Baofeng UV-9R vs UV-82

Without a doubt, the Baofeng UV-9R is one of the most prominent handheld radio models of Baofeng Radios.

This is not surprising, considering that it is a fun tool, to begin with, especially for outdoor activities. This dustproof and waterproof walkie talking boasts of a rechargeable battery that stays up to 20 hours, even beyond. This also makes the unit a handy tool during extraordinary situations, such as power outages, poor weather conditions, heavy rains, and flooding, among others.

The product is also known for providing an essential tool during emergencies, including earthquakes and fires.

The Baofeng UV-9R also has a built-in flashlight, making it particularly useful when doing outdoor activities at night, such as camping.

Since the unit is versatile and ergonomic, it can be used wherever you go, such as dining establishments, malls, or even places of accommodation.

The Baofeng UV-82, on the other hand, is known for its role during outdoor activities. It is easy to use, even for beginners or those who do not use walkie-talkies that often. Even families, including their young children, can use the unit in their games, events, among others.

Baofeng radios are inexpensive radios that are manufactured in China. Let me tell you this now: They do not have the feel and frills of a high-level radio designed by the top radio manufacturers. But Baofeng radios do give customers an inexpensive way to get them on the air.

If you think of getting a walkie-talkie, you might want to check out these two products. But which item should you buy?

Below is a review of the Baofeng UV-9R and Baofeng UV-82 based on several considerations.

Comparison – Baofeng UV-9R vs. UV-82

Setup

The Baofeng UV-9R does not come assembled completely. You have to assemble it by yourself. But to be fair, assembling it is pretty straightforward.

This is also the case with the Baofeng UV-82. However, both come with user manuals. The instructions are easy to understand. You do not need to be an expert in walkie-talkies to assemble them in just a few minutes.

While both products do not arrive completely assembled, potential users should not be threatened by that fact. Aside from the user’s manual, they can also search online for articles, photos, and videos that can adequately explain how the product they have chosen can be assembled in just a short time.

Let us go to another question: Are these two walkie-talkies waterproof?

 

Waterproof

The Baofeng UV-9R is waterproof but only up to a meter underwater. Beyond that, the device may get damaged. But that is already an extra feature of the unit. Other walkie-talkies get damaged right away when they get wet.

Most likely, the Baofeng UV-82 is not waterproof. The manufacturer has not said anything about the item being waterproof. This is hardly surprising, as many walkie-talkies produced by other manufacturers are also not water-resistant.

I will compare the two products when it comes to their power sources.

 

Power Source

The Baofeng UV-9R uses a 2200mAh, 7.4V Lithium-ion battery.

It is not charged completely, so I would advise you to charge the unit for around five hours before you start using it. If the battery is fully charged, the Baofeng UV-9R can stay as long as 20 hours. The unit has a battery level feature: it tells you when it needs charging.

If you are using the unit for quite some time, check the battery level indicator so that you can charge it when you need to.

The Baofeng UV-82, on the other hand, gets its power from a 7.4V 1800mAH lithium-ion battery.

This battery can power your device for as long as two to three days and with an average of about five-hour use in a day in just one charge.

Still, it is better to have a battery backup, especially for emergencies. Besides, batteries wear out as time passes. Therefore, you need to check the cycles of your batteries regularly.

 

Range

The Baofeng UV-9R’s longest range would be between eight and 10 kilometers. However, if you want to use the device with its maximum output, you have to charge its battery fully.

On a clear day and with no obstacles, the Baofeng UV-82 can transmit between 15 and 50 miles using eight watts of power. If you are using the unit under normal conditions, the Baofeng UV-82 can reach as high as 10 miles while utilizing less than its average energy.

If there is an emergency or abnormal condition, the unit’s transmission can go as high as two miles using less power. However, the manufacturer did not guarantee any communication range since this issue can be attributed to various things, such as weather, cause of disruptions, among others.

What about the frequencies of the Baofeng UV-9R and the Baofeng UV-82?

 

Frequencies

The Baofeng UV-9R has the following frequency ranges:

• 65-108MHz when it comes to FM radio reception
• 136-174MHz when it comes to VHF
• 400-520MHz when it comes to UHF

In the unit’s memory, it has 128 channels. However, there will be no problems if you save new channels (between 120 and 499) on it.

It does not seem you need to get a license before using the unit. The Baofeng UV-9R can be used for commercial purposes, but this only applies when aiming at FM signals. However, it is still better to consult your local community’s regulatory agency if you are obligated to get a license. It would be better to seek authorization first rather than get penalized or imprisoned for transmitting signals that could be deemed illegal.

The Baofeng UV-82 has a very high frequency (136 to 174mHz) and ultrahigh-frequency (400-520 MHz) with about 255 channels that are free to use. A software program can lock these channels.

As Family Radio Service or FRS, it is also free and legal for you to use these networks.

Beginners must first get an amateur license. But, if you plan on using the channels for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operations, you need to get and pay for a license.

The two walkie-talkies have similar features, which make them stand out in the market of radios.

 

Features

Here are some of the features of Baofeng UV-9R:

• Waterproof
• Dustproof
• Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) feature
• Automatic keypad lock
• Dual-Band
• High and Low power switchover
• Low battery warning indicator
• Battery saving mode
• Scanning function
• Busy-channel lock
• Delete channel
• Stored channels
• Built-in flashlight

 

The Baofeng UV-82 offers the following features:

• Dual-function
• Many channels
• Programmable memory channels
• Delete channel
• Stored channels
• Comes in four colors
• Three-level output power
• Comes with a solid metal connector
• Responsive keypad buttons

 

As you can see, both walkie-talkies offer amazing features that can work in both emergency situations and ordinary outdoor activities. Let us now check their prices.

 

Price

At $30.99 per set, the Baofeng UV-9R is affordable. Of course, the equipment is not a high-end one, but it has many features that other walkie-talkies for beginners do not have.

At $62.89 per set, the Baofeng UV-82 is high. That’s practically double the price of the Baofeng UV-9R. But given its variety of features, the price is just fair. This is because the unit’s features justify its price.

It is not surprising that Baofeng’s walkie-talkies are generally inexpensive compared with its competitors. This is because the company’s mission is to help its customers obtain affordable and reliable technology. The company’s customers range from amateurs to commercial companies to public safety users. The firm has made it an objective to help them get access to communications that are cutting edge and, equally important, affordable.

Let us now go to the question we have at the start: Which product should I buy? Should I go for the Baofeng UV-9R? Or should I buy the Baofeng UV-82 instead?

 

Conclusion – Baofeng UV-9R vs UV-82

The Baofeng UV-9R, with its various features, is a pretty good walkie-talkie, especially for novice users. It is waterproof and dustproof, making it a good tool during emergencies or disasters. Not all walkie-talkies out there can still work if they get wet or exposed to dust.

Customers attest that the Baofeng UV-9R is a great little radio, adding that the speaker is very loud and crisp. They say they have no complaints when it comes to this device.

For me, it really provides excellent value for your money. If you want a starter walkie-talkie that comes in handy during extraordinary situations, consider Baofeng UV-9R.

Besides, you do not need a license to use the product. This means you can use it anytime you want, especially if you have an emergency on the fly. You would not have to worry about your transmissions or if they will be monitored by authorities, as practically anyone can have the gadget without the need for a license.

But if you prefer using a walkie-talkie for outdoor activities, try getting the Baofeng UV-82. It is easy to use even in areas where the mobile phone reception can be really low or erratic. You can use also use it for internal communication during special occasions, such as weddings, corporate parties, among others.

The product is also good for families or offices that want to hold outdoor events. For example, you and your family want to make a jungle trail this weekend. You can certainly use the project for communication purposes. If you and your officemates want to check out a new hidden destination, the unit may be the perfect communication tool for you.

However, you should keep in mind that you may need to get an amateur license before using the product.

So, what does this mean for you? That means the choice would really have to depend on your need or objective for buying a walkie-talkie. Both products offer great features, and in all honesty, you can use them for outdoor events or emergencies. You would not have any problems purchasing either of the two, whatever your needs are.

But if you really want a great device that is suited for outdoor activities, you would not go wrong with the Baofeng UV-82. If you prefer something that is quite prepared for emergencies, disasters, and other extraordinary situations, then you would not be disappointed when you buy Baofeng UV-9R.

View the Baofeng UV-9R on Amazon* View the Baofeng UV-82 on Amazon*