Retevis HD2 vs Yaesu FT-5DR

The Retevis HD2 offers better listed specifications for the money, scoring 75 versus 64. However, you're comparing radios at very different price points and capability levels, so context matters.

The single most important differentiator is DMR support. The HD2 includes DMR digital mode; the FT-5DR does not. If you need DMR, the choice is straightforward. Both offer APRS and GPS. The FT-5DR is lighter at 282g versus 365g and has a known 5W transmit power, while we don't have the HD2's TX power figure. The FT-5DR costs $330 more.

You have actual owner feedback on the HD2, with 87 Amazon reviewers rating it 4.0 out of 5, indicating satisfaction in the field. The FT-5DR has no owner ratings yet, so you're making a purchase decision without that buyer evidence.

Buy the HD2 if you want DMR capability, better listed specs for the price, and real owner feedback supporting the purchase. Buy the FT-5DR if you specifically need Yaesu's ecosystem, prefer a lighter radio, and the DMR requirement doesn't exist for your use case. For most users, the HD2 represents the smarter choice given its feature set, price, and demonstrated owner satisfaction.