The Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 Portable Two-Way Radio is a rugged all-band P25 radio with a full keypad, color display, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and IP68 protection. It supports 7/800 MHz, VHF and UHF operation for demanding professional communications.
Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 Portable Two-Way Radio (All Band P25 Radio)
The Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 Portable Two-Way Radio is a high-performance, all-band P25 radio built for demanding professional and mission-critical communication environments. Combining 7/800 MHz, VHF, UHF Range 1 and UHF Range 2 capability in one portable radio, the APX 8000 provides exceptional flexibility for organizations that need communication across multiple frequency bands.
The M3.5 configuration adds a full DTMF keypad and color display, making it a particularly capable option for users who need convenient access to radio menus, channels, contacts and advanced features.
Motorola designed the APX 8000 around interoperability, ruggedness and clear communications, making it well suited for public safety, government, emergency response, utilities, transportation, industrial operations and other professional applications.
Full-Keypad APX 8000 M3.5 Configuration
The M3.5 is the full-keypad configuration of the APX 8000 family.
It features a full bitmap color LCD display with four lines of text, two lines of icons and a menu line, together with a backlit 4×3 DTMF keypad, three soft keys, four-direction navigation, Home and Data buttons. Motorola’s specifications list up to 3,000 channels for Model 3.5 configurations.
This makes the M3.5 particularly useful when operators need more direct control over radio functions rather than relying only on preset controls.
Four-Band All-Band Operation
One of the biggest advantages of the Motorola APX 8000 is its four-band architecture.
Depending on the exact radio configuration, the APX 8000 supports:
700/800 MHz
VHF: 136–174 MHz
UHF Range 1: 380–470 MHz
UHF Range 2: 450–520 MHz
The radio supports digital APCO P25 communication as well as analog operation, with conventional and trunked system capabilities. It can also operate with Motorola SmartNet and SmartZone systems where appropriately configured.
This all-band design can be valuable for agencies and organizations that need interoperability across different radio systems without carrying separate radios for every frequency band.
Clear Audio in Challenging Environments
The APX 8000 M3.5 incorporates Motorola’s Adaptive Audio Engine, which is designed to maintain intelligible communications as the surrounding environment changes.
The system incorporates technologies including adaptive noise suppression, adaptive gain control, adaptive speaker equalization and adaptive Windporting. The radio also supports dual-sided audio operation, allowing users to communicate from either side of the radio.
For field personnel working around traffic, machinery, crowds, wind or other background noise, these features can help make radio conversations easier to understand.
Built for Demanding Field Conditions
The APX 8000 is designed as a rugged professional portable radio. Motorola specifies an IP68 rating, with standard configurations capable of surviving submersion to 2 meters for up to 2 hours. Motorola also lists MIL-STD-810 C, D, E, F and G environmental testing for the platform.
The radio measures approximately 5.47 × 2.98 × 1.58 inches without the standard battery and weighs approximately 11.25 ounces without the battery.
For used equipment, actual cosmetic condition can vary, so customers should review the specific Radio-Depot listing for condition, included accessories and configuration.
GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
The APX 8000 platform provides more than voice communication.
Depending on configuration, it supports:
Integrated GPS/GLONASS
Mission Critical Wireless Bluetooth
Wi-Fi connectivity
ASTRO 25 integrated voice and data
Text messaging
Voice announcements
Radio profiles
Dynamic zones
Over-the-air programming
Over-the-air rekeying
P25 authentication
Some capabilities may depend on the specific radio flashcode, software, system configuration or licensing.
Security and Encryption
For organizations handling sensitive communications, the APX 8000 supports multiple security features.
Motorola lists ADP, AES and DES-family encryption capabilities, with multi-key and multi-algorithm functionality available depending on configuration. The platform can also support over-the-air rekeying and P25 authentication where the appropriate features and system infrastructure are available.
Encryption capabilities should always be verified against the exact radio model, flashcode and configuration before purchase.
Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 Specifications
Feature
Specification
Radio
Motorola APX 8000
Model
M3.5
Radio type
Portable P25 two-way radio
Keypad
Full 4×3 DTMF keypad
Display
Full bitmap color LCD
Channel capacity
Up to 3,000
RF bands
7/800 MHz, VHF, UHF Range 1 & 2
VHF range
136–174 MHz
UHF Range 1
380–470 MHz
UHF Range 2
450–520 MHz
Operation
Analog and digital P25
GPS/GLONASS
Supported
Bluetooth
Mission Critical Wireless Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Supported depending on configuration
Encryption
Supported; exact algorithms/features depend on configuration
Protection
IP68
Environmental standard
MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F/G
Battery
Lithium-ion; exact battery depends on configuration
Dimensions
Approx. 5.47 × 2.98 × 1.58 in. without standard battery
Weight
Approx. 11.25 oz. without standard battery
Specifications are based on Motorola’s APX 8000 documentation; exact features can vary by model number, flashcode, firmware, region and configuration.
Who Is the APX 8000 M3.5 For?
The Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 can be an excellent choice for organizations that need a rugged, flexible P25 portable radio with extensive operator controls.
It is particularly suited to:
Public safety agencies
Police and law enforcement
Fire and emergency services
Government organizations
Utilities
Transportation
Industrial operations
Security teams
Large organizations operating multiple radio systems
Its four-band capability can be especially useful where interoperability between VHF, UHF and 700/800 MHz systems is important.
Used Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 Radios
If you are looking for a used or pre-owned Motorola APX 8000 M3.5, buying professionally tested equipment can provide access to a high-end P25 platform without the cost of a new radio.
When purchasing a used APX 8000 M3.5, pay particular attention to:
Exact model number
Frequency band configuration
Flashcode
Channel capacity
Encryption features
Display and keypad condition
Battery condition
Antenna
Programming status
Included accessories
Cosmetic condition
A radio listed as unprogrammed may require programming before it can be used with your radio system. Always confirm the programming and feature requirements before ordering.
Why Choose the APX 8000 M3.5?
The Motorola APX 8000 M3.5 combines the flexibility of an all-band radio with the functionality of a full keypad and color display.
Instead of carrying separate VHF and UHF radios for different systems, compatible users can use one APX 8000 platform across multiple RF bands. Add P25 digital operation, rugged IP68 construction, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and advanced audio capabilities, and you have a highly versatile professional portable radio.
For organizations operating demanding communications systems, the APX 8000 M3.5 remains a strong option when interoperability, durability and advanced radio functionality matter.
