Retevis A3 vs Y23UV-98PLUS

The Y23UV-98PLUS is the clear winner for most buyers.

The most important differentiator is feature set at a lower price. The Y23UV-98PLUS adds APRS and GPS capabilities while costing $30 less than the A3. We don't have the A3's transmit power specification, so we cannot compare RF output directly. The Y23UV-98PLUS delivers confirmed 10W output. Both lack DMR, CHIRP support, and published IP ratings. The A3 is heavier at 286g versus an unknown weight for the Y23UV-98PLUS, though without the Y23UV-98PLUS weight we cannot call this a real advantage. Owners report the Y23UV-98PLUS slightly more favorably at 4.0/5 stars across 16 reviews versus the A3's 3.6/5 across 31 reviews, meaning current buyers lean toward the newer model.

The A3 makes sense only if you specifically need its form factor or if the unknown transmit power happens to exceed 10W, which seems unlikely given the price point. The Y23UV-98PLUS belongs with anyone wanting GPS tracking and APRS messaging without paying extra for it.

Choose the Y23UV-98PLUS unless you have specific requirements the A3 alone meets.