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BTECH UV-5X3 Tri-Band Radio: High-Power Amateur Handheld with USB-C Charging - VHF, 1.25M, UHF - Customizable Features - Comprehensive Accessory Bundle Included
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | BTECH |
Color | Black |
Number of Channels | 128 |
Special Feature | baofeng |
Frequency Range | 220 mhz |
Tuner Technology | UHF, VHF |
Voltage | 110 Volts |
Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
Product Dimensions | 1.26"D x 2.28"W x 4.33"H |
Item Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
About this item
- Tri-Band Capability: With its ability to operate on VHF, 1.25M, and UHF, the BTECH UV-5X3 is among the most flexible handheld radios on the market. This broad frequency range means it can handle an extensive array of communication needs, making it the only radio you'll need.
- Advanced Features: The BTECH UV-5X3 is equipped with cutting-edge features that allow for tailored communication. The Display Sync and selective frequency scanning offer superior usability, while remote functions such as Stun, Kill, Revive, Inspect, and Monitor provide full control, even at a distance.
- USB-C Charging: This is where convenience meets technology. The UV-5X3 now includes a USB-C rechargeable battery, providing you with the convenience of using any USB-C cable for charging. No more fussing with proprietary chargers; just plug in, charge, and get back to communicating.
- Complete Kit: Your purchase includes the UV-5X3 Radio, USB-C 1500mAh Battery, V-85 Dual Band Antenna, 220MHz Single Band Antenna, CH-5 Charger, CH-5 110V Adapter, Earpiece Kit, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, and User Manual.
- Trusted Local Support: With BTECH's USA-based operations, you can trust in the quality of our products and have confidence in our exceptional local support. We specialize exclusively in radio products, offering top-notch radios and accessories, all backed by a comprehensive USA warranty and support.
Additional Details
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This Item BTECH UV-5X3 Tri-Band Radio: High-Power Amateur Handheld with USB-C Charging - VHF, 1.25M, UHF - Customizable Features - Comprehensive Accessory Bundle Included | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $69.89$69.89 | $23.99$23.99 | $69.89$69.89 | -14% $59.99$59.99 List: $69.99 | $69.99$69.99 | $154.89$154.89 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 30 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 30 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 30 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 31 | Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 31 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Value for money | 5.0 | 4.3 | 3.2 | 4.4 | — | 3.9 |
Battery life | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.6 | — | 4.1 |
Sound quality | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.6 | — | 4.3 |
Easy to use | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.0 | — | 3.8 |
Sold By | BaoFeng Tech | Radioddity | BaoFeng Tech | ABBREE | Anliss Direct | BaoFeng Tech |
talk range maximum | — | 8 mile | 36 miles | 5 mile | 30 mile | 100 mile |
number of channels | 128 | 128 | 200 | 128 | 128 | 180 |
frequency range | 220 mhz | 144 - 148 MHz | GMRS | UHF VHF | — | GMRS |
power source | — | — | — | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
battery quantity | — | 1 lithium ion | 1 lithium ion | 1 lithium ion | 2 lithium ion | 1 lithium ion |
tuner technology | UHF, VHF | UHF/VHF | UHF, VHF | UHF VHF | — | UHF, VHF |
water resistance | waterproof | not water resistant | water resistant | water resistant | — | waterproof |
Product Description
BTECH UV-5X3: Engineered for Superior Performance and Resilience
Familiar Case, but a Fully Upgraded Radio
When selecting a radio for your communication needs, you deserve a product that offers not just basic features but advanced capabilities, robust construction, and premium performance. BTECH's UV-5X3 stands out as a perfect embodiment of this principle.
Don't be fooled by its familiar exterior; we've significantly updated and upgraded the UV-5X3 while maintaining full backward accessory compatibility. We believe in progress, but not at the expense of convenience and value.
Tailored for Amateur Bands
Unlike many radios that aim for 'general-purpose' performance, the UV-5X3 is specifically fine-tuned for optimal performance in amateur bands. This translates into superior reception and transmission quality, ensuring that your voice is clearly heard and messages received with unrivaled clarity.
Future-Focused Charging
The UV-5X3 utilizes a USB-C rechargeable battery, a standard that's quickly becoming the norm. This universal compatibility allows you to charge your device from multiple sources, bypassing the need for specific cables or adapters.
In the Box:
- UV-5X3 Amateur Radio
- 1500mAh USB-C Li-ion Battery
- 220MHz Antenna + Dual Band Antenna
- Single PTT Earpiece
- CH-5 Desk Charger
- Charger Adaptor
- Belt Clip and Wrist Strap
- User Manual
Premium Quality Components: The Foundation of BTECH UV-5X3's Superior Performance
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IP54 Weather ResistantSnow, rain, or shine you can feel free to use your UV-5X3 radio no matter what the weather conditions are. The UV-5X3 is weather resistant and splash proof. |
Unmatched Tri-Band VersatilityA step above the average dual-band radios, the UV-5X3 brings the game-changing advantage of tri-band functionality. It operates on VHF, 1.25M, and UHF frequencies, offering an extended range of communication possibilities. This broader spectrum allows you to connect over different frequency bands, ensuring clear and robust signals in a variety of scenarios. Whether you're coordinating with a team during emergency responses, tuning into local weather stations, or simply keeping in touch with fellow amateur enthusiasts, the UV-5X3's tri-band versatility ensures reliable and flexible communication. This is not just a feature; it's a significant upgrade that empowers you to communicate more efficiently and effectively. |
BTECH BL-5 USB-C ChargingThe BL-5 battery now includes USB-C charging, providing users with greater flexibility and convenience in powering their devices. With this feature, you can charge the battery directly using a USB-C cable, or you can still use the CH-5 desktop charger if you prefer. The USB-C charging feature makes it easy to charge your BL-5 battery on the go, using a power bank or a laptop with a USB-C port. This means you no longer have to rely on the CH-5 desktop charger, which may not always be available or convenient to use. |
Revolutionary Remote CapabilitiesThe BTECH UV-5X3 sets itself apart with a set of remote functions designed to give you total control over your communication devices, even at a distance. With the Stun and Kill functions, you can remotely disable a radio - a crucial feature in managing potential security situations. Need to re-enable a stunned radio? The Revive function brings it back to life with a simple command. Moreover, the Inspect function adds another layer of control to your operations. By sending a simple command, you can confirm if a radio is within your range as it replies with a confirmation tone. Not only does this facilitate seamless coordination, but it also assists in ensuring all your team members are within communication boundaries. Finally, the Monitor function can be remotely activated to silently monitor the environment around the radio. This feature is especially beneficial in situations where stealth or silent observation is necessary. |
Exclusively In-House Designed Features Setting the BTECH UV-5X3 Apart from Other Similar Looking Radios
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Display SynchronizationAn exciting, new feature on the UV‑5X3 takes full advantage of the LCD's dual line display. In the past the dual display allowed you to monitor two different frequencies at once. Unfortunately, for user's that only wanted to monitor a single channel, the secondary line was of no use... until the UV‑5X3! The UV‑5X3 allows users, who want to display the most information at once, to synchronize the display. This allows the LCD to show both the channel's frequency and channel name simultaneously. Display synchronization allows the user to maximize the available information seen at a glance! |
Modify the Scanning ListA brand new menu allows for one of the biggest conveniences while scanning: Modifying the Scanning List! Before the UV‑5X3, you couldn't manage the channel scan list without a computer. The brand new menu in the UV‑5X3 allows you to easily add and remove channels from the scanning list. Have a nuicanse channel that you want removed from the scan list? You no longer need to go home to a computer to remove it: A simple menu allows you modify your channel scan list without a computer |
Channel Mode ModificationsThe UV‑5X3 comes out of the rut that all other UV‑5 series radios are stuck in. The UV‑5X3, built with the amateur radio operator in mind, allows channel modifications on-the-fly. Previously and on other current UV‑5 models, you were forced to delete a channel and then recreate it from scratch if you wanted to alter any settings. The UV‑5X3 allows common edits to the channels: Such as adding, changing, or removing the privacy tones (CTCSS & DCS); or changing the power level. You no longer have to delete and recreate the channel over simple channel modifications. |
Scan a Frequency RangeScanning in frequency mode, just became practical! Exclusively on the BTECH UV‑5X3: You are able to scan through a specific frequency range. Scanning frequencies before the UV‑5X3 required the user to scan the full frequency band they were using. This was not practical if you only wanted to watch for activity on a particular section of the band (such as only 222-225MHz in the above pictured example). The UV‑5X3 will scan at the frequency step you select in menu, which allows you to scan by increments from 2.5 to 50KHz. You can now scan through a fine tuned portion of the receiving band without having to wait and scan the whole band! |
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range | VHF / 1.25M / UHF / FM Radio (RX Only on FM) |
Memory Channel | 128 Channels |
Output power | 5W/.5W |
Privacy Tones (PL/DPL) | All CTCSS and DCS tones are supported. |
Accessory Jack | K1 Kenwood 2 Pin Jack |
Additional Features | Display Sync, Nuisance Channel Scan Skip, SOS Alarm, NOAA Weather Channels, Transmit Time-Out, Busy Channel Lockout, DTMF Keypad, Adjustable Scanning Modes, Dual Watch, Adjustable Squelch |
Weatherproof Rating | IP54 Weather Resistant |
Chassis Accessories | Compatible with all UV-5R and BF-F8HP Chassis Accessories |
UV-5X3: A Better Receiver than our Imitators!
BTECH: We are proud to be here in the USA
BTECH radios are designed and supported right here in the USA. A BTECH label means you are getting a radio with real US based support, and development! If you ever have an issue, our team will be prompt, knowledgeable, and supportive to ensure your radio operates exactly as it should.
UV-5X3: A Better Receiver than our Imitators!
Unlike our peers we do not take an existing radio off the shelf and simply apply 'a different firmware'. The UV-5X3 was from the ground up - built for Amateur Users! It takes time to properly build a product dedicated for a specific purpose. A properly designed radio, means that the receiver and transmitter will outperform in clarity, reach, and performance in comparison to those other radios that simply had that magic 'firmware flash'.
Common Questions and Answers:
- Q: What is the charge and usage time?
- A: The radios will fully charge in 3-4 hours, and the battery will last 18 hours on normal usage.
- Q: What is the maximum range?
- A: Range varies on topography: Repeater Use: Up to 100 miles | Hill to Valley: 36 miles | Open Flat Terrain: 3-5 miles | Urban/Outside Buildings: ~1 mile
- Q: Is it Computer or User Programmable
- A: Yes it is fully front panel programmable, as well as computer programmable and fully supports CHIRP (a free radio programming software)
What's in the box
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 2.28 x 1.26 x 4.33 inches |
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Item Weight | 8 ounces |
ASIN | B01J2W4JUI |
Item model number | UV-5X3 |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #876 in Portable FRS Two-Way Radios |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Special features | baofeng |
Other display features | Wireless |
Color | Black |
Whats in the box | Earpiece, battery, charger, UV-5X3, manual, 220 antenn, dual band antenna |
Department | FRS Two Way Radios |
Manufacturer | BTECH |
Country of Origin | China |
Date First Available | August 19, 2016 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, ease of use, and value of the two way radio. For example, they mention it works well on all three bands, the programming is a breeze, and it offers good value. Some like the battery life, quality, and size. That said, some disagree on sound quality, connectivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the two way radio. They say it is a good little radio, with nice speaker quality and decent sound quality. They also say it makes for a very useful radio and a great addition to their collection. Customers also mention that it is an excellent starter radio, has better stock antennas than usual, and is CHIRP compatible. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...It is one of the most popular and widely-available radios in the world.So if you hike, snowmobile, camp, hunt, ski, etc...." Read more
"A very nice tri-band radio. It just recently was given full FCC clearance: FCC ID: 2AGND-5X3..." Read more
"This Radio is great, especially for the price...." Read more
"...I was not able to talk with anybody. The RF TX was good and I was hitting all repeater I normally open with low power, the long 3 band antenna is..." Read more
Customers find the value of the radio to be good. They mention that it offers good value, plus you get the 220 band, and an inexpensive programming cable. Some say that it's cheap enough to throw away when it goes tango india.
"...It's low price may have true SAD HAMS wrinkling their noses in disgust, but this little gem works well for nearly everyone else...." Read more
"...Triband HT antenna, with the radio because of that, and it is also inexpensive and well worth the purchase when you get this radio...." Read more
"...useful menu definitions. I am going to reorder the 5X3, the price is right for a back up 220 radio, I'm hoping Nagoya or someone comes up..." Read more
"...course, they are easily programmed with a computer and an inexpensive programming cable. The programming doftware is even open source...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the two way radio. They say it works well on all three bands, the high gain antenna works well, and it's a nice functioning tri-band HT. Some customers also mention that the size, sound, and usefulness of the radio are all great. They appreciate the signal meter that actually works.
"...wrinkling their noses in disgust, but this little gem works well for nearly everyone else...." Read more
"...cable (well worth the price) It has a nice loud sound and works well. You can't beat the price for this unit too...." Read more
"...8/29 - got replacement 5X3. worked right out of the box, upgraded review to 5 stars, rather than use a gender changer I will use a dual band..." Read more
"...It actually works for peaking on the received station...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the two way radio. They say programming is a breeze, and the overall simple operation is easy to understand. Customers also say the instruction manual is decent. They mention that the memory and various functions are phenomenally easier, and that the UV-5XR is able to setup scanning and hopping over to other channels or frequencies.
"...I like NotARubicon Productions' many BF videos. Easy to understand and not filled with ham radio operator-speak...." Read more
"...under the surface are a lot of other creature comfort and ease-of-use features the 5R and BF-F8HP don't have...." Read more
"...Its very easy to program when you additionally purchase from Amazon the BTECH PC03 FTDI programming cable (well worth the price) It has a nice loud..." Read more
"...others have mentioned with the UV-5R, the UV-5x3 can be tedious to program via the keypad, it's essentially the same interface...." Read more
Customers like the battery life of the two way radio. They say it has great battery life and lasts for days. Some customers also mention that the batteries are cheaper and last longer.
"...Battery life with the slim, stock cell is good. There is a selectable low-power mode (thank goodness you can toggle *that* with a single key!)..." Read more
"...The battery life is also pretty good. I tested mine out by just having it listen in to channels and it had a 3 day life...." Read more
"...Battery life is also above average for any HT at any price...." Read more
"...in the charger, but rarely have to charge because the battery lasts quite a long time. I can use this for days on end with the same battery...." Read more
Customers like the size of the two-way radio. For example, they say it's super small, compact, and effective. Some mention that the buttons are small, but the radio is perfect size for carrying in the woods.
"...It's very small, light and easy to carry. It comes with a lanyard, two antennas, battery, belt clip, and earpiece...." Read more
"...Perfect price for a scanner. My son likes the size, perfect to put on waistband. The battery charge lasts long as well...." Read more
"Excellent small tri-band radio! As advertised, this handheld transceiver has a large, easy to read screen with selectable colours, a strong speaker,..." Read more
"...And the display is very readable. All in a very compact radio package. Overall it is a great radio at the price point." Read more
Customers are mixed about the sound quality of the two way radio. Some mention that the sound is clear, the scan feature works very well for the channels they use, and the speaker is plenty loud. They also say that the radio has no issue with blasting out the vocals on all 3 bands. However, others say that it's not top of the line, is sensitive to amplitude changes causing noise, and is very quiet.
"...PC03 FTDI programming cable (well worth the price) It has a nice loud sound and works well. You can't beat the price for this unit too...." Read more
"...-Transmit limited to 5W, not 8W-Subtle clicking noise on receive-No AM broadcast receive..." Read more
"...My audio was clear on the other end, and the tiny speaker produced clear, loud audio on my end...." Read more
"...The speaker isn't as great as I would like it to be, but other than that, I have nothing bad to say about it." Read more
Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the two way radio. Some mention that the reception is about what they'd expect, it transmits on such a wide frequency range, and has decent receive and transmit power. However, others say that it will not transmit, there was no transmit signal on 2m or 70cm, it made clicking noise on receive, and did not pick up local emergency channels even in scan mode.
"...It is one of the most popular and widely-available radios in the world.So if you hike, snowmobile, camp, hunt, ski, etc...." Read more
"...-Subtle clicking noise on receive-No AM broadcast receive-Dislay Sync disables dual frequency watchOverall..." Read more
"...that this radio will receive FRS and GMRS and yes it can transmit on them without modification, its not type certified for doing this but its a..." Read more
"...Receive was fine, but there was no transmit signal on 2m or 70cm, it would only transmit on 1¼m -- and high power only...." Read more
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The good:
Cheaper versions of the Bao Feng radio typically offer TWO bands, This version gives you three: VHF, 1.25M, and UHF, making the BTECH UV-5X3 exceptionally versatile. Charges using USB-C, and can easily be charged with a portable solar charger. You can use ANY USB-c cable.
This kit comes with UV-5X3 Radio, USB-C 1500mAh Battery, V-85 Dual Band Antenna, 220MHz Single Band Antenna, Charger, 110V Adapter, Earpiece, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, and The Dreaded and Often Discarded User's Manual, which is exceptionally (ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ) detailed and thorough for a manual. Resist the temptation to chuck it in the rubbish bin. You'll need it, especially if you are a beginner like me.
Now, during the Zombie Apocalypse, you won't have time to learn about all the functions of this radio. So, I suggest that if you are purchasing this, you set aside 30-45 minutes a day to watch YT videos on Bao Fengs. There are many of those out there, most are overly technical and boring. I like NotARubicon Productions' many BF videos. Easy to understand and not filled with ham radio operator-speak. These videos will definitely jumpstart your learning and give you many shortcuts and useful tips. Whatever you do- start learning how to use the radio or it will be a worthless paperweight during a crisis.
All that aside, this is a well-made, thoughtfully designed radio. It's low price may have true SAD HAMS wrinkling their noses in disgust, but this little gem works well for nearly everyone else. It is one of the most popular and widely-available radios in the world.
So if you hike, snowmobile, camp, hunt, ski, etc. any outdoor activity where cell service is poor or non-existent, having a solid two-way radio is essential to your safety and well-being. Love this and am looking forward to discovering everything it can do. PS: I also purchased the BaoFeng Radio Bible by Cooper Hartman. It's a little technical, but provides some insights into what this radio's capabilities truly are.
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023
The good:
Cheaper versions of the Bao Feng radio typically offer TWO bands, This version gives you three: VHF, 1.25M, and UHF, making the BTECH UV-5X3 exceptionally versatile. Charges using USB-C, and can easily be charged with a portable solar charger. You can use ANY USB-c cable.
This kit comes with UV-5X3 Radio, USB-C 1500mAh Battery, V-85 Dual Band Antenna, 220MHz Single Band Antenna, Charger, 110V Adapter, Earpiece, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, and The Dreaded and Often Discarded User's Manual, which is exceptionally (ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ) detailed and thorough for a manual. Resist the temptation to chuck it in the rubbish bin. You'll need it, especially if you are a beginner like me.
Now, during the Zombie Apocalypse, you won't have time to learn about all the functions of this radio. So, I suggest that if you are purchasing this, you set aside 30-45 minutes a day to watch YT videos on Bao Fengs. There are many of those out there, most are overly technical and boring. I like NotARubicon Productions' many BF videos. Easy to understand and not filled with ham radio operator-speak. These videos will definitely jumpstart your learning and give you many shortcuts and useful tips. Whatever you do- start learning how to use the radio or it will be a worthless paperweight during a crisis.
All that aside, this is a well-made, thoughtfully designed radio. It's low price may have true SAD HAMS wrinkling their noses in disgust, but this little gem works well for nearly everyone else. It is one of the most popular and widely-available radios in the world.
So if you hike, snowmobile, camp, hunt, ski, etc. any outdoor activity where cell service is poor or non-existent, having a solid two-way radio is essential to your safety and well-being. Love this and am looking forward to discovering everything it can do. PS: I also purchased the BaoFeng Radio Bible by Cooper Hartman. It's a little technical, but provides some insights into what this radio's capabilities truly are.
-220 MHz band
-Display sync
-Memory scan add/remove
-Editable memory slots
-VFO scan range
-Included antennas MUCH better than most rubber ducks
Con
-Box has two antennas ( 144/440 and 220 ) instead of one tri-band antenna
-Transmit limited to 5W, not 8W
-Subtle clicking noise on receive
-No AM broadcast receive
-Dislay Sync disables dual frequency watch
Overall
I don't think I can add anything that hasn't been already said about the Baofeng 5R family. If you're a newly licensed amateur, a 5R is an inexpensive first-step to see if you want to get more serious about the hobby. If you don't, you at least have something for use in emergencies. If you want to go for a killer handheld or base station, you haven't sunk a lot of money into the 5R to prevent you from upgrading ( and it's a fantastic little backup unit ).
While the big feature of the 5X3 is the inclusion of the 1.25m / 220 MHz band for North American use, hiding under the surface are a lot of other creature comfort and ease-of-use features the 5R and BF-F8HP don't have. Chief among these is Display Sync, which locks the A and B lines of the display together, useful for seeing both the frequency and the memory name at the same time. Note that assigning names to memory slots requires a programming cable, an additional purchase I highly recommend, especially getting a certified one, not a cheap knock-off cable that requires special drivers and workarounds. Also, using Display Sync also disables the dual watch feature of monitoring two frequencies at the same time.
Speaking of memory slots, the 5X3 also lets you edit the CTCSS/DCS codes and offsets of memory slots from the keypad without needing to first delete the memory and recreate the whole thing. You can also add and remove memories from the scan list, though sadly there is no keypad shortcut and you have to go in through the menu for each channel. Scanning on the VFO side also supports frequency ranges, so instead of scanning all of 144 - 148 MHz, you can tell it to only bother with 146 - 147, or other subsets ( it has to be a full integer MHz, so you can't scan just 146.5 - 147.75, etc ).
The included antennas are much better than the standard ducks. I had simplex roundtables ( about 2 miles radius for all parties ) and easily hit repeaters 40 miles away. Sound quality reports came back good. Still, a good aftermarket antenna will do better. My Smiley 27000 telescoping tri-band lets me hit a popular repeater 35 miles away on 1W xmit power and another repeater cluster 55 miles away on high xmit power, 144, 220, and 440 MHz bands.
This brings up two big downsides. Instead of including one tri-band antenna, you get a 144/440 antenna and one 220 antenna. Switching them out and keeping track of both can be a hassle. Also, xmit power is capped at 5W, not 8W like the 82HP andF8HP. Right about now is the time someone chimes in saying the antenna on a handheld makes a much bigger difference than the extra 3W. Yes, that's true to a point. But that extra 3W combined with a good antenna can make a notable, if moderate, improvement on useful range, particularly if you have minor RF obstructions between you and your repeater of choice.
Sound quality from the speaker and included headset are not great, but more than good enough for most users. My set has a faint repeating clicking noise in the background whenever receiving ( regardless of listening to repeaters or simplex, so I know it's the handset ) that's mildly annoying, but doesn't get in the way. Strangely it isn't present when listening to FM broadcast radio. Though speaking of broadcast, the 5X3 doesn't receive AM broadcast, a real shame.
All told, I consider the 5X3 to be the better purchase than the F8HP. Yes, losing that extra 3W power stings a little, but gaining a whole new band as well as the selective scan list and display sync make up for it, and I don't even live in a heavy 1.25m traffic area. Those that live in places that do use the 220 MHz band will benefit from it even more.
Its very easy to program when you additionally purchase from Amazon the BTECH PC03 FTDI programming cable (well worth the price) It has a nice loud sound and works well. You can't beat the price for this unit too. I would give it 5 stars except that the sma antenna connection is male on the unit instead of the normal female. Additionally having to switch between the 220MHz antenna from the 2M/70cm band is a lot less convenient then just including a Trobriand antenna. I'm sure this was done for cost purposes. I picked up from Amazon the Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-320A Triband HT antenna, with the radio because of that, and it is also inexpensive and well worth the purchase when you get this radio. The only thing that bugs me though is the bright rapidly alternating blue/red flashing base charger. I can't keep it on my desk because that is too distracting. A lower lumen, slower flashing light would be much better, though black electrical tape may work too . So overall 4.5 stars.
All in all this has been a great addition to my shack, and