Baofeng UV-5RM Plus vs Retevis RA79

The UV-5RM Plus offers better specified features for the money, with a 71 versus 60 RadioRanked score reflecting its 10W transmit power advantage and more comprehensive spec sheet. However, the RA79's transmit power is unknown rather than weak—we simply lack that figure. Both radios share identical feature sets otherwise: no DMR, APRS, or GPS; both support CHIRP programming; both earn strong owner ratings around 4.5-4.6 stars from comparable review counts.

The single most important differentiator is price. At $35, the RA79 undercuts the UV-5RM Plus by $25 while weighing 65g less. That's meaningful for fieldwork. The UV-5RM Plus justifies its higher cost only if you need confirmed 10W output and are willing to carry the extra weight.

The UV-5RM Plus suits operators who prioritize stated power output and don't mind spending more for assured specs. The RA79 makes sense for budget-conscious users and those wanting a lighter radio, provided you contact Retevis to confirm its actual transmit power before buying.

If transmit power matters to your use case, get the UV-5RM Plus. Otherwise, the RA79 offers solid value at a lower price point, assuming its power specs prove acceptable.