Baofeng BF-F8HP vs GT-3TP

If you require a walkie-talkie that is reliable and on a high-grade level, you should check out the Baofeng BF-F8HP.

Baofeng, the firm behind this item, has come out with this device that offers standout features but for a low price. For many, the Baofeng BF-F8HP is like an updated version of the company’s UV-5R.

The product has a new chipset, resulting in better transmitting power and, without doubt, more sterling performance.

Another Baofeng product, the Baofeng GT 3 Mark III, is also an outstanding walkie-talkie, yet it is also on the market for a good price. The little powerhouse packs a wallop, and it is not surprising it will have its own fans.

Which product should you buy? This guide will help you navigate through various considerations so you can select the best product.

Comparison – Baofeng BF-F8HP vs. GT-3TP

Setup

The Baofeng BF-F8HP needs to be assembled first before you can use it. But do not fret – the instructions from the user’s manual are fairly simple to understand. I do not think you would have problems following the instructions from the manual.

Like the Baofeng BF-F8HP, the Baofeng GT-3TP is easy to set up and assemble since it also has a manual. You need to make sure the battery is fully charged before you can use the device.

If you are having a hard time understanding the instructions in the manuals, it is better to ask the walkie-talkie vendor – whether from a store in your neighborhood or an online seller – if they have additional reminders or tips you can use.

Of course, there is a lot of information online about these products. You can go and visit Baofeng’s official site to learn more about setting up these devices and other handheld radios as well (https://baofengtech.com/).

You can also check out the instructions on assembling these devices on YouTube.

 

Waterproof

Both the Baofeng BF-F8HP and Baofeng GT-3TP may not be water-resistant. So as much as possible, do not test either of the product using water. Otherwise, there would be a high risk the radio might get damaged if it gets wet.

This is hardly surprising since many walkie-talkies out there in the market today are not waterproof.

 

Power Source

The Baofeng BF-F8HP has a 2000mAh, 7.4v, Lithium-ion battery for its power source. The battery is about 30 percent larger compared with the batteries in other handheld devices. Depending on how you use the unit’s power level, the device can stay up to 24 hours, even after just one charge.

Users can also recharge the battery even while it still there, attached to your product.

For Baofeng GT-3TP, the unit gets its power from a 1.800 mAh battery. You can use the walkie talking on a hiking tour that would take a day or a full excursion with that power.

In case the battery runs out of your device, you can still use its battery-saving function. Besides, the walkie-talkie gives you an alarm in case its battery level gets low. This makes it a good tool, especially when you are doing some outdoor activities.

 

Range

The manufacture says the Baofeng BF-F8HP’s maximum range can reach between 20 and 25 miles. However, for the product to get the widest coverage, it has to tap eight watts, considered its highest power level.

The range of the Baofeng GT-3TP can reach as long as 11 kilometers. As with all walkie-talkies, in my experience, the quality of the communication quality decreases as the distance increases.

 

Frequencies

Operating on VHF and UHF, the Baofeng BF-F8HP has three frequency ranges:

• 65-108 MHz when it comes to Rx
• 144-148 MHz when it comes to Rx/Tx
• 420-450 MHz when it comes to Rx/Tx

The unit can store by as many as 128 channels. Users can start their programming the unit between 2.5 kHz and 50.0kHz. The default setting of the product when it comes to the UHF is between 400 to 479.995. However, you can modify the setting. Thanks for the assistance of a CHIRP software.

However, at this point, I should issue a warning: We should be really careful when it comes to programming channels. For instance, if you do not have the license properly given by authorities, you might be transmitting illegal frequencies.

That should be checked with authorities whether the transmissions are legal or not.

For the Baofeng GT-3TP, the unit offers 128 different channels that are free for sending and receiving. The unit’s frequency range is on an ultra-short wave (or what we call VHF/UHF).

The unit can also transmit and receive messages or calls on VHF (136 to 174 MHz) and UHF (400 to 520 MHz). The device can also get radio stations that are along with the 65 to 108 MHz scale.

 

Features

Here are some of the following features of the Baofeng BF-F8HP:

• Three power levels
• Single push talk button
• VOX feature
• Tri-color display
• Seven-inch antenna
• Keypad lock
• Scanning
• Dual watch
• Selective calling
• Memory channels
• Rx and tx frequencies
• Transmit power
• Group signaling information
• Bandwidth
• ANI/PTT-ID settings
• Six-character alphanumeric channel name
• Battery-saving Function

The Baofeng GT-3TP offers some of these features:

• Integrated flashlight
• VOX function
• Use as FM radio
• Emergency alarm
• Low-battery indicator
• Busy channel lock-out (BCLO)
• Scan function

As you can see, both products offer amazing features that stand out in the market.

 

Price

At $79.89, the Baofeng BF-F8HP is still relatively affordable, especially considering it is a high-quality device. I think the walkie-talkie is worth the price, particularly if you already have a license and are considered a professional when using handheld radios.

For one, the unit has numerous features, some of which you do not see on the product’s competitors.

The market offers more high-end radios that offer the same features as that of the Baofeng BF-F8HP. But given the price of the Baofeng BF-F8HP, you would have a two-way radio considered at par with the more expensive products in the market.

However, the unit is not the ideal option if you are merely looking for a very basic walkie-talkie. You have to keep in mind that you need to get a license from regulatory authorities (through the Federal Communications Commission or FCC).

Created by the Communications Act of 1934, the FCC is the governing regulatory body in the United States overseeing communications related to radio and television and satellite and cable nationwide.

If you do not have a license or do not have the resources or time to get one, it may not be good to buy this high-end handheld walkie-talkie.

On the other hand, you can get Baofeng GT-3TP on Amazon for around $43.99. The price puts the product somewhere in the midfield when it comes to price. The price for me is more than justified, given the product’s good number of functions and the delivery scope.

It is one solid product, with features expected coming from a top radio communications company like Baofeng.

 

Conclusion – Baofeng BF-F8HP vs GT-3TP

First off, let me say that Baofeng’s radios are outstanding when it comes to quality. The company is known for providing efficient radio technologies at very affordable prices. Their customers include personal users, professional radio enthusiasts, and commercial establishments such as schools, hospitals, hotels, factories, and other businesses.

So whichever Baofeng handheld radio you pick, you would not face serious problems or issues. Sure, there would be some features lacking that are available in another Baofeng walkie-talkie. But overall, I can say that most of the company’s walkie-talkies deliver on their own, offering a good range of features and giving you the best bang for your buck.

Speaking of good walkie-talkies, the Baofeng BF-F8HP is definitely one of the products you should consider. True, the need to get a license for you to use the product may be a discouraging factor, but to be fair, you have an ideal device you can utilize for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing or skiing. For example, you are organizing a bike race for your officemates. You can certainly use the unit to handle the internal communication during the event.

The portable radio has an amazing reception, extensive coverage, and outstanding overall performance at a meager price. For me, these make it up for the inconvenience caused by the need to get a license from regulatory authorities.

In all honesty, the unit may not be easy to use initially, especially if you are a novice. But with the help of a user manual, you will be able to understand the product and learn its functions.

If you already have a license or are already considered a handheld radio professional, you cannot go wrong with an advanced unit such as the Baofeng BF-F8HP. This is a product that you should try and use.

You should not settle for something cheap but a product that really goes a long way.

The Baofeng GT-3TP costs very reasonable, especially when you think of the fact that it actually gives you many features a real professional walkie-talkie can offer. I personally like that even if it is a good walkie-talkie, its price is not that costly.

The handheld radio has a functional and great design with workmanship that reflects high quality. It also has a wide scope of delivery.

With a range as high as 11 kilometers, the unit puts many rivals in the shade. There are very few products in the market out there that offer a constant and high range.

The integrated function set of the unit is amazing. The much-needed functions are provided there.

Online customer reviews also reflect positive comments about the walkie-talkie. Many people have taken notice of the quality of the product’s radio and antenna. They also have not faced any problems with the radio.

Overall, the Baofeng GT-3TP is a reliable walkie-talkie at an affordable price.

View the Baofeng BF-F8HP on Amazon* View the Baofeng GT-3TP on Amazon*