Name: Hytera PD782 Review (2025): Rugged Mid-Tier DMR Radio
Item: Hytera PD782
Author: Don Trynor, VA3XFT

The Hytera PD782 (and GPS-enabled PD782G) remains one of the most respected mid-tier commercial DMR handhelds ever made. Built for durability and professional reliability, it has long been a favourite among hams who value a full-keypad, front-programmable radio with crystal-clear audio and IP67 toughness. Even in 2025, it stands out as a dependable choice for operators seeking a workhorse DMR handheld with long-term service support and solid accessory availability.

1 Quick Facts About the Hytera PD782 / PD782G

Band Coverage	VHF (136–174 MHz) / UHF1 (400–470 MHz) / UHF2 (450–520 MHz)
Modes	DMR Tier II (digital) & analog FM
Output Power	5 W (VHF/UHF)
Display	1.8″ (4.6 cm) colour LCD, day/night mode
Audio Output	≈ 500 mW loudspeaker output
Channels & Zones	1,024 channels / 64 zones
Programming	Hytera CPS v9.0 or later (USB-to-mini cable, paid license)
Antenna	Standard SMA-male connector (external-antenna compatible)
Battery	7.4 V / 2,000 mAh Li-ion (BL2008 standard)
Water/Dust Rating	IP67 / MIL-STD-810 C–G
Connectivity	Accessory port (audio, programming, optional Bluetooth adapter)
Dimensions (W×H×D)	55 × 125 × 37 mm (≈ 335 g with battery)
Typical Price (2025)	$650–750 USD new / $300–500 USD used

2 Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros	Cons
Rugged IP67 / MIL-STD-810 build quality	Heavier than newer compact DMR models
Loud, clear 500 mW audio for noisy environments	Requires paid CPS software license
Front-panel programmability (FPP) for on-the-go edits	No native Bluetooth (adapter required)
Full-colour LCD with day/night modes	Limited to 1,024 channels (vs modern > 4,000)
3-year manufacturer warranty	Mini-USB cable (no USB-C update)

3 2025 Update & Firmware Notes

Status: Still supported in 2025 by Hytera’s CPS v9.0+ software and current firmware v9.02.06.
Availability: Officially discontinued for new commercial fleets but still sold via authorized Hytera dealers and stocked by major resellers.
Compatibility: Accessories and batteries remain compatible with the newer Hytera PD785 and PD705 series.

Pro Tip: Avoid mixing firmware or CPS versions from different global regions (e.g., PD782 North America vs PD785 Europe); region mismatch can cause programming errors.

For official specifications, firmware updates, and product documentation, visit the Hytera Communications website.

4 Who It’s For

Hams seeking a durable, professional-grade DMR radio for daily or field use.
Operators who want keypad programming (FPP) for quick repeater or hotspot edits.
Users involved in outdoor or emergency communications where ruggedness counts.
DMR enthusiasts who prefer commercial-quality design over budget handhelds.

5 Design & Build Quality

The Hytera PD782 exudes the solid, purposeful design expected of a commercial-tier portable. The antenna sits at the top-centre – a Hytera signature, balancing the radio’s weight evenly. The chassis is reinforced polycarbonate with a sealed aluminium frame, achieving IP67 waterproofing (submersible to 1 m for 30 min) and MIL-STD-810 C–G environmental protection.

Channel names, talkgroup IDs, and call signs are clearly rendered, and the screen can be customized for minimal or detailed layouts depending on operator preference.

At roughly 335 g, it’s no lightweight, but it feels reassuringly sturdy. Buttons and keypad domes are tactile, backlit, and large enough for glove use – ideal for field deployments or public-service events.

6 Display & Interface

The 1.8-inch colour LCD remains one of the best among mid-tier DMRs. Day and night display modes provide excellent readability in both bright sunlight and dim environments. The intuitive menu system makes navigation easy even for first-time Hytera users.

Hytera PD782 UHF DMR handheld showing front view with colour LCD and keypad — Front view of the Hytera PD782 UHF DMR handheld, showing its colour LCD and full keypad layout.

7 Audio Performance

Audio output is a major strength. The PD782 delivers approximately 500 mW of loudspeaker power with crisp, balanced tone and excellent DMR voice clarity. Microphone reports are consistently clear, even in noisy environments.

Hytera’s audio circuitry emphasizes intelligibility – voices cut through background noise without distortion, making it a standout performer in field or industrial conditions.

8 RF Performance & Connectivity

With 5 W output on both VHF and UHF, the PD782 offers the power expected of a professional-class DMR. The standard SMA-male antenna connector allows direct use with aftermarket or high-gain antennas – a welcome difference from proprietary connectors seen on some competitors.

The G-variant includes integrated GPS for location tracking and text-message embedding. Bluetooth isn’t built-in but can be added via optional Hytera or third-party adapters.

Field reports continue to praise its excellent receive sensitivity and strong front-end rejection, performing on par with comparable Motorola MOTOTRBO models.

9 Battery, Charging & Accessories

The standard BL2008 battery (7.4 V / 2,000 mAh) delivers ≈ 14–16 hours of mixed use in DMR mode. High-capacity options (2,500 mAh and 3,300 mAh) extend runtime for multi-day deployments.

Included in Box (standard kit):

Hytera PD782 (UHF or VHF)
Stubby antenna
Rapid charger (PS1018)
Belt clip & hand strap
7.4 V / 2,000 mAh Li-ion battery (BL2008)
3-year manufacturer warranty

Optional Accessories (2025):

Bluetooth adapter (BT-1 module or third-party equivalents)
High-capacity battery (BL2508 / BL3008)
Speaker microphones & Earpieces (HM-HD series)
Vehicular charger & external antenna kits

10 Programming & Software

Programming uses Hytera CPS software (v9.0 or later) via a mini-USB to radio cable. The software license (≈ $105 USD in 2025) is purchased through authorized dealers, with firmware updates available free of charge.

The PD782 supports Front Panel Programming (FPP), allowing users to edit channel parameters directly from the keypad – ideal for traveling hams adding new repeaters or hotspots on the fly. However, creating new digital contacts or RX groups still requires CPS.

Pro Tip: When editing via FPP, you can modify frequencies, color codes, and time slots, but pre-create your talkgroups in CPS first so they’re available for on-the-go selection.

11 Alternatives to Consider

Motorola XPR 7550: Discontinued mid-tier DMR with similar build and audio performance.
Hytera TD580: Compact modern DMR handheld with USB-C charging.
Anytone D878UV II Plus: Dual-band DMR/FM radio with GPS and APRS support.

12 Final Verdict

The Hytera PD782 / PD782G remains a rock-solid mid-tier DMR radio for 2025. It’s rugged, reliable, and backed by a 3-year warranty – attributes that make it a smart investment for hams who demand commercial-grade performance and flexibility in the field. While it lacks the Bluetooth and USB-C conveniences of newer models, its build quality, audio clarity, and front-panel programmability still make it a top contender in the DMR arena.

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The Review

Hytera PD782

4 Score

The Hytera PD782 remains one of the toughest mid-tier DMR handhelds on the market. With loud audio, full keypad programming, and IP67 waterproofing, it delivers commercial-grade performance that hams still rely on in 2025. While heavier and lacking built-in Bluetooth, it’s a dependable choice for operators who value durability and clarity over compactness.