Midland GXT1000VP4 vs GXT1050VP4

When choosing between two equally good options, it can be harder than it seems. There will be no way of knowing whether you’ve made the right choice or not. As such, you must assess your options wisely.

Both the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland GXT1050VP4 have great features certainly worth it of their price range. Also, in terms of feature-wise, there is not much difference between the two—making it a great option for your personal use.

Let us get to know both devices further to see which is the best option for your usage and budget.

Comparison – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs. GXT1050VP4

Set-up

Both devices are straightforward to start up. Turning on the walkie talkie will be an easy task even to a complete beginner. All you need to do is insert the rechargeable battery packs into the back of your walkie talkie. After doing so, you will now then be able to turn on the device itself.

After turning on the device by rotating the power knob, all you need to do is set a common frequency for all the walkie talkies used in your group and press the talk button. Doing so will transmit the message you wish for all devices to receive.

Although the basic functions are relatively easy, setting the device to your personal preferences can be quite troublesome. It does not help that the user manual that comes with the device can be a bit confusing.

 

Waterproof

The GXT1000VP4 and the GXT1050VP4 have a JIS-4 rating, protecting them from unwanted water splashes and the like. As per the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) Scale, a device with this rating is splash-proof.

Unfortunately, both devices’ JIS-4 rating does not ensure both walkie talkie’s survivability when it is submerged in water. Even if all its ports are well-protected, it is not recommended to have it under the water’s surface even for a short time, which can potentially damage the device.

 

Power Source

For both the GXT1000VP4 and GXT1050VP4 series, there are two options in which you can power up your walkie talkies. You can choose to use 4 AA alkaline batteries or the NiMH rechargeable battery that comes with the device upon purchase.

Having an option like this is good, especially when you are in an area where it is impossible to recharge your walkie-talkies. The four AA batteries will last you approximately 24-hours before your device runs out of juice, while the NiMH rechargeable batteries can last up to approximately 8-hours for both devices.

Charging the unit takes about 24-hours for the initial charge, and the following charges will take about 12 hours for the walkie talkie to be full. It is recommended when charging the device to have it turned off to charge faster.

 

Range

As per the manufacturer’s information, the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland GXT1050VP4 have a maximum range of 36 miles. This is, of course, only possible if the ideal conditions are met.

This range is said to be possible in an open field where there is little to no obstructions found around the area and good weather conditions.

However, when both devices were tested in an urban area, the walkie talkies’ range is nowhere near the range declared by the manufacturers. As may be, it cannot be denied that compared to the other walkie-talkies under the same price range, its distance can be considered somewhat better.

 

Frequency

For both devices, the GXT1000/1050 series operates at a frequency of 462-467 MHz, supporting both FRS and GMRS channels. There are about 22 channels you can choose from for transmission plus extra 28 channels supporting privacy codes – all can be used for clear communication between walkie-talkies.

Aside from this, the Midland GXT1000VP4 supports a total of 142 privacy codes, while the GXT1050VP4 supports around 285 privacy codes.

If you only use the FRS-exclusive channels, there will be no need to get a license for your walkie talkies. Still, if you decide to use your device’s GMRS channels, you will have to procure a Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For your information, do know that only channels 8 to 14 are FRS-exclusive channels. So if you do not wish to get a license for your walkie talkie, then make sure to stick to the before-mentioned channels.

To know more about FCC rules for your desired walkie-talkie, you may check this.

 

Features

Since both walkie talkies come from the same series, they both have more or less the same basic functions and features. If there is anything that sets it apart, then I’m sure it can be counted with one hand only.

But what features exactly does the GXT1000/1050 series offer? Let us find out together.

 

Supported Channels and Privacy Codes

Let’s start with the most basic features. Walkie talkies are useful because they allow individuals to connect over a specific distance. They are connected to the same channel and/or privacy code. This is why it is necessary to know what channels the device can connect to. This will dictate the unit’s compatibility with other units in the market.

For this feature, both the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland GXT1050VP4 cover the same number of channels – 22 channels plus extra 28 channels if you want to use private channels. Even when they can connect to the same number of channels, they differ greatly when it comes to the number of supported combinations for their private channels.

Why is this? Well, this is because the GXT1000VP4 supports 142 privacy codes giving one up to 3,124 channel options for your private conversations, while the GXT1050VP4 supports 285 privacy codes. This gives the user about 6,270 channel options, which is two times more than the previous model.

 

Water-Resistant

Another good feature of both devices is their immunity to water splashes. With its JIS-4 water rating, it is assured that your walkie talkie is protected from any water contact from any direction. This is certainly a good feature, especially if you wish to keep connected in a place where the weather can change easily.

With this feature, you will not have any problems with using your walkie-talkie even under heavy rain. However, keep in mind that both the Midland GXT1000VP4/GXT1000VP4 models only have splash-proof resistance and do not submerge under the water surface. If you do so, there will be no assurance that your device will be excellent after that.

 

Long-range communication

Outside the box, both the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland GXT1050VP4 has a range of 36 miles as long as there is little to no obstruction.

Although there will be occasions where the device cannot reach the expected range due to external factors, its over-all distance capacity can still somewhat be considered decent.

 

NOAA weather alert radio with weather scan

Another great thing about the GXT1000/GXT1050 series is this feature. NOAA weather alert allows the unit to automatically connect to the strongest available weather band channel for on-the-go weather updates.

Since the weather can change anytime, it is always good to have yourself updated with the latest weather update. And with the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland GXT1050VP4, this can be made possible.

With this, you will be able to assess the situation around the area carefully and, at the same time, improve the safety of the people in your team. After all, sudden weather changes can be challenging, especially if you are unprepared.

 

SOS Siren Feature

This feature is great when you are in a bind or during emergencies. What it does is it transmits a distress signal, which will allow others to know the predicament that you are in as well as your present location.

This feature is convenient when locating individuals lost during the hike, etc. Having such a feature, both the GXT1000VP4 and the GXT1050VP4 can be said to be a walkie talkie made with their users’ safety in mind.

 

Call Alerts

If you are someone who enjoys personalizing your devices, then this feature was certainly made for you. This feature gives you an option of what you want your call alert tone to be from a set of available options.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 has 10 available call alert tones, which can be used to indicate incoming calls, while the Midland GXT1050VP4 has 15 call alert tones to choose from. These include the usual 10 call alert tones included in the GXT1000/1050 series plus an additional 5 animal call alert tones you can choose from.

 

Price

Compared to the other two way radios available in the market, both the Midland GXT1000VP4 and the Midland GXT1050VP4 can be considered pricey. However, for the set of features it offers its buyers, it is definitely worth the price.

On top of its basic functions, it includes many features that could be very useful to all sorts of individuals out there. Making both models a popular choice.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 starts at $89.99, while the Midland GXT1050VP4 can be purchased for $99.99, which is more obviously more expensive than the other model.

 

Conclusion – Midland GXT1000VP4 vs GXT1050VP4

So which is the best walkie talkie for you – the Midland GXT1000VP4 or the Midland GXT1050VP4? I think both options are quite the catch. It all boils down to three things – user preference, budget, and usage.

Depending on your intended use of the walkie talkie, then one may end up better than the other. If you are looking for more privacy options, then the GXT1050VP4 is the best choice for you, but if you are short on budget, go for the GXT1000VP4.

Another factor would be your aesthetic preference. Do you prefer a matte black walkie talkie which is the very definition of simple, or do you want one with a camouflage design?

Aside from this, function-wise, both walkie talkies are certainly great options. As they come from the same series, their functionalities and supported features are also somewhat similar.

What do you think? Which one is the best walkie talkie for your needs?

View the Midland GXT1000VP4 on Amazon* View the Midland GXT1050VP4 on Amazon*