Baofeng UV-82HP vs UV-5R

Baofeng is not a new name in the realm of walkie-talkies, and it has garnered enough reputation to gain an immense following. Baofeng is also known for providing cost-efficient two-way radio devices and offering a wide variety of options for amateurs and beginners alike.

In this article, I’ll compare two models from Baofeng, the UV-82HP and UV-5R. At the end of this article, you will understand what walkie-talkie you should get depending on your purpose and budget.

 

Comparison – Baofeng UV-82HP vs. UV-5R

Setup

 UV-82HP and UV-5R are both considered amateur handheld two-way radios, so it’s legal to own and operate them under any circumstances, as long as you have an amateur license. Setting up the devices isn’t that hard since Baofeng is always aiming to simplify their releases, which is also aided by adding easy-to-follow manuals on packages.

The UV-82HP is easy to set up. First, you have to connect the antenna to increase its range and strength. Next, you have to make sure that you plug in the battery nicely and steadily so that you won’t have any problems when it comes to charging. Once done, get the DC connector and plug it in so that you’ll start charging, and you may know that you have successfully attached the battery if the LED shines a steady red color. Once fully charged, you may proceed to use the device.

UV-5R shares almost the same setup, but you have to read the manual before starting to use it because there is a lot of complicated jargon required to be learned. The best thing to do is to understand how different channels work and navigate through different ones since it will make your life easier.

Waterproof

 It’s unfortunate for me to say that these products don’t have any waterproof resistance built into them. While there’s no direct confirmation from Baofeng themselves for this one, it is safe to assume simply because of how both products appear to be. Still, this doesn’t affect the lifespan of any of the models since the chances of submerging a walkie-talkie in water are very little after all.

 

Power Source

 Since both of the devices, I’m featuring are made by Baofeng, it’s only relevant that they also share the same battery technology. The UV-82HP has a 1800mAH Li-ion rechargeable battery. If you have some walkie-talkies from Baofeng before, you can try and see if they can work as a backup power source for this particular model; you’ll never know when you’ll need one.

The UV-82HP can last for days, provided that it is used moderately. At max, you can use it for 15-20 hours non-stop, but I doubt that this could ever happen, so charging the UV-82HP will be a rare occurrence.

Despite having the same rechargeable 1800mAh battery, the UV-5R has a relatively shorter battery life, only giving a total of 6 hours when used at all times. However, when it is on standby mode, this could increase to at least 20 hours or more, so if you want to conserve energy, never hesitate to go on standby mode.

 

Range

 Both UV-82HP and UV-5R have antennas that aid them in maximizing their respective ranges. UV-82HP can reach up to 50 miles using only 8 watts. However, when faced with obstructions in the environment, the device’s range suffers heavily, and you may see yourself struggling to understand what the other person on the line is talking about.

The range of Baofeng UV-5R is subpar, and will struggle if more obstacles are presented along the way. Thanks to its over-the-top antenna, however, you might see several improvements in your wireless communication since it’s made to amplify and receive clear signals. At best, we’re looking at 6 to 12 miles of range if you use UV-5R appropriately and with fewer signal interruptions.

Frequencies

 UV-82HP operates under frequencies of 136 – 174mHz, but you can push and achieve frequencies of 400 – 520 MHz. You can access a total of 255 channels using this device, which is ideal for personal and family use. If you want to get the UV-82HP for reasons outside those I have stated, you should have an amateur license so that you won’t face any legal complaints from the state you’re currently in.

The UV-5R also requires an amateur license to operate if you’re using it somewhere outside your personal space. It has frequencies of 136 – 174mHz and can also function in 400 – 520 MHz.

When using amateur and professional walkie-talkies, I highly suggest that you read up on the laws around them issued by your state or country. It’s a meaningful way to prevent any illegal actions the Baofeng devices might have caused.

 

Features

 We have to talk about a lot while we unpack the features that these devices hold. I’ll start with the UV-82HP as usual. It has a plethora of features, the first of which is having the ability to switch through two different frequencies on the fly, with just a press of a button.

This model from Baofeng is impressive since it offers microprogramming as long as you have enough experience. I don’t personally recommend doing this for beginners, as you will only make matters worse. The UV-82HP consists of 128 memory channels that are all programmable. You can do many things with them, provided that you are already a veteran in walkie-talkies and, generally, electronics.

You have a total of four colors to choose from when shopping for the model UV-82HP, namely, black, blue, yellow, and red. It’s also worth noting that the output power can be easily manipulated so that you have total control over how much range you’re going for. Exploring this device is a treat, and I feel like a kid opening a toy as a Christmas present. I suggest that you take a closer look at the UV-82HP yourself to understand its value and purpose a lot more.

I’ll now focus on Baofeng’s UV-5R. It has a squelch system and a smart way to lock channels that are already full to avoid unwanted visitors. The UV-5R is also known for its Numerical Lock System, which significantly adds another layer of protection when it matters the most. Aside from that, you’ll mostly find this one easy to operate thanks to the LCD screen that is equipped conveniently in the front of the device.

 

Price

 Even though the same company makes both the devices that I’m reviewing, they’re still from a different series, so the price difference is just bound to happen. When it comes to features, the UV-82HP shines, and it’s a no-brainer that it will be the one that would cost more to purchase. It has a price tag of $69.89 on Amazon and is legal to buy anywhere in the US.

For almost $70, I can personally tell that the UV-82HP is a good buy, especially for amateurs. It has everything you can think of as a user-friendly walkie-talkie, and what’s best is that it’s always in stock on major distribution platforms. The UV-5R, on the other hand, is cheaper by a large margin. We’re talking about a $40 difference, and it is a big deal for walkie-talkies.

The UV-5R only costs $29.99 and is the perfect buy if you’re looking for a high-quality and budget-friendly walkie-talkie. The materials used to build this device are all durable, so you can make sure that you may still use it for years and, most importantly, be there in case of emergencies.

 

Conclusion – Baofeng UV-82HP vs UV-5R

It seems like a tough and long ride for these two devices I’m featuring. The competition is tight, and we all know that walkie-talkies aren’t solely judged because of their price point. In this case, however, the Baofeng UV-82HP towers the UV-5R in different areas.

Since it’s also priced high and is much more expensive than the UV-5R, people would quickly think that the value for money on this one is off the charts. It is exactly true because the UV-82HP brings a lot to the table while staying true to its roots and still upholding what Baofeng has started with its communication devices.

The 70$ price tag on the UV-82HP might scare a lot of beginners and amateurs. If you want something that you can practice on, then the UV-5R will do, and what’s best is that you may keep it and potentially use it when emergencies do happen. The UV-82HP on the other hand is a much-favored pick for people that already have enough experience and are looking to sharpen their communication and radio skills once again.

View the Baofeng UV-82HP on Amazon* View the Baofeng UV-5R on Amazon*