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  3. DR-MD-520E vs IC-A16E

Alinco DR-MD-520E vs Icom IC-A16E

What DR-MD-520E does better (2) and where IC-A16E wins (1) — every spec side by side.

Alinco DR-MD-520E
Alinco · 2026DR-MD-520E
9.7Score
2 advantages≈ £480
Higher score
vs
Icom IC-A16E
Icom · 2025IC-A16E
5.8Score
1 advantage≈ £290
9.8Range & power6.2
8.7Features7.2
Dimensions

Size comparison

DR-MD-520EIC-A16E
188 × 1414052 × 11234
DR-MD-520EIC-A16EDifference
Height141 mm112 mm+29 mm
Width188 mm52 mm+136 mm
Depth40 mm34 mm+6 mm
Weight1,040 g257 g+783 g

Drawn to the same scale from the official dimensions (front and side).

Why is DR-MD-520E better than IC-A16E?

  1. Transmit power55 W vs 6 W9.2×
  2. Channels4,000 vs 20020×

Why is IC-A16E better than DR-MD-520E?

  1. Weight1,040 g vs 257 g4×
Specifications

Side by side

Alinco DR-MD-520EAlinco DR-MD-520E≈ £4809.7
Icom IC-A16EIcom IC-A16E≈ £2905.8
Radio & range
Radio standardsAmateur VHF, Amateur UHFAmateur VHF
LicenceAmateur licenceAmateur licence
Dual band (VHF + UHF)Yes—
Frequency ranges430 - 440 MHz; 400 - 480 MHz; 144 - 146 MHz; 108 - 136.991 MHz; 76 - 108 MHz; 136 - 174 MHz118 - 136.992 MHz
Transmit power55 W6 W
Channels4,000200
Privacy codes (CTCSS / DCS)1,074—
CTCSS / DCS sub-tonesYes—
Squelchadjustable—
Power & battery
Battery capacity—2,400 mAh
Battery voltage13.8 V7.2 V
Power sourceMains / 12 V vehicleRechargeable pack
USB-C chargingNoNo
Battery level indicator—Yes
Design & durability
Weight1,040 g257 g
Width188 mm52 mm
Height141 mm112 mm
Depth40 mm34 mm
Protection rating—IP54
Water protection (IPx)—IPx4
Military standard (MIL-STD-810)—Yes
DisplayBacklit displayBacklit display
ColoursBlackBlack
Features
VOX (hands-free)—Yes
Channel scanYesYes
Emergency / SOS alarmYes—
FM radioYes—
Key lockYes—
Monitor buttonYes—
Voice encryption / scramblerYes—
GPSYes—
PC programmableYes—
Connectivity
Headset / earpiece jackYesYes
ConnectorsRJ-45 Mikrofonbuchse, 3,5mm Klinke3,5mm Klinke
Bluetooth—Yes
Radios in the base pack—1
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