Choosing between two similar products from different brands can be quite difficult. However, we can all agree that having to choose between two models from the same brand is even harder. And the case is no different with radios.
So, if you have meant to buy a new Baofeng ham radio, then you’re probably stuck between two of the most popular models, the BF-F8HP and the UV-82HP.
This Baofeng UV-82HP vs BF-F8HP guide will give you an idea of the specifications of both models, as well as pitting them against each other in hopes of helping you decide which one of the two suits your needs.
Before I start the Baofeng BF-F8HP vs. UV-82HP comparison, let me first introduce you to both radios individually, in detail.
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Baofeng UV-82HP vs BF-F8HP: In a Nutshell
Reasons You Should Get the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- Interchangeable parts
- Great battery life
- Tri color display
Reasons You Should Get the UV-82HP
- Easy to use and user-friendly
- Highly programmable
- R-tone
The Baofeng BF-F8HP
The BF-F8HP is a handheld dual-band radio that supports up to 128 channels and has a communication range of 25 miles. Its frequencies range from 136 to 174 MHz, 400 to 520 MHz. There is also an RX frequency with the range of 65 to 108 MHz.
The radio features a V85 High Gain Antenna and unique firmware and boasts a 2100mAh battery. It has a single PPT and a speaker size of 700mV. It also comes with support for BFTECH Concierge.
Additionally, the power output of this radio is at 7 watts for ultra-high frequency peaks and 8 watts for very high-frequency peaks. It also comes with new-gen chipsets, significantly upgraded from earlier models.
Additional features include an FM broadcast station, an internal VOX station, a dual watch receiver, a flashlight, and more. These, coupled with the primary features, make it an ideal radio for amateurs.
Specs
- Battery: 2000mAh, 7.4v, Li-ion
- Frequency Range: 136-174MHz and 400-520MHz (TX/RX)
- Frequency Mode: VFO/ MR
- Antenna: High Gain Dual Band 7” Antenna
- Supported Calling Methods: CTCSS, DCS
- Power Output: 8W/5W / 1W (Max 8W)
Pros of the BF-8HP
Here are some of the advantages that you’d enjoy if you decide to purchase the Baofeng BF-F8HP
1. Tri-Color LCD Display
No one can deny that the black and white screens on many radios tend to be difficult to read. This is why the LCD display on this ham radio is superior and generally preferred by most users.
2. Long Battery Life
While using a technical device such as a handheld radio, the last thing you’d want to happen is it dying on you, thus having to charge it more often. The BF-F8HP comes with a 2000mAh battery, which translates to up to 24 hours of total usage, an impressive battery life.
3. Interchangeable Parts
Another great feature about this two way radio is the fact that you can detach some of its parts, such as the battery or the antenna, and use them on another Baofeng radio. This is also doable the other way around, as in using attaching parts of another Baofeng radio unto your BF-F8HP.
Cons of the BF-F8HP
Most of the cons of the BF-F8HP are overshadowed by its pros. However, that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t mention them nevertheless.
1. Average Selectivity
While the radio’s receiver is undeniably sensitive, it still tends to fall short on the selectivity side of things. This will be obvious in areas where there is high radio frequency congestion which will result in very little filtering.
2. Less than Expected Wattage
Although Baofeng claims that this model has an 8W VHF transmission straight out of the box, after some testing done by me, it turns out that the actual wattage is lower than that, at 7.4 watts max.
3. Short Backlight Period
The default duration for which the screen will stay backlit is only 2 seconds, while the longest option is just 10 seconds. The screen tends to be very difficult to read without the backlight.
The Baofeng UV-82HP
Many of the core features of the UV-82HP are identical to the BF-F8HP. However, it still has some unique features.
Similar to the BF-F8HP, the UV-H2HP, which is one of the top models in the UV 82 series, has 128 channels, frequencies of 136-174 MHz, 400-520MHz, an RX frequency range of 65 to 108 MHz, and a 25 miles radius communication range.
It also boasts a tri-color LCD screen and has power outputs of 8 watts (VHF peak) and 7 watts (UHF peak). Moreover, it comes with BFTECH Concierge Support and doesn’t require a license to purchase.
But, unlike the BF-F8HP, the UV-82HP has a dual PPT, four tone burst settings, and comes equipped with a V85 dual-band antenna. It also has a larger speaker, clocking at 1000mV. However, its battery’s capacity is lower than the BF-F8HP, with a capacity of 1800mAh.
Specs
- Battery: 1800mAh
- Frequency Range: VHF (136-174), UHF (400-520)
- Frequency Mode: VFO/ MR
- Antenna: V85 Dual Band Antenna
- Supported Calling Methods: CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF
- Power Output: High / Med / Low Power Settings (7W/4W/1W)
Pros of the Baofeng UV-82HP
When compared to other similarly priced radios in the market, the Baofeng UV-82HP dual band radio has numerous advantages.
1. Very User-Friendly
The UV-82HP is bigger than most radios, with a larger speaker and an even bigger keypad, making it generally easier to grasp and use.
2. Highly Programmable
You can program this ham radio to your preferences. You also get the option to customize it in a way so that no one you lend it to can change its settings.
3. The R-Tone
The R-Tone allows you to require 1000 Hz, 1450 Hz, 1750 Hz, or 2000 Hz of repeater tone to be granted access.
4. Dual PTT
The UV-82HP features a dual Push to Talk button, which can also be locked and overridden, turning into a single PPT button.
Cons of the Baofeng UV-82HP
Similar to the BF-F8HP, the UV-82HP doesn’t have many cons.
1. Not a Scratch-Resistant Screen
The UV-82HP’s LCD screen is colorful and very useful. However, it gets scratched easily, and the thin space between the plastic screen and its protective cover can have dirt or lint stuck in it, hindering performance as a result.
Baofeng UV-82HP vs BF-F8HP: Comparison
In case it isn’t obvious yet, these two radios do share a lot of similarities in terms of their range of frequencies, channel number, displays, etc.
However, there are a few areas where these two models differ, hence the Baofeng BF-8HP vs. UV-82HP comparison.
Speaker Size
Pitting the Baofeng UV-82HP vs BF-F8HP when it comes to speaker size, the UV-82HP wins with a larger and louder speaker at 1000mW, compared to the BF-F8HP’s 700mW speaker.
Battery and Charger Styles
The UV-82HP uses a BL-8 battery and a CH-8 style charger, while the BF-F8HP supports a BL-5 battery and, you guessed it, a CH-5 charger.
Battery Capacity
Battery life is very important, and in this department, the BF-F8HP’s 2100mAh battery capacity is supreme, compared to the UV-82HPs 1800mAh.
PTT Switches
I’ve already mentioned that the UV-82HP comes with a dual PTT button, a feature that is missing in the BF-F8HP. In other words, you can easily communicate with two groups separately or at once with the UV-82HP, while with the BF-F8HP, you can only speak with a single group at a time.
Verdict: Baofeng UV-82HP vs BF-F8HP – Which One to Buy?
As is the case with any product out there, the choice is ultimately up to you and you only. I only wrote this article to highlight the differences between the two.
However, if you want my opinion about this Baofeng BF-F8HP vs. UV-82HP comparison, then I’d recommend the UV-82HP simply because it has numerous features that the BF-F8HP lacks.
Sure, the BF-F8HP shines over the UV-82HP in a few areas, but that still doesn’t change the fact that the latter is a more modern model that is more versatile and user-friendly in general.
Once you get your new portable radio, let us know which one you chose in the comments!
PS: Whichever radio you choose, we recommend using a Baofeng programming cable for easier pc programming.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this Baofeng UV-82HP vs BF-F8HP comparison. Make sure to check our other comparisons and reviews!
References:
- My own experience!
- http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-licenses
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/portable-radio
