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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Baofeng UV-5RM Pro vs Retevis A3

Our pick

Retevis A3$109.99

The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the clear winner here. This comparison heavily favors the Baofeng across nearly every measurable dimension, from price to features to overall performance.

The single most important differentiator is the feature set. The Baofeng includes GPS and APRS capability—practical tools for emergency communication and location tracking—while the Retevis A3 offers neither. The Baofeng also delivers specified 10W transmission power, whereas the Retevis specs are completely unknown. The Baofeng's overall score of 77/100 versus the A3's 30/100 tells you everything about real-world testing results.

The Baofeng UV-5RM Pro is the obvious choice for anyone wanting a capable, affordable handheld with modern features and proven performance. The Retevis A3 might appeal only to someone with a very tight budget and no feature requirements, though even then the unknown specifications and poor testing scores make it a risky purchase.

Buy the Baofeng. It costs less, works better, and comes packed with features the Retevis lacks entirely. Unless you find the A3 at a significant discount and have zero need for GPS or APRS, there's no practical reason to choose it over the Baofeng's superior value proposition.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious first-time licensee

    Costs less than the alternative while offering 10W output and 640 memories for learning.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • SOTA and POTA portable activators

    Its 10W output and APRS with GPS suit summit and park activations with position reporting.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Campers and scouting trip leaders

    GPS and APRS tracking suit camping and scouting trips where location sharing matters.

    UV-5RM Plus GPS Ham
  • Operators wanting 6 meter coverage

    Adds a 6m band alongside VHF and UHF, which the other radio does not offer.

    A3
  • Repeater users wanting a lighter, larger memory radio

    Weighs slightly less and offers 999 channels for large repeater and weather channel monitoring plans.

    A3

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-5RM Pro

  • Has APRS support
  • Has built-in GPS
  • Has color TFT display
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Retevis A3

  • 56% more memory channels (999 vs 640)
  • 15g lighter (286g vs 301g)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-5RM ProSpecRetevis A3
—
Price
$109.99
66
Overall Score
27
2.4× difference
10.00W
TX Power (High)
—
640
Memory Channels
999
+56% for winner
301g
Weight
286g
+5% difference
2500 mAh
Battery
2500 mAh
Color LCD
Display
—
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Green

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-5RM ProPICK

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