PAGARIA Portable FM/AM/SW Radio with 5 Watts Sound, Bluetooth/USB/TF, Earphone Port & Torch

One of the best radio in this price, build quality is good but I'll make sure to keep it safe. Reception is also good and sound is good too. It's features are very useful such as it can be used as a bluetooth speaker and with a pendrive and memory card one can use it as a saregama carvan. Torchlight is also good and actually useful feature. Overall best radio.

Good things first.1. Sound Quality: The speaker is fabulous... 5W speaker in such a small radio ensures you don't need to raise the volume beyond half level most times, which is always the max limit to push an amp to get the best sound output it can give. But when you need to rock, you can raise it all the way up only to distort very little at the highest volume. It is large enough not just for a small room, but when cranked up, in a large room as well as outdoors. Don't expect much low end from such a small speaker (anyway FM signal cuts out a lot of bass), but the sound fidelity is good. The sound is sweet and natural, with good highs and mids. For more bass you need to look for bigger radios like Panasonic 2400. The speaker has a sound signature slightly leaning towards the bright, but not so much as too become fatiguing.2. Reception: The FM reception is pretty decent and caught all the 12 FM radio stations in my city. The selectivity is good as well. Note that you need to tune slowly, and move back and forth around a station to identify weaker signals. Once done, this radio latches on those weaker signals well. The radio doesn't lose stations once tuned, so it locks well on a frequency.There is only one MW station in my city and Pagaria R 917 picks it up, but only when the radio is placed at the window. Note that the attached antenna is only for FM and SW, and there is no provision to attach an external MW (AM) antenna, just like most ultra portable radios of this size. Unlike FM, the MW station tends to drift and you need to readjust it after a few minutes.SW reception is okay. The receiver, even with antenna pulled out indoors doesn't latch onto anything in SW1 nd SW2, but gets some stations in SW3 and SW4 bands. But the tuning or even listening experience is not enjoyable. One would need to extend the antenna with an external (wire) antenna attached to its tip to improve its sensitivity.So, practically this would appeal to FM listeners. Don't expect even light DXing on this.3. Bluetooth: Bluetooth connects quickly. The speaker is good enough (read above) to enjoy music from your mobile/handheld device. Again, don't expect bass. Can be used for podcasts, audio books etc. and acoustic music.4. Other:The built in torch is good, with sufficient illumination.The battery gives above 5-6 hrs of playback at moderate volumes which suffices me.Overall design and looks are quite good and attractive in a subdued, classic way.Now the Not So Good things:1. Quality Control: The first radio set I received could not charge at all and I had to return it. The replacement I got had a play at the base of antenna (between antenna and the body). I did not send it back fearing the third set I get might have another issue, and got it fixed from a local repair shop spending Rs 250. Pagaria should believe in the 'Quality control doesn't cost (but actually serves and makes more money in the long run)' quote and improve their QC processes. I am now concerned which part might give away next... and I hence don't expect the set to last too long. I'd be happy if it serves me well for a couple of years.2. Sliders - I am not a fan of the two sliders. They also seem flimsy. Not having a separate On/Off button, you need top use the slider every time to start/shut the radio as well as then go to FM which one uses the most (non-intuitively placed after AM on the slider). I imagine the slider will start getting loose with use.Overall:Overall, this is decent radio and serves the primary purpose (listening to FM radio with a set that can be easily carried with you) well enough. With better quality control it could have been further better. I'd recommend it for light users who don't expect it to last a life-time.

I've been using the PAGARIA Portable R917 Radio for the past three months, and I must say it has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and versatility. This compact radio has proven to be an excellent companion for both indoor and outdoor listening experiences.One of the standout features of the PAGARIA R917 is its impressive reception coverage on most shortwave bands. The radio consistently delivers clear and crisp audio across a wide range of frequencies, making it a reliable choice for avid shortwave listeners. The FM and AM reception are also noteworthy, providing strong signals and ensuring a pleasurable listening experience.While the radio covers a significant portion of the shortwave spectrum, it's important to note that the 25m (11.6–12.1) and 16m (17.48–17.9) bands are not included in this model. However, considering the overall performance on other bands, this limitation may not be a significant drawback for many users.The inclusion of MP3 and Bluetooth functionality adds a modern touch to this traditional radio, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music seamlessly. The MP3 player and Bluetooth connectivity work flawlessly, providing an alternative entertainment option beyond radio broadcasts.One of the standout features for me has been the impressive battery life. The PAGARIA R917 boasts a decent battery life, ensuring that I can enjoy extended listening sessions without constantly worrying about recharging. This is particularly advantageous for outdoor use or situations where access to power sources may be limited.In terms of design, the PAGARIA R917 is both stylish and portable, making it easy to carry wherever you go. The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls contribute to the overall positive experience of using this radio.In conclusion, the PAGARIA Portable R917 Radio stands out as a reliable and versatile device for radio enthusiasts. Its exceptional reception coverage, combined with modern features like MP3 and Bluetooth, make it a well-rounded choice. Despite the limited coverage on specific shortwave bands, the overall performance, design, and battery life make the PAGARIA R917 a commendable portable radio for a diverse range of listening preferences.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Very bad item. It's not working as a radio but only as a lamp. Not catching FM or AM stations. Very very feeble signal of short wave. Neither clear nor audible. Waste of money. Replacement option not available. Nobody should purchase. Complete fraud. Amazon helping this cheating.

This is a great product. I have not been a radio lover since start but it's one of the favourite things in my collection.The battery backup is amazing. I charged it for approx 4 hours when this was first delivered to me in May 2025. Since then I have been using is almost every alternate day to listen to radio, sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes for an hour, but the battery is still on. Excellent backup.No voice distortion. Excellent built quality. No major complaints 👍This radio is a true Indian emergency radio and every home should have this handy. Much recommended!