Skip to main content

RadioRanked verdict

Updated Nov 2026

Quansheng UV-K5(8) vs Radtel RT-470X

Our pick

Quansheng UV-K5(8)$27.99

The UV-K5(8) is the better choice here. The single most important differentiator is price and owner feedback: the UV-K5(8) costs five dollars less and owners report notably higher satisfaction, with 686 reviews averaging 4.5/5 versus 256 reviews at 4.1/5. Both radios lack advanced features like DMR, APRS, and GPS, both support CHIRP programming, and both are roughly comparable in core specifications. The UV-K5(8) does offer better weather sealing at IP65 versus the RT-470X's IP54 rating, and it weighs about 70 grams less, though we lack the RT-470X's transmit power specification. The gap between their overall scores reflects these listed differences plus the price advantage and stronger owner ratings for the UV-K5(8). Buy the UV-K5(8) if you want the lower price point and benefit from higher owner satisfaction data. Buy the RT-470X only if you specifically need its particular frequency coverage or have other requirements not captured in these specifications.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-focused buyer wanting the most radio per dollar

    It costs less than the alternative while still offering 5W output and CHIRP programming support.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)
  • Brand-new Technician seeking a simple first handheld

    Its beginner-friendly rating is stronger, and its 256-channel memory suits learning local repeaters.

    RT-470X
  • Hobbyist wanting wideband reception across many frequencies

    Its wideband receive coverage suits listeners exploring services beyond the amateur bands.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)
  • Outdoor user facing rain, dust, or splashes

    Its published IP54 rating provides dust and splash resistance, which the other listing does not specify.

    RT-470X
  • Buyer needing a spare or loaner radio

    Its lower cost makes it easier to keep in a vehicle, go-bag, or lend to a friend.

    Quansheng UV-K5(8)

Reasons to choose Quansheng UV-K5(8)

  • 67g lighter (200g vs 267g)
  • FCC equipment authorization on file

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-K5(8)SpecRadtel RT-470X
$27.99
Price
—
67
Overall Score
52
+28% for winner
5.00W
TX Power (High)
—
200
Memory Channels
256
+28% for winner
200g
Weight
267g
+33% difference
1400 mAh
Battery
2800 mAh
2.0× difference
LCD
Display
1.77in TFT Color
—
IP Rating
IP54
Covers the electronics only (Part 15B)
FCC Authorization
No grant found
Black
color
Standard
1
unitCount
1
797639755646 771408027837
UPC
715748983927
7.1 Volts
Voltage
7.4 Volts
50 Ohms
Impedance
50 Ohms
UHF
Tuner Type
FM/AM
UV-K5(8)
Model Number
RT-470X
IP65
Waterproof Rating
IP54
Earphones, Type-C charging devices
Compatible Devices
K-connector
Dual Band
Additional Features
Air band RX, Chirp Programming, Multi-band TX/RX, Type-C Charger, Wireless Copy frequency
1.48"D x 4.53"W x 1.48"H
Item Dimensions D x W x H
1.57"D x 2.28"W x 4.6"H

Made your choice?

Quansheng UV-K5(8)PICK

$27.99 on Amazon

Radtel RT-470X

Check on Amazon

Keep researching

Related Buying Guides

More head-to-heads

Related Comparisons