Baofeng UV-28 vs Retevis RT85

The Retevis RT85 is the clear winner here. Both radios operate in the same budget category with nearly identical pricing, but the RT85 outperforms the UV-28 across nearly every measurable dimension. The single most important differentiator is the RT85's CHIRP compatibility combined with its higher overall score of 63 versus 54. CHIRP support means significantly easier programming and configuration, which matters considerably for amateur operators who regularly manage multiple frequencies or participate in nets. The UV-28's GPS capability is its sole advantage, but GPS in a handheld radio proves useful only for specific applications like APRS operations or field positioning, neither of which this radio supports anyway.

Buy the UV-28 only if you specifically need a GPS-equipped radio for mapping or tracking purposes outside amateur radio operations. Buy the RT85 if you want straightforward, reliable two-way communication with manageable programming and better overall build quality. For most operators seeking a dependable budget handheld, the Retevis RT85 delivers better value and usability. The nine-point score gap reflects meaningful real-world differences that matter more than the GPS feature alone.