Baofeng UV-21R vs Retevis RA79

The UV-21R offers better listed specifications for the money. Both radios share identical core features—no DMR, APRS, or GPS—and owners report the same 4.5/5 satisfaction across their respective reviews. The UV-21R delivers 6W of transmit power at a lower price point, while the RA79's transmit power is unknown to us, preventing a direct comparison on that front. Where they genuinely differ is weight: the RA79 is noticeably lighter at 225g versus the UV-21R's 300g, which matters if portability is your priority.

The single most important differentiator is weight versus known power output. The UV-21R's published 6W gives you confidence in its performance specs and better value overall, while the RA79 appeals if you prioritize a lighter carry and can accept missing data on transmit power.

Choose the UV-21R if you want specified performance and lower cost. Choose the RA79 if light weight is worth the price premium and unknown power rating.

For most users seeking a budget-friendly handheld with transparent specs, the UV-21R is the sounder choice at $27 with its 6W power and higher RadioRanked score reflecting better value.