RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026Radioddity GD-168 vs Retevis A3
Our pick
Radioddity GD-168$139.99
The Radioddity GD-168 is the clear winner for most users. It offers significantly better listed specifications for the money, scoring 72 versus 27 overall. The most important differentiator is feature set: the GD-168 includes DMR digital mode and APRS capability, making it vastly more versatile for modern amateur radio, while the A3 is limited to analog FM only. The GD-168 is also lighter at 220g versus 286g.
Price slightly favors the Retevis A3 at $108 versus $130, but the GD-168's $22 premium buys you dual-mode capability and better specifications. Owner feedback shows GD-168 buyers report 4.2 out of 5 stars across 12 reviews, while A3 owners report 3.6 out of 5 across 31 reviews. We lack the A3's transmit power specification, so we cannot fully compare performance there.
Buy the GD-168 if you want modern digital modes and lighter weight in a budget handheld. Buy the A3 only if you need the absolute lowest price and are satisfied with analog-only FM operation.
The GD-168 is the stronger choice for value and capability.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-conscious buyer wanting the lowest entry cost
Costs less than the alternative, making it the easier choice for a tight budget.
A3Digital voice operator moving into DMR
DMR support and APRS give this radio the digital capability the other one lacks entirely.
Radioddity GD-168Newly licensed technician wanting NOAA and repeater access
Its analog VHF and UHF coverage with NOAA monitoring suits basic repeater use for a new licensee.
A3Hiker or portable operator prioritizing light carry weight
At 220 grams it is noticeably lighter than the 286 gram Retevis, easing long days in the field.
Radioddity GD-168Experimenter wanting 6m band coverage
The 6 meter band alongside VHF and UHF gives experimenters coverage the Radioddity lacks.
A3Operator needing a large channel list
Storage for 4000 channels far exceeds the alternative's 999, suiting heavy multi-site programming.
Radioddity GD-168
Reasons to choose Radioddity GD-168
- 4x more memory channels (4,000 vs 999)
- 66g lighter (220g vs 286g)
- Has DMR digital mode
- Has APRS support
- Has color TFT display
- FCC equipment authorization on file
Reasons to choose Retevis A3
- 21% cheaper ($109.99 vs $139.99)
- 39% more battery (2500 mAh vs 1800 mAh)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
Radioddity GD-168PICK
$139.99 on AmazonRetevis A3
$109.99 on AmazonKeep researching
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