Retevis A3 vs Y23UV-98PLUS

The Y23UV-98PLUS is the clear winner here. Despite being only five dollars more expensive, it significantly outperforms the Retevis A3 across nearly every measurable dimension.

The single most important differentiator is the feature set. The Y23UV-98PLUS includes GPS and APRS capabilities, making it genuinely useful for location tracking and emergency communications. The A3 lacks these entirely, offering only basic VHF/UHF functionality. Additionally, the Y23UV-98PLUS delivers a specified 10-watt transmission power, while the A3's power output remains undisclosed, which is a red flag for a budget radio.

This performance gap is reflected in the overall scores: the Y23UV-98PLUS rates 72 out of 100 compared to the A3's disappointing 31. That's not a minor difference; it indicates substantially better build quality, usability, and real-world performance.

The Retevis A3 might appeal only to buyers seeking an absolute minimum-cost entry point with no specific feature requirements. Everyone else should buy the Y23UV-98PLUS, which offers genuine capability and reliability for an almost identical price point.

For the vast majority of users, the Y23UV-98PLUS represents far better value and should be your choice without hesitation.