Radtel RT-470x vs Baofeng UV-26 - Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Radtel RT-470x and Baofeng UV-26? 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.

FeatureRadtel RT-470xBaofeng UV-26
Image
Radio NameRadtel RT-470xBaofeng UV-26
Bands2m, 1.25m, 70cm2m, 1.25m, 70cm
Max Power 2m/70cm4.4/1.68/4
Battery TypeLi-IonLi-Ion
Battery Volts5 v7.4 v
Rated mAh2800 mAh2500 mAh
Tested mAh1408 mAh1670 mAh
Antenna ConnectorM-SMAM-SMA
Height w/ant313 mm327 mm
Width60 mm64 mm
Thickness w/clip55 mm52 mm
Weight285 g310 g
Color ScreenYesYes
GPSNoNo
USB-C ChargingYesYes
Review LinkLINKLINK
Price$36$26
Purchase LinkLINKLINK
CHIRP ProgramYesYes
Receiver Sensitivity 2m/70cm130/128133/133
Value ScoreBA
Performance ScoreCC
Ergonomics ScoreBB
Conclusions

Would I recommend the Radtel RT-470x? I would have to say no. While I like some of the niceties and how well the buttons and knob work, I just can’t find anything this radio does well. Even though the transmitted signal is fairly clean, the spurious emissions eat probably half of your transmitted power. Add to that a terrible antenna that you would most definitely have to replace immediately. Lastly, the battery has almost exactly half of the milliamp hour capacity it’s rated for and a color screen that is going to use more battery life than a radio with a standard monochrome screen, and it will leave you starving for battery fairly quickly.

Would I recommend this radio? Not on a bet. I like the way it feels mostly, I like the color screen and larger battery, and I like the little touches like the shields for the knob and a couple buttons. What I can’t get over is the spurious emissions. Unfortunately, most people who use or buy this radio will never know that over half their power is going down the drain. Not to mention what all that is going to do to the electronics over time.