Motorola APX 4000 Battery Guide: Compatibility, Capacity & Replacement Options
Finding the right Motorola APX 4000 battery can be confusing because Motorola has offered multiple battery part numbers, capacities and revisions for the APX 4000 family over its lifetime.
This Motorola APX 4000 Battery Guide explains which batteries fit the APX 4000, how the major battery options compare, what Motorola IMPRES technology does, and what to consider when choosing an OEM or replacement APX 4000 battery.
Whether you're replacing one battery or maintaining an entire fleet of Motorola APX radios, choosing the correct battery can improve runtime, reliability and overall radio performance.
Quick Answer: What Batteries Fit the Motorola APX 4000?
Motorola has offered several IMPRES lithium-ion batteries for the APX 4000 platform.
Major APX 4000 battery part numbers include:
| Motorola Part Number | Battery Type | Capacity* | Environmental Rating* | Best Use |
| NNTN8128 | IMPRES Li-Ion | 2000 mAh | IP67 | Slim/lightweight |
| PMNN4448 | IMPRES Li-Ion | 2800 mAh | IP68 | Higher-capacity everyday use |
| NNTN8560 | IMPRES Li-Ion | 2500 mAh | IP68 / UL | Approved applications requiring the appropriate HazLoc battery |
*Specifications can vary by battery revision and generation. Always verify the complete battery part number and requirements of your particular radio before purchasing.
Older Motorola APX 4000 documentation may show different capacities for some of these battery families. This is one reason buyers should compare the exact current battery revision, rather than relying only on an older specification sheet.
NNTN8128 – Slim Motorola APX 4000 Battery
The Motorola NNTN8128 is one of the best-known batteries used with the APX 4000.
Current Motorola documentation lists the NNTN8128 as an IMPRES lithium-ion 2000 mAh slim battery with an IP67 rating.
The major advantage of the NNTN8128 is its relatively slim profile. Higher-capacity batteries are useful for long shifts, but they generally add thickness and weight to a portable radio.
The NNTN8128 is therefore an excellent choice when the priority is keeping the APX 4000 compact and comfortable to carry.
NNTN8128 Advantages
- Slim battery profile
- IMPRES technology
- Lithium-ion chemistry
- IP67 protection
- Compatible with multiple APX radio models
- Good choice for standard daily use
Who Should Consider the NNTN8128?
The NNTN8128 can be a good choice for police officers, security personnel, government employees, utility workers and commercial users who want a smaller battery profile and do not require the highest available capacity.
PMNN4448 – High-Capacity APX 4000 Battery
For users who prioritize runtime, the Motorola PMNN4448 is an important APX 4000 battery option.
Current Motorola APX accessory documentation identifies the PMNN4448 as an IMPRES lithium-ion 2800 mAh battery with IP68 protection.
The additional capacity makes the PMNN4448 particularly attractive for radios that are used continuously throughout a shift.
PMNN4448 Advantages
- 2800 mAh capacity
- IMPRES technology
- Lithium-ion chemistry
- IP68 protection
- Increased capacity compared with the slim NNTN8128
- Well suited for extended work shifts
Who Should Consider the PMNN4448?
Consider the PMNN4448 when battery runtime is more important than maintaining the smallest possible radio profile.
It may be particularly useful for public-safety personnel, utility crews, transportation operations, security teams and other professionals who rely heavily on their APX 4000 throughout the workday.
NNTN8560 – APX 4000 Battery for Applicable Hazardous-Location Configurations
The Motorola NNTN8560 is another important battery in the APX 4000 family.
Current Motorola documentation identifies it as an IMPRES lithium-ion 2500 mAh battery with IP68 protection and UL designation for applicable configurations.
This battery is especially important because hazardous-location battery selection involves more than simply finding a battery that physically fits the radio.
The radio and battery combination must be approved for the environment and application in which it will be used.
If your APX 4000 is used in a hazardous location, always verify the exact Motorola-approved radio/battery configuration before purchasing or substituting batteries.
APX 4000 Battery Capacity Comparison
For many buyers, the biggest question is:
Should I buy the slim battery or the highest-capacity APX 4000 battery?
The answer depends on how the radio is used.
Choose a Slim Battery When:
- Radio weight matters
- The radio is carried for long periods
- You have access to charging during the day
- You already carry a spare battery
- Your radio usage is relatively light
Choose a Higher-Capacity Battery When:
- You work extended shifts
- The radio is used heavily
- Charging opportunities are limited
- You transmit frequently
- Maximum runtime is more important than minimizing radio size
Higher mAh generally means more available battery capacity, but it does not guarantee a specific number of operating hours.
Actual APX 4000 runtime depends on radio configuration, transmit activity, signal conditions, accessories, temperature, battery age and other factors.
What Does mAh Mean on an APX 4000 Battery?
Battery capacity is commonly measured in milliamp-hours (mAh).
A 2800 mAh battery has more nominal capacity than a 2000 mAh battery of the same voltage and comparable technology.
That extra capacity can translate into longer operating time.
However, mAh should not be the only factor used when buying a Motorola radio battery.
Also consider:
- Battery quality
- Age
- Cell quality
- IMPRES compatibility
- Environmental rating
- Safety certification
- Charger compatibility
- Warranty
- Radio compatibility
A quality 2000 mAh battery can be a better choice than a poorly manufactured battery advertising a much larger capacity.
What Is Motorola IMPRES?
Motorola IMPRES is an intelligent energy-management system designed for Motorola professional two-way radios.
IMPRES batteries communicate with compatible IMPRES charging equipment so the system can manage charging and battery maintenance more intelligently than a conventional battery-and-charger combination.
For organizations managing large radio fleets, this technology can also provide useful information about battery condition and performance.
Benefits of IMPRES Technology
IMPRES can help provide:
- Intelligent charging
- Battery maintenance
- Battery information
- More consistent fleet management
- Improved battery lifecycle management
Rather than thinking of an IMPRES battery as simply a rechargeable battery, it is better to view the battery and compatible charger as part of an intelligent power-management system.
Is IMPRES 2 the Same as IMPRES?
No.
IMPRES 2 is Motorola's newer generation of intelligent energy technology.
Motorola developed IMPRES 2 to provide improvements such as higher-capacity battery options, enhanced diagnostics, faster compatible charging and improved battery-management capabilities.
However, an APX radio being part of the APX family does not automatically mean every IMPRES 2 battery fits it.
Always select batteries according to the exact APX radio model and Motorola compatibility information.
APX 4000 Battery IP67 vs. IP68
You may notice that Motorola APX 4000 batteries have different IP ratings.
IP67
An IP67-rated battery provides a high degree of protection against dust and temporary water immersion under defined test conditions.
IP68
An IP68-rated product provides dust protection and water-ingress protection under the manufacturer's specified IP68 test conditions.
An IP rating should not be interpreted as permission to expose a radio or battery to unlimited water conditions.
Also remember that the battery's individual rating does not necessarily establish the environmental rating of the complete radio configuration.
How Long Does a Motorola APX 4000 Battery Last?
There are really two different questions when someone asks how long an APX 4000 battery lasts:
- How many hours will it operate between charges?
- How many years will the battery remain useful?
Runtime Per Charge
Runtime varies substantially depending on:
- Battery capacity
- Radio transmit power
- Amount of transmitting
- Radio programming
- Signal conditions
- Connected accessories
- Temperature
- Battery condition and age
A higher-capacity battery generally provides more potential runtime than a lower-capacity equivalent, but actual results depend on how the radio is used.
Overall Battery Service Life
Lithium-ion batteries are consumable products.
As batteries age and accumulate charge cycles, their usable capacity gradually declines.
A battery that once completed an entire shift may eventually require charging halfway through the day.
That loss of useful runtime is often the clearest indication that replacement should be considered.
How Do I Know When My APX 4000 Battery Needs to Be Replaced?
Watch for these warning signs:
- Significantly reduced runtime
- Radio unexpectedly shutting down
- Battery no longer completing a normal shift
- Inconsistent charging
- Physical case damage
- Damaged battery contacts
- Excessive heat
- Swelling or deformation
- Battery-health information indicating substantial capacity loss
Never continue using a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking or otherwise physically damaged.
How to Extend APX 4000 Battery Life
Good charging and storage habits can help protect your investment.
Use a Compatible Charger
Use Motorola-approved or properly compatible charging equipment designed for your battery.
Keep Battery Contacts Clean
Dirty battery and charger contacts can interfere with charging.
Avoid Excessive Heat
High temperatures can accelerate lithium-ion battery degradation.
Avoid leaving radios or spare batteries in extremely hot vehicles or other high-temperature environments whenever possible.
Inspect Fleet Batteries Regularly
Organizations operating large radio fleets should periodically inspect batteries and remove damaged units from service.
Use IMPRES Charging Features
When using genuine IMPRES batteries, compatible IMPRES chargers allow you to take advantage of the intelligent battery-management features built into the system.
Can I Leave an APX 4000 Battery in an IMPRES Charger?
IMPRES chargers are designed to manage compatible batteries intelligently, making them preferable to basic chargers for IMPRES battery fleets.
For long-term storage, however, follow Motorola's storage and charging recommendations for the specific battery and charger being used.
Long-term storage requirements are different from normal day-to-day charging.
OEM Motorola vs. Aftermarket APX 4000 Batteries
Another important buying decision is whether to purchase an OEM Motorola APX 4000 battery or a compatible aftermarket battery.
OEM Motorola APX 4000 Batteries
Advantages can include:
- Motorola-designed compatibility
- IMPRES integration
- Published Motorola specifications
- Appropriate Motorola certifications when required
- Consistent fit
- Motorola warranty coverage
OEM batteries can be especially important for mission-critical and regulated applications.
Compatible Replacement APX 4000 Batteries
A high-quality replacement battery can provide an economical alternative for organizations maintaining larger fleets.
When comparing aftermarket batteries, look beyond price.
Consider:
- Manufacturer reputation
- Cell quality
- Actual capacity
- Warranty
- Charger compatibility
- IMPRES functionality, if advertised
- IP rating
- Safety certifications
- Fit and construction quality
For hazardous-location applications, never substitute a battery solely because it fits the radio.
Can the Same Battery Fit Other APX Radios?
Yes. One advantage of this Motorola battery family is that certain batteries can be compatible with multiple APX radio models.
For example, the NNTN8128 family has been used across multiple APX models including the APX 1000, APX 2000, APX 3000 and APX 4000.
This can simplify inventory management for organizations operating mixed APX fleets.
Instead of stocking a completely different battery for every radio, an organization may be able to standardize some battery inventory around compatible models.
Always confirm compatibility before standardizing a fleet.
What Charger Does a Motorola APX 4000 Use?
The appropriate charger depends on the battery being used and the charging configuration required.
Motorola has offered IMPRES charging solutions ranging from individual desktop chargers to multi-unit chargers intended for larger radio fleets.
Single-Unit Chargers
Best suited for:
- Individual radio users
- Offices
- Vehicles or desks
- Small organizations
Multi-Unit Chargers
Best suited for:
- Police departments
- Fire and EMS facilities
- Utilities
- Security operations
- Transportation organizations
- Large commercial fleets
A multi-unit charger allows several batteries or radios to be prepared for the next shift from one centralized charging location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorola APX 4000 Batteries
What battery fits a Motorola APX 4000?
Motorola has identified several compatible IMPRES lithium-ion batteries for the APX 4000 family, including the NNTN8128, PMNN4448 and NNTN8560. Compatibility and specifications can vary by battery revision and radio configuration.
What is the highest-capacity Motorola APX 4000 battery?
Among the major current Motorola options discussed in this guide, the PMNN4448 is listed at approximately 2800 mAh.
Is NNTN8128 compatible with the Motorola APX 4000?
Yes. Motorola lists the NNTN8128 battery family for APX 4000 radios as well as several other APX models.
Is PMNN4448 compatible with the APX 4000?
Yes. Motorola lists the PMNN4448 as an IMPRES lithium-ion battery option for the APX 4000.
Does the APX 4000 use IMPRES batteries?
Yes. Motorola offers IMPRES battery options for the APX 4000.
Can APX 4000 and APX 2000 radios use the same batteries?
Certain battery families are shared across these APX models. Compatibility should always be verified using the exact radio and battery part numbers.
Should I buy the biggest APX 4000 battery available?
Not necessarily. Higher capacity is valuable when runtime is the priority, while a slimmer battery can reduce radio size and weight. The best battery is the one that matches your operating requirements.
Can I use an aftermarket APX 4000 battery?
A properly designed compatible battery may be suitable for many applications. Compare quality, warranty, capacity, charging compatibility and certifications. Mission-critical or hazardous-location applications require additional attention to approved configurations.
Which Motorola APX 4000 Battery Is Best?
There isn't one battery that's best for every APX 4000 user.
For a slim, lightweight configuration: Consider the NNTN8128.
For increased capacity and everyday runtime: Consider the PMNN4448.
For applicable UL/hazardous-location configurations: Investigate the NNTN8560 and verify that the complete radio/battery combination is approved for your application.
The key is to balance capacity, size, weight, certification and price rather than selecting a battery based only on its mAh rating.
Shop Motorola APX 4000 Batteries
BatteryDistributors.com carries Motorola APX 4000 batteries, chargers, parts and accessories for public safety, government, utilities, security and commercial radio users.
Before ordering, verify your radio model and existing battery part number. If you're maintaining multiple Motorola radios, our Motorola Battery Compatibility Chart can help identify battery options across the APX family.
You can also read our Motorola IMPRES Complete Guide to learn more about intelligent charging, battery management and getting the most from your Motorola radio batteries.
APX 4000 Battery Guide an informational/buying-guide