The Retevis MateTalk C3 and MateTalk C4 are two new GMRS walkie-talkies designed for professional and everyday communication. They showcase Retevis’ push to combine reliable two-way radio performance with practical features for both business and personal users.
Retevis MateTalk C3
When I first got the MateTalk C3, I was impressed with its features, considering the fact that it is the cheaper edition. It is not just as a walkie-talkie for voice, but as a “work order” radio for semi-structured environments like hotels, malls, or facilities.
The C3 is relatively slim (a 27 mm profile) and light, making it comfortable to carry all day. Notably, it features an 1.77-inch color screen; That sounds small but it is actually good enough for showing essential info like channel, battery, caller information, etc.
Features
- Output & Range: The C3 supports up to 5W output (on GMRS) and dual-frequency standby, with repeater forwarding capability to stretch coverage across multiple floors or buildings.
- Communication modes: It supports individual calls, group calls, and team / “all-call” modes — handy when coordinating different units.
- Work Order / SMS Integration: The most interesting feature of the C3 is its ability to send SMS messages and manage “work orders” – tasks can be dispatched, tracked, and acknowledged via the device. This is not common among walkie-talkies in this class. I found it a neat way to combine voice and lightweight task management. However, in rush or noise you’ll still mostly rely on voice. Besides, it’s best suited for businesses that already have or plan to implement Retevis’ Work Order Management System. The software is available on Windows only.
- Battery: The 2,200mAh built-in battery could deliver up to 17 hours of active use
- Coverage: Retevis claims coverage over 350,000 sq.ft and 30 floors for large complexes. I tested it in a 3-level shopping mall and found it usable across several floors. I couldn’t test it at a larger facility to know if audio dropouts could occur in heavy interference or building obstructions.
Overall, the C3 is a good choice if you want more than just simple voice, a kind of hybrid walkie-plus task dispatch tool for team coordination in buildings or facilities.
Retevis MateTalk C4
The MateTalk C4 is considered a more modern, more features, polished choice for general-purpose use. It is slightly larger than the C3 and also includes both a desktop charging cradle and a USB Type-C direct charge port.
Features
- Channels & Noise Reduction: It supports 64 channels (including the 30 preset GMRS channels), with noise reduction to help in loud environments.
- Voice Commands / Hands-Free Operation: A notable addition is a voice control / voice command (via a “Hi Radio” wake phrase) interface. This allows me to control or initiate actions without pressing buttons; This is extremely useful in hands-busy situations.
- Emergency / Alarms: The C4 offers emergency alarm functions (voice or side button), local and remote alarming.
- Battery: The 2,500 mAh built-in battery could provide up to 19 hours of operation.
- Coverage: The C4 carries the same 350,000 sq.ft and 30 floors coverage claim as the C3. Retevis positions it for outdoor or facility use like in factories, farms, or security, not just indoor.
- Security: It offers 50 CTCSS and 210 DCS privacy codes, so businesses can filter out unwanted transmissions and interference from nearby radios. This feature ensures that communication channels remain clear, private, and secure. This is especially important in busy environments where multiple teams operate on similar frequencies.
Despite lacking a display, the Retevis MateTalk C4 is actually the more business-ready option thanks to its rugged design and enhanced communication security. Its solid housing can withstand drops, dust, and rough handling, which is perfect for busy or outdoor work environments like farms where radios take a beating. This seems to be a more professional solution for companies prioritizing reliability, privacy, and durability over visual displays. Also, the improved battery helps mitigate mid-shift anxiety over running low.
Verdict
If I were outfitting teams in a luxury hotel, a shopping complex, or any environment where tasks need to be assigned, tracked, and confirmed, I might lean toward the MateTalk C3 with its integrated work order / SMS support. But I’d want to ensure the backend systems are capable and reliable – otherwise you’re paying for a feature that doesn’t realize its full potential. On the other hand, for more field or general communication needs (security teams, maintenance crews, outdoor operations), I’d probably choose the MateTalk C4; I’d especially like its rugged design.
