Baofeng spits out different models of HT’s so fast, it’s hard to keep up. When I heard about the new UV-5R Mini, I knew I had to get one. The standard UV-5R is my favorite HT. I’ve got the common dual-band UV-5R, the tri-band UV-5III and the DM-5R (DMR version)… They all look exactly the same 🙂 The “Mini” delivers more features, more memory, a smaller form factor and a modern display over the standard UV-5R. What’s not to like?
I purchased my UV-5R Mini on AliExpress for $27… There’s plenty of sellers, all around the $25 price point.
Key Differences: UV-5R Mini vs. Standard UV-5R
Form Factor & Display
- UV-5R Mini: Compact dimensions (~107 × 52 × 37 mm) with a 1.44″ full-color TFT display, giving a more modern, vibrant interface.
- Standard UV-5R: Larger, traditional sized body with a monochrome LCD display—functional but less flashy.
Memory & Functionality
- UV-5R Mini: Boasts up to 999 memory channels, a significant leap if you need extensive programming.
- Standard UV-5R: Provides 128 memory channels, suitable for basic amateur use.
Charging & Connectivity
- UV-5R Mini: Supports USB-C charging, eliminating the need for a specialized charging dock. It also includes Bluetooth-enabled APP programming and one-key frequency copy for quick setup.
- Standard UV-5R: Uses a proprietary charging base and requires programming via front-panel or PC software (e.g., CHIRP with a USB cable).
Additional Features
| Feature | UV-5R Mini | Standard UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Dual PTT | Yes | No mention commonly |
| Voice-Activated (VOX) | Yes | Yes |
| LED Flashlight & SOS | Yes, built-in | LED flashlight yes; SOS not typically |
| Dual Watch + Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band Receive (e.g. AM/FM/NOAA) | Yes (AM:108-136 MHz; FM:65-108 MHz etc.) | Limited to VHF/UHF and FM band on some variants |
Power & Performance Specs
- UV-5R Mini: Offers 5 W (high) and 2 W (low) transmit power. Covers extended receive frequencies in AM and FM bands as described above.
- Standard UV-5R: Typically 4-5 W high power; frequency coverage limited to VHF/UHF and possibly FM broadcast in some variants.
Pleased to say the UV-5R Mini is clean
Summary Table
| Feature | UV-5R Mini | Standard UV-5R |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Display | Compact, color TFT | Larger, monochrome LCD |
| Memory Channels | 999 | 128 |
| Charging | USB-C | Proprietary base |
| Programming | App via Bluetooth + copy | Manual or PC (CHIRP) |
| Additional Features | SOS, flashlight, dual PTT | Flashlight, VOX |
| Frequency RX Coverage | VHF/UHF + AM/FM | VHF/UHF (FM on some) |
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a modern, compact, and feature-rich handheld, the UV-5R Mini is a strong choice. Its color display, massive channel capacity, app-based programming, and USB-C charging offer significant convenience and flexibility.
On the other hand, the standard UV-5R remains a dependable, no-frills workhorse—cost-effective, simple, and proven in the ham radio community.
New Ham Blog 
The UV-5Mini looks nice but how functional it is compared to the UV-5R? Simply Put – an older UV-5R can be factory Reset and “hack” to have 1.25M (220MHz) band along with 2m (140MHz – 180MHz) and 70cm (400MHz – 520MHz) on both Transmit and Receive. Many new Baofengs will not go past 480MHz on 70cm Band and many will not do 220MHz – 1.25Band.
It is much like the UV-17R vs the UV-17R Pro/BF-17L. The UV-17R is a very BASIC and MINIMAL radio, while the UV-17R Pro/BF-17L is a fully expanded Frequency Band unit that cover a wide range on 2M, 1.25M and 70cm up to 520MHz. Price wise? The UV-17R can be obtained for around $25, while the UV-17R Pro/BF-17L can be obtained for about $5 to $10 more.
All my UV-5Rs and their many Variants are all Factory Restted and Hacked with the 1.25M Mod so they are all fully opened. I would like a UV-5Mini, but if its Frequency locked to a limited range, then it is of little use for me.
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The UV-5R Mini will work on FRS and GMRS (in an emergency 😉 And, receive on WX, FM and AM Airband (lousy slope detection). I have them all programmed in.
There’s no 220 though… Eventually someone will come out with a hack. I’m not a fan of opening a dual-band radio up to 220; usually very noisy. I have a UV-5RIII Tri-Band that’s relatively clean on 1.25m; My UV-17 is so noisy, I won’t use it.
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