Xiegu G90 vs Yaesu FT-891 comparison for sota and pota operations

The Xiegu G90 and the Yaesu FT-891 are often mentioned together when portable HF operation is discussed, especially in the context of SOTA (Summits On The Air) and POTA (Parks On The Air). While both radios cover the same HF + 6 m spectrum, their design philosophy, power strategy, and real-world field behavior are fundamentally different.

This article takes a strictly practical view: how these radios behave in the field, on battery power, with real antennas, and under typical SOTA/POTA constraints. Manufacturer specs are included, but equal weight is given to anonymized operator opinions and accumulated field experience.

Design philosophy and target audience

The G90 is built as a compact, semi-SDR transceiver optimized for low-to-moderate power portable use. It targets operators who accept 20 W as a practical compromise between QRP and full power.

The FT-891, in contrast, is essentially a mobile/base-class HF radio compressed into a portable-capable form factor. It is designed around 100 W output, excellent receiver performance, and long-term reliability, even if that means higher current draw and system weight.

In short:

• G90: portable-first, power-limited

• FT-891: performance-first, power-flexible

Core technical specifications comparison

Numbers alone already suggest the trade-off: energy efficiency vs RF authority.

Transmit power in real sota and pota conditions

On paper, the difference between 20 W and 100 W looks dramatic. In practice, the effect depends heavily on mode, antenna efficiency, and activation style.

Anonymous field observations consistently report:

• On CW or digital modes, 20 W is rarely a limiting factor.

• On SSB, especially with compromise antennas, the FT-891’s extra power is clearly audible.

A recurring practical pattern:

• 20 W SSB works well when propagation is good and antennas are efficient.

• 100 W SSB significantly improves first-call success rate, reducing calling time and battery drain per QSO.

This creates a paradox:
Although the FT-891 consumes more current, it often finishes the activation faster.

Receiver performance and weak-signal handling

Receiver quality matters more than output power once pileups begin.

The FT-891 is consistently described as:

• Quieter front-end

• Better close-in dynamic range

• More effective DSP noise reduction under heavy QRM

The G90 receiver is considered:

• Perfectly usable

• Slightly noisier in crowded HF segments

• More sensitive to strong adjacent signals

In sparse SOTA conditions this difference is minor; in busy POTA activations, it becomes noticeable.

Internal antenna tuner vs external tuner strategy

One of the G90’s strongest advantages is its built-in wide-range ATU.

Field implications:

• Faster deployment

• Less cabling

• More tolerance for non-resonant EFHW or random wires

The FT-891 requires:

• A resonant antenna or

• An external ATU (adding weight, cables, failure points)

However, operators note:

• At 100 W, antenna system quality matters more

• A poorly matched antenna wastes the FT-891’s main advantage

In other words:

• G90 forgives antenna imperfections

• FT-891 rewards good antenna engineering

Power supply realities in portable operation

Battery voltage sensitivity

• G90 operates comfortably from 12.0–13.8 V

• FT-891 is happiest close to 13.8 V

On LiFePO₄ batteries:

• G90 delivers near-full output even as voltage drops

• FT-891 output falls noticeably below ~13.0 V

Many portable FT-891 users therefore:

• Limit output to 40–50 W

• Use heavier batteries

• Accept shorter operating windows

This is one of the most common real-world compromises.

Thermal behavior and duty cycle

• G90 runs cool due to lower RF output

• FT-891 generates significant heat at high power, especially in SSB

Anonymous reports mention:

• FT-891 fan noise is audible but effective

• Thermal throttling is rare if airflow is unobstructed

• G90 remains nearly silent and stable over long sessions

For digital modes with high duty cycle, power reduction on the FT-891 is often recommended.

Ergonomics and field usability

G90:

• Dense front panel

• Small display

• SDR-style spectrum scope useful for band scanning

FT-891:

• Clearer display

• Better tactile feedback

• Menu system optimized for mobile use

Gloved operation and cold-weather use consistently favor the FT-891.

Reliability and long-term field durability

Yaesu’s long-standing reputation is reflected here:

• FT-891 units show strong resistance to temperature extremes

• Mechanical controls age well

• Connectors feel robust

The G90 is generally reliable, but:

• Perceived as less rugged

• Build quality is “adequate”, not over-engineered

This difference matters more for frequent activators than occasional users.

HAM operator opinions

On the G90:

• “Perfect balance between QRP and usability.”

• “The internal tuner changes everything.”

• “Receiver is good, not great, but good enough for portable work.”

On the FT-891:

• “Feels like cheating in POTA pileups.”

• “Heavy, but never lets me down.”

• “At 50 W it’s the sweet spot.”

Interestingly, many experienced operators end up owning both, using them for different activation styles.

Which radio fits which activation style

Choose the Xiegu G90 if:

• Weight matters more than power

• You prefer wire antennas and quick setups

• You operate mostly CW, FT8, or relaxed SSB

Choose the Yaesu FT-891 if:

• You prioritize SSB performance

• You activate busy parks or rare summits

• You accept higher system complexity for stronger signals

Practical takeaway

From a SOTA/POTA perspective, this is not a matter of “better” or “worse”, but operational philosophy.

The G90 emphasizes efficiency, simplicity, and flexibility.
The FT-891 emphasizes signal authority, receiver quality, and reliability.

Both radios are proven in the field. The correct choice depends less on specifications and more on how you prefer to operate when every gram, watt, and minute matters.

Image(s) used in this article are either AI-generated or sourced from royalty-free platforms like Pixabay or Pexels.