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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Baofeng UV-82 vs Radtel RT-470X

Our pick

Baofeng UV-82$59.99

The Baofeng UV-82 is the clear winner here. While the Radtel RT-470X costs half as much, the UV-82's documented 8W transmit power is the single most important differentiator. Without confirmed specs on the Radtel's output, range, and weight, you're essentially buying blind. The UV-82 is a proven workhorse with established performance characteristics and a two-point scoring advantage.

The UV-82 should appeal to operators who value reliability and proven range over rock-bottom pricing. The RT-470X makes sense only for someone severely budget-constrained and willing to accept unknown performance characteristics. Given the modest price difference of just $34, that's a poor trade-off for most users.

If you're serious about amateur radio, spend the extra money on the UV-82. You get documented power output, known build quality, and verified performance. The Baofeng is already a budget option—cutting corners further by switching to an unproven alternative with missing specifications defeats the purpose. The UV-82 represents better value despite the higher price tag.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Beginner needing basic VHF/UHF comms

    The UV-82 offers better overall power and a slightly more robust feature set for new users.

    UV-82
  • Ultra-budget buyer needing multi-band receiver

    The RT-470X is the absolute cheapest option while still providing excellent multi-band reception.

    RT-470X
  • Portable camping or POTA/SOTA operations

    The UV-82's slightly higher power output makes it better suited for longer-range outdoor operations.

    UV-82
  • Casual local simplex monitoring and chatting

    The RT-470X's focus on multi-band reception makes it ideal for local, varied frequency monitoring.

    RT-470X
  • Operator needing basic repeater access and features

    The UV-82's higher power and more channels provide a slight edge for general repeater use.

    UV-82

Reasons to choose Baofeng UV-82

  • FCC equipment authorization on file

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X

  • 45% cheaper ($32.99 vs $59.99)
  • 2x more memory channels (256 vs 128)
  • Has color TFT display

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Baofeng UV-82SpecRadtel RT-470X
$59.99
Price
$32.99
67
Overall Score
66
+1% for winner
8.00W
TX Power (High)
128
Memory Channels
256
2.0× difference
260g
Weight
2800 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
LCD
Display
1.77in TFT Color
IP54
IP Rating
IP54
Covers GMRS only (Part 95E)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
635648693156
UPC
715748983927
Black
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
VHF/UHF
Tuner Type
FM/AM
BAOFENG UV-82
Model Number
RT-470X
2 x Baofeng uv-82 charger, 2 X Antenna, 2 x Hand Speaker Mic, 2 X Walkie Talkie Earpiece, 2 x baofeng uv-82 radio, Battery, Cable
Built-In Media
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)
IP54
Waterproof Rating
IP54
Baofeng UV-5R,Baofeng BF-F8HP,Baofeng UV-82HP,Baofeng 5RX,5RM,K5PLUS Ham Radio etc.
Compatible Devices
K-connector
Battery Saver Mode, Dual Band Two Way Radio, Emergency Alarm
Additional Features
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency
1.15"D x 2.29"W x 5.08"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2.28"W x 4.6"H

Made your choice?

Baofeng UV-82PICK

$59.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-470X

$32.99 on Amazon

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