Clean, near-stock Android experience.
  • Strong business features (e.g., Motorola’s ThinkShield for security).

Cons:

  • Fragile glass back and uncomfortable camera module design.
  • Screen flickering at low brightness and occasional color inaccuracies.
  • Thermal throttling under heavy use.
  • Slow app launch times and buggy notification management.
  • Inconsistent battery life and slow charging speeds.
  • Delayed software updates.

Better Alternatives:

  • Samsung Galaxy S23: Superior build quality, performance, and ecosystem support.
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro: Excellent software experience with guaranteed updates and better display quality.
  • OnePlus 11 5G: Great performance, faster charging, and more consistent battery life.

Verdict: While the Motorola ThinkPhone 25 offers some impressive features for business users, its build quality issues, performance throttling, and software bugs make it difficult to recommend without reservations. For users seeking a more polished experience, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 8 Pro may offer a more reliable and seamless experience.

Other Articles You May Like

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: An Extensive Analysis of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra marks a significant leap in the foldable smartphone space, offering cutting-edge technology wrapped in a sleek and nostalgic design. With its foldable AMOLED display , powerful Snapdragon chipset , and improved hinge mechanism , the Razr 50 Ultra attempts to balance innovation with practicality. It caters to users seeking the latest in mobile technology while delivering a unique form factor. However, as with many foldable devices, the Razr 50 Ultra is not immune to issues and drawbacks. From hardware durability concerns to software glitches , users have reported various challenges that can impact the overall experience. In this detailed article, we will delve into the most common problems , analyze their causes and effects, and assess whether the Razr 50 Ultra is worth the premium price tag. 1. Build Quality and Durability: Sleek Design Meets Real-World Challenges The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is a marvel of engineering, featuring an aluminum frame , premium g...

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+: Common Issues, Bugs, and Verdict—Is This Flagship Killer Worth the Hype?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ has quickly gained traction in the market as an affordable yet feature-packed smartphone. Known for its high-resolution camera, impressive battery life, and overall value for money, the device has attracted a large user base. However, as with any smartphone, there are areas where the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ may fall short, and users have shared feedback regarding its flaws and bugs. In this article, we dive deep into the most commonly reported issues with the Redmi Note 14 Pro+, including feedback from real users, and provide insights into whether it’s worth buying or if there might be better alternatives. 1. Performance and Software Lags The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is powered by a mid-to-high-range chipset, enabling smooth performance in most cases. However, some users have experienced software lags and app crashes , especially with more demanding applications and heavy multitasking. Common Performance Issues Include: App freezing when switching between multiple...

Tecno Spark 30C 5G: Comprehensive Guide to Common Issues, Bugs, and Performance Analysis

The Tecno Spark 30C 5G is an affordable, entry-level smartphone that brings 5G connectivity to a wider audience, offering features like a decent camera setup, a vibrant display, and a competitive battery life at a budget-friendly price. However, like most budget smartphones, the Tecno Spark 30C 5G comes with certain limitations and has garnered reports of various issues. In this article, we will explore these common issues, analyzing its performance, connectivity, battery life, and other essential aspects. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this device meets your needs or if there are better alternatives. 1. Display Quality and Touch Sensitivity Issues The Tecno Spark 30C 5G offers a display that aims to provide good clarity and brightness for its price range, but users have reported some drawbacks: Resolution and Brightness Limitations : The display, while adequate, is sometimes criticized for its low resolution, making it less suitable for tasks that require fine detail,...

Xiaomi 15 Pro: Common Issues, Bugs, and Full Review—Is It Worth the Investment?

The Xiaomi 15 Pro has arrived with powerful hardware, a stunning display, and Xiaomi's signature sleek design. However, as with any flagship smartphone, even the best hardware and software combinations may still have issues that frustrate some users. In this in-depth article, we’ll examine the common issues, software bugs, and performance quirks Xiaomi 15 Pro users report. To give you a clear understanding, we’ll include firsthand user quotes to illustrate these issues and conclude with an assessment of whether the Xiaomi 15 Pro is worth your investment or if other flagships might be better suited to your needs. 1. Battery Drain and Overheating Concerns One of the most prevalent issues users report with the Xiaomi 15 Pro is battery drain and overheating , especially during intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming. Common Complaints: "The battery drains faster than I expected, especially when I'm gaming. I find myself needing to recharge by late afternoon." — R...

Doogee S200: A Detailed Examination of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

The Doogee S200 is a rugged smartphone aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and those requiring a durable device for harsh environments. Featuring a toughened design , large battery , and impressive specifications for its category , the S200 positions itself as a solid choice in the rugged phone market. However, despite its robust build and promise of reliability, it is not immune to issues, bugs, and problems . In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the most commonly reported problems with the Doogee S200, analyze their impact on user experience, and assess how it stacks up against alternatives in the same category. 1. Build Quality: Tough Exterior, Some Weak Points The Doogee S200 prides itself on being a rugged device with military-grade certifications such as IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H , making it resistant to water, dust, and drops. However, there are areas where its durability could be questioned. a) Screen Vulnerabilities Problem: While the device features Gorilla Glass p...

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: An In-Depth Analysis of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s ambitious entry into the world of foldable smartphones, combining cutting-edge hardware with the pure Android experience that Pixel devices are known for. With its innovative folding design , advanced Tensor G3 processor , and a host of premium features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has positioned itself as a top-tier foldable device. However, like all new technologies, foldable smartphones face unique challenges, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is no exception. Early adopters and reviewers have reported several common issues and bugs that may affect its usability and reliability. In this detailed exploration, we’ll cover these problems in depth, analyze their causes, and discuss how they impact the overall experience. 1. Foldable Design: A Marvel with Durability Concerns The foldable design is the standout feature of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, allowing it to switch seamlessly between a compact phone and a large tablet-like screen. Despite its innovation, t...

HMD Skyline: An In-Depth Look at Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

The HMD Skyline smartwatch has gained attention for its bold promise of combining style, durability, and functionality at an affordable price. With features such as health monitoring , fitness tracking , and customizable watch faces , it aims to cater to a broad audience, from casual users to fitness enthusiasts. However, as with many budget-friendly smartwatches, it comes with its share of issues and limitations . In this comprehensive article, we’ll examine the most common problems reported by users, exploring how they impact the overall experience and assessing whether the Skyline is worth your investment. We'll also compare it to similar products to provide you with a clearer perspective. 1. Design and Build Quality: Looks Great but Feels Compromised The HMD Skyline boasts a modern, sleek design , often likened to premium competitors. With a metallic finish and a vibrant display, it’s visually appealing. Yet, some aspects of its build have left users dissatisfied. a) Fragile...

Huawei Watch D2: An Extensive Exploration of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs

The Huawei Watch D2 is the successor to the groundbreaking Watch D , which brought innovative features like wrist-based blood pressure monitoring into the mainstream smartwatch market. The D2 continues this legacy with upgraded hardware, improved health monitoring capabilities, and sleek aesthetics. Designed for health-conscious users, it offers unique features like ECG functionality , precise heart rate tracking , and advanced fitness analytics . While the Watch D2 has garnered significant praise for its feature set, no device is perfect. Early adopters and regular users alike have encountered issues and bugs that can affect the overall experience. In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll dive into the most common problems faced by Huawei Watch D2 users, explore their implications, and assess the device’s viability compared to alternatives in the market. 1. Design and Build Quality: Stylish Yet Unyielding The Huawei Watch D2 maintains a minimalist and professional design , featuring a...