Radtel RT-880G vs Retevis RA79

The Radtel RT-880G is the clear winner for users who need digital capability and want proven owner satisfaction.

The most important differentiator is the RT-880G's APRS and GPS features, which the RA79 lacks. The RT-880G also delivers 10W of transmit power while we lack confirmed power specs for the RA79. These features come at a $67 price premium. Both radios support CHIRP programming and lack IP ratings. Owners report similarly high satisfaction: the RA79 scores 4.5/5 from 278 reviews while the RT-880G scores 4.4/5 from 152 reviews. The RA79 is significantly lighter at 225g versus 341g.

The RA79 suits budget-conscious users who need a lightweight, no-frills handheld and accept missing specifications as a limitation of our data rather than the radio itself. The RT-880G is built for operators who want location tracking and digital packet capability with transparent owner feedback behind a higher-wattage transmitter.

Choose the RT-880G if APRS, GPS, or confirmed 10W output matter to your operation. Choose the RA79 only if weight and cost are absolute priorities and you can verify its power specs meet your needs.