Yaesu FT-4V initial review and thoughts

Yaesu’s cheapest handheld radio has some compromises, but also some advantages as a backup, go-bag or loaner radio

Selling at PhP 3,500, the FT-4V is currently the least expensive Yaesu portable radio in the market today. It is a single-band VHF radio based on the RD1846S chip — the same chip that powers most Baofeng, Cignus, TYT, etc. radios today.

Hence, it had been called a “Baofeng Killer” by some reviews.

The difference is that the FT-4 series has added front-end filtering to reduce intermodulation, overloading, and desensing common with other inexpensive radios.

Its sibling, the FT-4X actually costs just 500 pesos more. Selling at P4,000, the FT-4X, meanwhile, is a dual-band radio capable of VHF and UHF. The FT-65 (dualband) and FT-25 (VHF) sell just a bit higher than that at around PhP 5,000 or $119 on Amazon.

I’m actually wondering whether the FT-4V and FT-4X have the exact same hardware but with the monoband somehow being limited in frequency coverage by firmware.

Selling factors are:

• Loud 1 watt speaker (even louder than more expensive models, some of which tend to have tinny speakers)
• Small form factor
• Ships with rapid charging cradle—except for the FT4 and FT65 series, Yaesu radios have this as optional, such as the FT-70D, which we earlier reviewed.
• FT-4V and FT-4X can do split repeater operation. FT-4X can also do crossband operation, something that the FT-65 cannot do from memory mode.
• IP-54 rating for water and dust ingress protection

Some disadvantages:

• Unlike the FT-60R, it does not have an option for AA battery case, nor plug-in charging/powering
• Transmit audio is a bit weak

Other observations:

• It uses a reverse-type SMA, just like Baofeng radios, and unlike most of Yaesu’s other portable radios that use SMA-male.
• Battery type is unique to this series — also different even from FT-65R series. The FT-4 series and FT-65 series share the same charger, though.
• Belt clip may be compatible with FT-65R series, as well as FT-70DR.
• Uses a Motorola-type (e.g., CP1660) plug for the speaker/mic or headset, so single-pin Yaesu or Kenwood/Baofeng type plugs will not work.

With its (relatively) low price point but minimizing the receiver compromise, it’s something you can leave in your go-bag or as a backup/emergency radio, without worrying about getting wet, dropped, or lost, etc.

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