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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng DM32 vs Baofeng UV-82

The Baofeng DM32 is the clear winner for most users. While both radios share identical transmit power and price competitiveness, the DM32's feature set decisively outperforms the UV-82 across nearly every meaningful dimension.

The single most important differentiator is the DM32's inclusion of DMR, APRS, and GPS functionality versus the UV-82's complete absence of these capabilities. These aren't minor additions—they represent fundamentally different operational capacities. DMR opens access to modern digital networks, APRS enables location tracking and messaging, and GPS provides navigation. The DM32's overall score of 82 versus 67 reflects this substantial gap.

The only legitimate advantage the UV-82 holds is weight, coming in 90 grams lighter. For users with severe portability constraints or those with physical limitations, this matters. However, the difference is modest enough that few should compromise on features for this margin.

The UV-82 suits only those explicitly seeking an analog-only radio with minimal weight or those operating on extreme budgets where the six dollar difference justifies losing digital capability.

Buy the DM32 unless weight is genuinely critical to your operation. It's the smarter investment at virtually the same price point with substantially greater capability and proven higher user satisfaction.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-constrained buyer wanting the lowest entry cost

    It costs less than the DM32 and covers the basic VHF and UHF needs of a new operator.

    UV-82
  • New Technician licensee starting on local repeaters

    Its simple FM-only interface suits a first radio used for local repeater and simplex contacts.

    UV-82
  • Operator wanting DMR access and hotspot dual-mode use

    It adds DMR digital operation, which the UV-82 lacks entirely, for hotspot and digital net participation.

    DM32 DMR
  • Ham needing thousands of memory channels

    With 4000 channels against the UV-82's 128, it handles large channel lists for busy multi-site use.

    DM32 DMR
  • Portable operator wanting lightweight gear for field use

    At 238g it is lighter than the 350g DM32, which matters on long hikes and summit activations.

    UV-82
  • Operator wanting GPS and APRS position reporting

    Its built-in GPS and APRS support enable position reporting that the UV-82 cannot provide.

    DM32 DMR

Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32

  • 60% more TX power (8W vs 5W)
  • 31x more memory channels (4,000 vs 128)
  • 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
  • Has DMR digital mode
  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82

  • 112g lighter (238g vs 350g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng DM32SpecBaofeng UV-82
75
Overall Score
49
+54% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
5.00W
+59% for winner
4000
Memory Channels
128
33.3× difference
350g
Weight
238g
+47% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
1800 mAh
+39% for winner
LCD
Display
LCD
Covers land mobile only (Part 90)
FCC Authorization
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
green
color
Black
1
unitCount
1
green
Color
Black
VHF UHF
Tuner Type
VHF/UHF
DM-32UV
Model Number
BAOFENG UV-82
1 X Radio
Built-In Media
2 x Baofeng uv-82 charger, 2 X Antenna, 2 x Hand Speaker Mic, 2 X Walkie Talkie Earpiece, 2 x baofeng uv-82 radio, Battery, Cable
Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas
Compatible Devices
Baofeng UV-5R,Baofeng BF-F8HP,Baofeng UV-82HP,Baofeng 5RX,5RM,K5PLUS Ham Radio etc.
Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range
Additional Features
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band Two Way Radio, Emergency Alarm
Not Water Resistant
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant

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