Radenso DS1 vs Uniden R4

One thing you’ll learn quickly when shopping for different brands of radar detectors is that companies like to use lots of the same language to try and sell you on their products. Take these two mid-range radar detectors -the Radenso DS1 vs Uniden R4. Both companies advertise them as having extreme long range and a slew of advanced features that will help you prevent getting stopped by the cops. In practice, we’ve found that the Uniden R4 is the superior design and we will show you why below (>>> Check on Uniden.com).

Radenso DS1 vs Uniden R4 Side by Side:

Radenso DS1Uniden R4
RangeExtreme RangeExtreme Long
Built-in GPSYesYes
DisplayColor OLEDFull-color OLED
False Alert FilteringYesYes
Red Light & Speed Camera AlertsYesYes
Speed-based Auto MuteYesYes
Bluetooth connectivityYesYes
Price Find on AmazonFind on Uniden.com

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Like most radar detectors, these two feature a similar design. They mount to the windshield near the rear view mirror. Both have black plastic bodies with colorful display screens that give you access to key information. The Uniden R4 is smaller, but has more of an angular appearance that doesn’t look as sleek as the Radenso.

Just at a glance, the smooth body of the Radenso DS1 is nice looking, but once mounted to the windshield, it hangs kind of low, especially when compared to the Uniden R4, which is much more compact.

Displays

Despite the smaller size of the Uniden R4, the screen is easier to read in bright light. The OLED screen has nice, bright fonts that are simple and make perfect sense at a glance. The Radenso DS1 is larger, but the colors aren’t as bright as the Uniden. We also found that the way the information was presented wasn’t as clear as the Uniden.

Winner: Uniden R4

Range Capabilities

Here is where things really get separated when it comes to these two devices -range. Both are marketed as possessing extreme long range, but only the R4 measures up in practical use. The DS1 beats out most of the other detectors on the market, and even gives the Uniden R7 a run for its money.

What we found is that the dual low noise amplifiers the Uniden R4 uses made a significant difference in range and accuracy. The R4 captures signals several seconds earlier than the DS1, which makes a big difference when it comes time to react quickly.

Winner: Uniden R4

Built-in Tech

Some of the key features of both designs impact how well they function. They have built-in GPS technology that allows for automatic false alert lockouts and the ability to alert you to the presence of red light cameras, speed cameras, and other permanent sources of radar.

False Alert Filtering is included in both designs and both use an updateable database that ensures they stay up to date with the newest bands in use by automobile manufacturers.

Both of these designs work pretty much the same. We like the way the Uniden signal amplification performs and there are some aspects of the way the Radenso gives alerts we don’t like, but both are fairly equivalent when it comes to how well the false alert system works.

Winner: Radenso DS1 & Uniden R4

Functions

While both devices have similar buttons and functions, we found a few slight differences that set the Uniden R4 apart from the Radenso DS1. The Radenso uses combinations of button presses, holding buttons for a period of time, or pressing buttons several times in a row to access different functions. While this is also the case to access some stuff on the R4, it is just easier to use.

One of the main things for us is the location of the manual mark button right on the face of the Uniden R4. This turns out to be one of the buttons we use the most, so having it located right up front makes it easy to press quickly.

Winner: Uniden R4


Radenso DS1

Radenso DS1

The Radenso DS1 is a mid range radar detector that offers enhanced range and convenient features that make it one of the most popular choices around today. It uses a suction cup and magnetic mount that secures the device to the windshield and also makes it easy to remove when you are parked.

The full-color display provides the driver with advanced warning of X,K, and Ka-band radar signals along with incoming laser signal notification. The display also indicates the signal strength to help alert you to the threat. Stronger signals indicate closer threats.

Using the built-in GPS, the DS1 also provides the driver with a view of the posted speed limit on the road they are driving so that you’ll have the information you need to know that you are driving too fast.

The GPS also allows the device to alert you to red light cameras, speed traps, and other established sources and lets the user tag false signals to automatically remove them from future alerts.

Pros

  • Smooth design has a modern appearance that looks great
  • Good range and rapid alerts keep you safer than most detectors

Cons

  • Magnetic mount hangs low on the windshield
  • Not always easy to access the function you are searching to find


Uniden R4

Uniden R4

The Uniden R4 uses advanced internal components to provide one of the most powerful radar detectors on the market. It uses a color OLED screen that offers the signal, strength, and GPS data in a clear and simple manner that is easy to understand.

The R4 uses dual LNAs that enable it to catch radar signals in use from miles away and a built-in digital signal processor ensures that the threat gets to you as quickly as possible. The device uses a ramping threat level audio tone that is perfect for keeping you calm when facing a threat.

Advanced false threat filtering makes this detector one of the most quiet on the market. It does a great job of restricting signals from other cars using driver safety technology and reduces the occurrence of false signals from things like automatic doors.

All in all, when put up against almost everything on the market, the R4 is a phenomenal product. It lives up to the claims the manufacturer makes and it really takes a significantly more expensive detector to match up to it. Click here for more great radar/laser detector options.

Pros

  • One of the longest range detectors you’ll find at any price point
  • Quiet rid tech allows this detector to alert you only when necessary

Cons

  • Angular design of the body stands out in most interiors
  • Auto lockouts need some work through updates


Conclusion

The difference in performance between these two radar detectors is very slight. Most people will be happy with either one or the other. In our experience, we’ve found that the range on the R4 is superior and it just functions the way we want a radar detector.

We think the Uniden R4 is a superior option because it performs in the most demanding situations with ease. It has a smaller, less obtrusive design and does a great job filtering false signals to provide a calm drive, even when you are driving fast (>>> Find on Amazon).