Icom ID-31a vs Samcom FPCN30A - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Icom ID-31a and Samcom FPCN30A? 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.

FeatureIcom ID-31aSamcom FPCN30A
Image
Radio NameIcom ID-31aSamcom FPCN30A
Bands70cm70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm0/2.30/3.5
Digital ModeD-STAR-
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts7.4 v7.4 v
Rated mAh1150 mAh1500 mAh
Antenna ConnectorF-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant235 mm282 mm
Width62 mm58 mm
Thickness w/clip44 mm48 mm
Weight232 g255 g
Color ScreenNoNo
GPSYesNo
USB-C ChargingNoNo
Review LinkLINKLINK
Book LinkLINK-
Price$180$70
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramNoNo
Rating by PriceCB
Rating OverallBC
Conclusions

If you are interested in D-STAR and really could not care less about the 2m band (the Icom id-51a adds the 2m band), and analog is not a super important factor, then the Icom ID-31a is an excellent radio for you. For anything else, and I hate to say this, but the $500 Kenwood TH-D74 is a far superior radio in every respect except fitting into your pocket.

The Icom ID-31a is not a bad radio, it just, in my opinion, does not really live up to its price tag. Drop it down to $199 or even better, $179, and I would rate it much higher. If however you need to hit a 70cm Icom DSTAR repeater, then you might really like this radio.

I have been curious about Samcom equipment for a while now, so I am very happy to have finally been able to put the Samcom FPCN30A through its paces. Like all radios, there is good and bad to be found.

The biggest question here is, does the Samcom FPCN30A do what it should well enough for the price you pay?

I would say, absolutely. It combines both physical and software refinements that make it an excellent choice for business users who need a reliable, quality system on a smaller budget than some of the larger, well-known business-class radio manufacturers.