Review on 📻 Enhanced BAOFENG UV-82 VHF UHF FM Dual Band Transceiver Two Way Radio by David Bott

Basically, I would like to highlight the differences between the UV-82 (this unit) and the UV-5RV2. I have both (and the BF-F9V2+, but it's pretty much identical to the UV-5R except for the power output). 82 feels better in the hand. The case seems to withstand accidental contact with the elements better than UV-5R, but it's not waterproof. It also has fewer sharp edges to get caught on. 82 is about 1 inch taller (body only) than 5R. The 82's number keys are about three times the size of the 5R, and the up/down/menu/exit keys are about twice the size of the other device. All buttons, including PTT, Mon and FM, are rubberized on the 82 and feel just right. The 5R's buttons are too small for human fingers. Don't even try to squeeze one of these when you're wearing gloves. .82 has dual PTT to match the dual VOF present on both devices. However, I prefer single PTT and the buttons can only be combined in the commercial version (double the price!?!). Apart from Dual PTT, the two radios are functionally identical in terms of software and interface. Both radios can be easily programmed via CHIRP and USB adapter. However, neither will impress you. and 5R, and I expect it to protect better from dirt. The 82 charging dock (included) is almost weightless like the 5R, but doesn't have room to insert a coin roll to add the appropriate weight. And the 82 charger has a *dazzling* status LED that stupidly flashes red/green when you don't have a radio in the cradle. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea?!? The 5R's charging station glows a nice green when the radio is off (but the charging station that came with the BF-F9V2+ blinks silly). The Model 82 is *very* snug on the stand. IMHO too tight. The barrel connectors and performance specifications on the two mounts are identical, meaning you can use either mount with the same wall mount, but the two radios will not physically fit in each other's mount. The 82's OEM battery is a very tight fit - too tight again, in my opinion. The molded plastic legs on the bottom of the battery are too short, causing the 82 to rock on a perfectly level surface (the center of the battery sticks out from under the legs). A larger battery is available for the 82, but does not have a direct charge connector (barrel connector) like the large capacity battery for the 5R. Other power options (rectifier for cigarette lighter battery, AAA battery pack) are available for both. Update: A larger battery pack with an independent charging port is now available for the UV-82: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082PYQ2TQ/ The 82 does not have a VFO/MR knob, so tuning directly to a specific frequency you need first change the mode in the software menu, which can be quite cryptic on all baofeng. The 5R has a dedicated button to toggle between channel and frequency mode. [Edit: I found that you can hold down the menu button while turning on 82 to switch between channel and frequency modes.] Both radios sound about the same at 50% volume when talking between them. I find the mic and speakers about equal in both. Both share the same external microphone/speaker/program connections behind a cover on the right side of the radio. Conclusion: Functionally, they are almost identical. They're about the same price. In my opinion, the large (and rubberized) controls and overall improved case design make the UV-82 a better choice.