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The Roberts Revival Uno is one of the latest additions to the Revival range of retro 1950s-style DAB radios. It’s essentially a compact version of the regular Roberts Revival RD70.
The Revival Uno is currently the cheapest radio in the Revival range. While it’s still more expensive than retro radios from less established brands, it could be a good choice if you’re looking to buy a classic-style Roberts radio without spending too much money.
What can this radio do and how does it perform? Find out in this review…
Features
- FM/DAB/DAB+ radio
- Dual alarm clock (set two independent alarms)
- Can be mains or battery powered with 4 x AA batteries (not included)
- LCD display
- Rotary volume and tuning knobs
Dimensions: 20.7 cm wide x 12.9 cm high x 8.5 cm deep
Weight: 898 g
Performance and use
This radio is very compact (20.7 cm wide), and you need to be aware of this before buying as you’ll be disappointed if you’re expecting something larger. The small size makes it very easy to carry around the house and garden, and you can power it with AA batteries so it works well as a portable radio.
The Revival Uno generally has strong DAB reception, and also offers FM radio in case your DAB signal is patchy. It has a metal telescopic aerial which you can extend to get the best signal.
One of the nice things about this radio and others in the Revival range is that you change the station and adjust the volume using old-fashioned rotary controls rather than pushing buttons. Even if you’re listening to the radio using the latest DAB+ technology, you’ll feel like you’re using a classic radio from the 1950s.
This radio doesn’t have a huge list of features. Besides FM/DAB/DAB+ radio it offers a dual alarm clock, so you can set one alarm for weekdays and one for weekends. There’s also a headphone jack, but the radio doesn’t have any advanced features such as Bluetooth or a USB charging point.
The best thing about this radio is its stylish retro design. It looks just like a classic 1950s radio. It also comes in a large choice of colours (black, pastel cream, dove grey, duck egg, pink, purple, teal and yellow).
The build quality and finish seem to be very high quality. However, some buyers have found that the leather peeled off after a few months of owning the radio. While Roberts have a reputation for making quality radios, lots of people believe their radios aren’t made to the same standard they used to be.
Pros
- Attractive retro design
- Strong DAB reception
- Feels well made
- Good choice of colours
- Convenient small size
- Good sound quality for a small radio
Cons
- No Bluetooth
- Expensive for the features
Revival Uno vs. Revival RD70
The main difference between these two radios is their size: the RD70 measures 25.2 x 16 x 10.4 cm whereas the Uno measures 20.7 x 12.9 x 8.5 cm. Unsurprisingly, the Uno is also lighter at 898 g compared to the RD70, which weighs 898 g.
As you’d expect from a smaller radio, the Uno has less power and can’t go as loud. It could be a good choice for a bedroom or other small, quiet room, while the RD70 would be a better choice if you need something loud.
In terms of features, the main difference is that the RD70 has Bluetooth whereas the Uno does not. Both radios have FM/DAB/DAB+ radio, a headphone jack and aux socket, an alarm clock and the option to power them either by the mains or batteries, so the addition of Bluetooth in the RD70 is the only real difference in terms of features.
Verdict
The main reason to buy the Revival Uno is for its stunning retro design. For a small radio it has very good sound quality, and DAB reception is strong. Using the radio is a pleasure thanks to the rotary controls.
However, for a small digital radio with limited features, the Revival Uno seems very expensive. You can buy a radio with the same features for a quarter of the price, but it wouldn’t have the beautiful retro design of the Revival Uno.
If design and aesthetics are important to you, the Revival Uno is worth the high price tag. If you’re just looking for a functional radio and aren’t so concerned with how it looks, there are similar-performing radios available for a much lower price.
Similar radios
The Revival range from Roberts includes several other radios that are worth considering. The Revival RD70
Another small radio in the Revival range is the Roberts Revival Mini. It has more of a cube-shaped design and features a built-in battery charger, which is handy if you’re using it as a portable radio.
If you’re not so interested in something with a retro design, you should consider the Roberts Play 10. It’s slightly smaller than the Revival Uno but it costs about a third of the price and has essentially the same features.
For some more options see our roundups of the best portable DAB radios and the best retro DAB radios.