UV 5R vs V 82 is a battle of ages. Since the release of both these models, people have been trying hard to find the right one among the two.
Here’s a rundown on two of the best budget-friendly handheld amateur transceivers by BaoFeng. If you’re interested in getting started with HAM radio, this is the way to go! These affordable yet feature-packed units can turn any novice into experts in a flash!
Besides telling you about their highlights, we’ll also shed some light on their differences to help you choose better.
BaoFeng UV-5R vs UV-82
| Specs | BaoFeng UV-5R | BaoFeng UV-82 |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| User Interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Frequency | 136-174MHz/400-520MHz/65-108MHz | 136-174MHz/400-520MHz/65-108MHz |
| Power Output | 4 W | 5 W |
| Power | 1500mAh Capacity | 1800mAh Capacity |
| Dimensions | 8.00 x 4.00 x 5.00 inches | 8 x 7.1 x 2.6 inches |
| Display | Tri-color | Tri-color |
| Power Settings | High/Low – 4/1 W | High/Low – 5/1 W |
| Speaker Output | 700 mw | 1 W |
| Price | >>Check Price on Amazon<< | >>Check Price on Amazon<< |
BaoFeng UV-5R – Best For budget buyers!
The mighty BaoFeng UV-5R is a frequent member of our best handheld HAM radio reviews. It is a micro-miniature multi-band transceiver with extensive frequency coverage. Additionally, it enables local-area two-way communications besides offering unmatched monitoring capability.
Regarding specs, UV-5R delivers premium across the board. It features 0-9 grades selectable VOX, large display, selectable RF power, and more!
- 128 memory channels
- A/B band independent operation
- 50 CTSS and 104 CDCSS
- High/Low TX power selectable
- Tri-color background light
- Battery saver
The device allows you to add or remove channels from the scanning list and set VFO limits through simple programming. You can also add local frequencies of your choice and customize the device according to preference.
UV-5R’s affordable price tag makes the device within reach of several HAM users. Moreover, its long-lasting battery and power-packed performance make it a must-have for every amateur radio enthusiast!
The only issue I experienced was with the manual, which was slightly challenging to comprehend. As a beginner, you may experience some difficulty with programming and operating it.
BaoFeng UV-82 – Extra Bit Of Power and Style at a Bargain Price Point!
One of the main reasons HAM operators consider switching to UV-82 is the new chipset and PCB board. It outperforms the range and accuracy of the 2nd generation UV-5R chipset.
In terms of features, there isn’t a stark difference between the two models, as seen below:
- Dual display, dual-frequency, dual standby
- 128 memory channels
- Emergency alarm
- Large, tri-color display
- High/Low switchable RF power
- 50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS coder & tone searching
The increased speaker output of UV-82 means improved sound quality, which is better than that of most $400+ transceivers. Additionally, I found the UV-82 manual to be slightly better written, although it was still confusing in some parts, as is expected with BaoFeng products.
Before transitioning to UV-82 from UV-5R, do your homework regarding the cosmetic variations between the two. The few upgrades here and there can be a little challenging.
Except for the UV-5R battery and charger, all other accessories work well with the current model. Overall, it was easy to program and operate. UV-82 offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the money, quickly becoming a top choice for beginners.
If you are looking for a fairly better performance, we recommend BaoFeng UV-82HP. It’s an upgrade that’s worth every penny.
UV 5R vs UV 82 Comparison Summary
Without any doubt, both these models are two of the most selling handheld Hams from BaoFeng.
On the whole, there’s a gain of 1 watt with UV-82 when compared to UV-5R. The difference doesn’t necessarily improve the range; in fact, only a better quality antenna can really make a difference.
In my experience, I found UV-82 to give a much more comfortable feel in hand than UV-5R. It has larger keys, perfect for those with chubby fingers. Moreover, the enhanced speaker scores a bonus from us for the improved acoustics.
If you’re switching from UV-5R, you may find a few cosmetic changes annoying, like the disappearance of the VFO/MR button. The PTT switch takes its place on the transceiver, making it confusing for UV-5R users.
An important point to note is not to expect too many improvements from UV-82! The device fails to perform in a few areas. However, despite that, the upgraded chipset and louder speaker sound a little too appealing.
In that case, UV-82 surely takes the lead with UV-5R close behind.