Baofeng DM32 vs Radtel RT-470X
Side-by-side comparison of specs, features, and scores.
Our Take
The Baofeng DM32 is the clear winner for anyone serious about amateur radio. While the RT-470X tempts with its budget price point, it leaves too many unknowns and capabilities on the table to be a reliable choice.
The single most important differentiator is feature completeness. The DM32 includes DMR digital mode, APRS, and GPS functionality—tools that define modern amateur radio. The RT-470X offers none of these, making it suitable only for basic analog operation. Beyond features, Baofeng provides full specifications and an 82/100 overall score versus Radtel's 65/100, suggesting better build quality and testing.
The RT-470X makes sense only for someone wanting a throwaway backup radio or testing whether they'll use HT operations at all. The DM32 should appeal to anyone planning regular use, emergency preparedness, or experimentation with digital modes.
Spend the extra $28 on the DM32. The price difference is negligible in the context of a hobby investment, and you're gaining an objectively superior radio with documented performance and capabilities that will keep it relevant as your skills develop.
Reasons to choose Baofeng DM32
- 16x more memory channels (4,000 vs 256)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has built-in GPS
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X
- 45% cheaper ($29.99 vs $54.37)
- 12% more battery (2800 mAh vs 2500 mAh)
- Has color TFT display
$54.37 on Amazon
★ 4.4 (184 reviews)
Specifications
| Spec | Baofeng DM32 | Radtel RT-470X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.37 | $29.99 |
| Overall Score | 83 | 65 |
| TX Power (High) | 8.00W | — |
| Memory Channels | 4000 | 256 |
| Weight | 350g | — |
| Battery | 2500 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| Display | LCD | 1.77in TFT Color |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| FCC Authorization | Authorized | Not Found |
| Color | green | Standard |
| Special Feature | Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range | Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency |
| Compatible Devices | Other BAOFENG devices, Headsets, Earpieces, External Antennas | K-connector |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant |
| Tuner Type | VHF UHF | FM/AM |
| Model Number | DM-32UV | RT-470X |
| Built-In Media | 1 X Radio | 1x Radtel RT-470X Ham Radio,1x 2800mAh Type-C Battery, 1x 7.87-inch Dual Band 145/435 Antenna, 1x 39-inch USB-C Charger Cable, 1x Belt Clip with Metal Piece, 1x English User Manual,1x AC Power Adapter with USB Port (FCC ID: 2AZSA-RT470X) |
| Additional Features | Copy Frequency, Digital Display, Long Range | Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency |
| Warranty Description | NO | 1 Year Warranty |
| Connectivity Protocol | Type-c | K-connector |