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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Quansheng UV-K1 vs Radtel RT-470X

Our pick

Quansheng UV-K1$35.69

The Radtel RT-470X is the better choice for most buyers. The single most important differentiator is the RT-470X's IP54 rating, which means it offers documented weather resistance that the UV-K1 does not specify. Both radios lack advanced features like DMR, GPS, and Bluetooth, and we don't have TX power figures for either model, so on core specs they're effectively matched.

Owners of the RT-470X report 4.1 out of 5 stars across 256 reviews, providing substantial buyer feedback. The UV-K1 rates 4.4 out of 5, but only from 8 reviews, which is too small a sample to draw reliable conclusions. The RT-470X is heavier at 267g versus 190g, a real trade-off if weight matters to your use case. Both support CHIRP programming.

Buy the RT-470X if you want weather protection and rely on a larger pool of owner experience. Buy the UV-K1 only if lightweight portability is your primary need and you accept minimal buyer data to guide your decision. For most users, the RT-470X's combination of weather rating and proven owner satisfaction makes it the sounder purchase.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • First-time licensee learning to program a radio

    CHIRP programming support makes setup easier for someone learning to program a radio for the first time.

    RT-470X
  • Budget-conscious buyer wanting a spare radio

    Costs less while covering the same VHF and UHF bands, suiting a spare or secondary radio.

    UV-K1
  • Hiker or outdoor operator facing weather

    IP54 rating resists dust and splashes, suiting hikers and field operators more than the unrated alternative.

    RT-470X
  • Portable operator carrying gear on summits

    At 190 grams it is noticeably lighter, which helps when carrying a radio on summits and trails.

    UV-K1
  • Listener focused on local monitoring

    Analog-only operation with scanning focus fits a listener who never needs digital modes or extra features.

    UV-K1

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K1

  • 77g lighter (190g vs 267g)

Reasons to choose Radtel RT-470X

  • 28% more memory channels (256 vs 200)
  • 100% more battery (2800 mAh vs 1400 mAh)
  • Has color TFT display
  • IP54 water resistance

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Quansheng UV-K1SpecRadtel RT-470X
$35.69
Price
—
53
Overall Score
52
+2% for winner
200
Memory Channels
256
+28% for winner
190g
Weight
267g
+41% difference
1400 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
2.0× difference
LCD
Display
1.77in TFT Color
—
IP Rating
IP54
No grant found
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Transparent color-B
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
717206453386
UPC
715748983927
Black with Yellow Antenna
Color
Standard
7.4 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
UV-TK11(8)
Model Number
RT-470X
Antenna
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)
50-600MHz (Rx) / 144-148MHz & 420-450MHz (Tx)
Frequency Range
144-148/420-450Mhz
QUANSHENG two-way radios, ham radios, devices supporting DTMF Calling, FCC compliant devices
Compatible Devices
K-connector
Dual Band
Additional Features
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency
2 years
Warranty Description
1 Year Warranty

Made your choice?

Quansheng UV-K1PICK

$35.69 on Amazon

Radtel RT-470X

Check on Amazon

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