Friday, April 19, 2024

What’s the difference between hands-free and push-to-talk Alexa phones?

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Best answer: Alexa Built-in Phones with Hands-Free Alexa allow you to access the assistant at any time by just saying “Alexa.” With Push-to-Talk phones, Alexa is accessed by double-pressing the power button.

  • Hands-Free: Moto G7 ($290 at Amazon)
  • Push-to-Talk: Moto G7 Play ($195 at Amazon)

Hands-Free phones are the easiest way to use Alexa

If you go to buy an Alexa Built-in Phone, you’ll notice that there are two types available — Hands-Free and Push-to-Talk. Both make it easy to access Alexa on your phone, but how you do so is a little different.

The first of those does just what you’d expect. If you want to talk to Alexa on a Hands-Free Alexa Built-in Phone, just say “Alexa” similar to how you would with an Echo. The phone will hear your command whether the screen is on or off, and Alexa will start listening to whatever you have to say.

There are a few different Hands-Free phones available, including:

  • LG G8
  • Moto Z4
  • Moto G7
  • LG V35
  • Moto Z3 Play

Push-to-Talk is like an Alexa walkie-talkie

Alternatively, Alexa Built-in Phones also come with a Push-to-Talk option. Rather than accessing Alexa by just saying the “Alexa” hot word, you’ll need to double-press the power button.

This isn’t quite as cool as the Hands-Free method and means you’ll need to be holding your phone in order to use Alexa, but even so, it’s still faster than unlocking your device and tapping the Alexa app like you’d have to do on a non-Alexa phone.

Push-to-Talk phones are cheaper than the Hands-Free ones, and consist of the following:

  • Moto G7 Power
  • Moto G7 Play
  • Moto G6
  • Moto G6 Play

Our pick

Moto G7

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$290 at Amazon

An incredible budget phone with hands-free Alexa.

The Moto G7, one of the best budget phones on the market, is also a great choice for Alexa fans. Not only do you get hands-free Alexa access, but the Moto G7 also delivers a 6.2-inch Full HD+ display, Snapdragon 632 processor, a 3,000 mAh battery, dual rear cameras, and expandable storage.

Best for less

Moto G7 Play

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$195 at Amazon

Easy push-to-talk Alexa access.

Essentially a cheaper version of the G7, the Moto G7 Play offers a great user experience for even less money. You can get Alexa’s attention with a double-press of the power button, the display is smaller at just 5.7-inches, and you have a battery that lasts for up to 40 hours on one charge. There’s even an LED flash for the selfie camera!

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