What’s the difference between a Model 1 radio? Model 2? Model 3?

Many wonder what’s the difference between a model 1, 2, or 3 radio. We created a short explanation:

• Model 1 – This radio has no LCD display and only a channel knob/power knob.
  
  
• Model 2 – This radio has a display and a simple (limited) keypad.
  
  
• Model 3 – This radio has a full telephone-like keypad and display. Some also call this a DTMF or FPP keypad.
  
  

For many years, the above was the standard of radio types. But more recently, we’ve seen the vernacular expanded to new radio models, largely Motorola’s XTS and APX lines.

• Model 1.5 – This radio has the Model 2 features of an LCD but lacks a limited keypad.
  
  
• Model 2.5 – This radio has the Model 2 features plus a channel LCD at its top.
  
  
• Model 3.5 – This radio has the Model 3 features plus a channel LCD at its top.