Retevis A1 vs Radioddity GA-2S - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Retevis A1 and Radioddity GA-2S? Below you'll find a side-by-side comparison of key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which handheld radio best fits your needs. Click the link below for a full review and detailed test results.

FeatureRetevis A1Radioddity GA-2S
Image
Radio NameRetevis A1Radioddity GA-2S
Bands2m, 70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm2/3.7.25
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v3.7 v
Rated mAh2200 mAh1500 mAh
Tested mAh2270 mAh mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant304 mm253 mm
Width60 mm59 mm
Thickness w/clip53 mm43 mm
Weight283 g187 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingYesNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book Link-LINK
Price$50$28
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoYes
Rating by PriceCF
Rating OverallCF
Conclusions

The Retevis A1 is an excellent balance of features for the price. With a few tweaks, I could see this easily being a leader in its price range.

My biggest complaint is the screw holding the cover on the side, and honestly, I can take a rotary tool to that (after removing it from the radio of course) and make the edges much more rounded to save my thumb.

I guess the bottom line is, would I recommend this radio? If you are looking for a good quality, durable, dual-band radio with some nice features, then yes, I believe I would. I have always liked the Baofeng UV-9R Plus as a budget dual-band waterproof radio, and I think this Retevis A1 takes that and substantially improves on it. If you really need to save that $10 difference, stick with the Baofeng UV-9R Plus, but if you can swing it, you will really enjoy the Retevis A1.

Normally here I ask the question of whether the radio is a good value for upgrading, first-time users, whatever. With the Radioddity GA-2S, I am asking if there is any reason at all to buy this radio. The easy answer is no.

Pretty much any cheap radio from Baofeng, eSynic, or Arcshell is a step-up, don’t waste your money on the Radioddity GA-2S.

This was really a let-down, as I like a lot of the offerings from Radioddity. I can only hope this is a blip, and they will continue releasing quality radios at good prices, like their GD-77.