Uniden R3 Review
If you’re after the most advanced radar detector in the market, you’re in the right place. Uniden R3 Extreme Long Range Radar Detector is currently among the greatest –our review and list reflect that. It was chosen one of the ideal radar detectors for 2020.
The Uniden R3 in this review is among the most recent releases of the brand alongside Uniden R1. Both have amazing radar detection range.
But Uniden strategically launched these two different models with almost the same capabilities, except the GPS feature, which gives the R3 an edge over R1.
This the reason why you’ll see this best detector mounted on windshields of even expert radar detector users because it offers the best performance against latest police tech.
Let’s delve into this review of why this model is the best.
Note: Uniden released the R7 recently, check out what’s new with the R7 vs the R3 and read the full review of the R7 here.
Pros
- Uniden R3 has a great performance to price ratio, which means you’ll get your money’s worth
- OLED display offers a lot of brightness settings
- Automute feature makes driving quiet and hassle-free as well
- reliable GPS chip performs well in filtering false alerts
- Features high quality 360-degree DSP that makes radar detection accurate and more reliable
- Fully invisible to Spectre Elite detectors used by police
- Great price and easy to use
- Red light and speed camera alerts
- Comes with extra USB for your need
Cons
- Because Uniden R3 is highly sensitive, the settings should be customized properly or it might pick up false alerts
We’re able to easily identify this model is a radar detector meant for professional use. Its sleek black casing doesn’t add many frills to the design, but doesn’t take away from the performance of this device compared to other radar detectors.
You’re able to set it into different colors though, unlike older models like the DFR7. You can see our comparison of Uniden DFR7 VS Uniden R3 to learn more.
The Uniden R3 comes with its sturdy carrying case, which opens to the radar detector and its accessories. There are two mounts: one sticky-cup mount that allows multiple angles and position options; and a traditional dual suction cup that will easily mount the device.
Aside from the suction cup is a power adapter to the cigarette lighter. There’s an extra USB to make way for other devices.
The size of the detector is enough to have a “compact” device with a huge enough display for the user. This one also weighs perfectly, not heavy enough to mess up the mounting in your car unlike others. Case in point: Escort IX VS Uniden R3.
Features
Range and Sensitivity
We’ll get straight to the main point: the Uniden R3 Extreme Long Range radar detector offers the longest range of detection among all radar detectors at any price. It detects signals from miles away. Some come close, but still not on par with the Uniden R3 radar detector in detection at this price.
If you’re not sure whether you should purchase the R1 or the R3, check out our R1 VS R3 Comparison.
Another mind-blowing feature of this laser radar detector is its impressive sensitivity, which also sets its reviews apart from many other models. Whether it’s mounted on the windshield or even on the dash, this device won’t miss a signal even the instant-on ones police are using.
It also has a level of consistency in detecting signals, which gives assurance to the driver that the product can easily detect and get alerts.
See how it manages to outperform other flagships in our articles including the Radenso Pro M VS Uniden R3 and more.
Full-color Bright OLED Display
We’ve lauded Uniden for their great brightness features in their devices. When they released the Uniden R3, they added multiple brightness settings for its user. You get OFF, DARK, DIMMER, DIM, and DARK BRIGHT for the OLED display.
If you want stealth driving, you’ll also enjoy the DARK mode of the display, wherein the screen stays off. The only indicator you get is a little flashing dot below the screen, and the screen only lights up when the device detects a signal.
BSM Filtering
Almost all advanced radar detectors offers Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) filtering nowadays because no driver can stand the huge bulk of false alerts without this feature. But all of these radar detectors cannot fully filter Blind Spot Monitoring Systems (BSMs) and other Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS).
However, there are very few that come close and Uniden R3 is one of these better ones. With the latest firmware updates and features, the R3 is would also filter a lot of false alarms, even when it’s in full sensitivity mode.
Wonder how it fares against the Escort Max 360, an elite in the Escort line? See a side by side comparison in our Escort Max 360 VS Uniden R3 feature.
GPS Lockouts
The edge of R3 over R1 is its GPS chip, which provides better filtering of a false alert, especially in urban areas where they are rampant. The use of a GPS chip allows the laser radar detector to remember where false alerts are located so it can automatically ignore them or mute the falses next time.
This helps a lot, especially for people who pass by false signal-packed roads most of the time. Also, a better advantage of GPS is you get red light camera and speed camera location alerts.
Low-Speed Muting
Another benefit of having the GPS chip is the ability to use low-speed muting. Features like this come handy in a time when you’re in low-speed areas or traffic-prone zones. This ensures that your device isn’t going crazy on every alert without manually hitting mute every time.
Sensitivity Settings
We’ve seen a lot of sensitivity settings on different brands and models, yet we single out the Uniden R3 this time as one of those with smart alert settings even when it lacks the directional arrows Valentine One has (see our Valentine One VS Uniden R3 comparison).
The three sensitivity settings you’ll find on the menu are CITY, CITY 2, and HIGHWAY. Maximum sensitivity is turned on when on the HIGHWAY mode, which means all radar bands (K, Ka band, and X band) are easily detected by the device.
However, this model reduces the range of K band collision avoidance systems alerts. For CITY 2, the product disables the X band and reduces K band sensitivity. While on this setting, you can still manage its other signal sensitivity by pressing the MENU button and holding it as well.
For more info about setting up the Uniden R3 radar detector:
FAQS
Q: Is Uniden R3 easy to use?
A: While this one is a professional radar laser detector, the R3 is easy to use. It has a main MENU button which allows the user to enter the configuration menu.
Left button and right button can be used to choose from the options, which is applicable in changing the brightness of the OLED display, changing sensitivity settings, or when using other settings.
Q: Can this be plugged into the cigarette lighter?
A: Yes, this device comes with a power cord that can be connected to the cigarette lighter for power.
Q: Can a mount block the GPS signal of this device?
A: There would not be any problems with GPS detection and function however this device is mounted.
Uniden R3 Review Conclusion
The Uniden R3 is one of the most impressive products ever introduced to the market in the history of radar detectors.
It’s great compared to a lot of models you can buy around, especially when it comes to extreme long range, sensitivity, and false filtering.
With its price point, it gives users a bang for their buck, with the detector’s features, high performance, updates, and even appearance.
If you need help, feel free to send Uniden an email for support. Overall, this device is on top of our most recommended list of best performing radar detectors.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
