Philips TAR1609 vs Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID
The Philips TAR1609 and Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID are both small AM/FM wind-up radios without DAB. The Philips TAR1609 adds a torch and siren with AAA backup. The Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID is lighter and pocket-sized.
Updated October 2, 2026
Philips TAR1609
Analogue FM/AM torch radio rated for up to 32 hours with USB-A out and AAA backup.
Full specs, pros and cons
Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID
Pocket-size AM/FM wind-up radio from a UK brand with a USB output for a phone.
Full specs, pros and consThe short answer
The Philips TAR1609 fits most buyers. It adds a torch and an SOS siren and takes AAA batteries as a backup. Philips also states up to 32 hours of play per charge. The Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID is 160 grams lighter and fits a pocket but reportedly has no torch. Neither brand publishes the battery capacity.
Choose the Philips TAR1609 if
- you want a torch and an SOS siren
- you want three AAA batteries as a backup
- you want a stated runtime of up to 32 hours
Choose the Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID if
- you want the lightest radio at 230 grams
- you want a headphone socket
- you want to buy from a UK brand with its own webshop
Specs side by side
Philips TAR1609
Pros
- Up to 32 hours from the built-in battery according to Philips.
- Three AAA cells work as a backup when the battery is flat.
- USB-A output to charge a phone plus torch and siren.
Cons
- Philips does not publish the battery capacity so the runtime figure is hard to check.
- Philips UK offers no direct purchase and there is no DAB.
Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID
Pros
- At 230 g and 13 cm long it slips into a coat pocket.
- Solar panel and hand crank and USB all charge the internal battery.
- Listed by PreparedBritain and bestradios.co.uk.
Cons
- Duronic publishes no battery capacity and the figure quoted elsewhere is unconfirmed.
- No torch and no DAB.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID have a torch?
Duronic does not list one and PreparedBritain states that there is no torch. The Philips TAR1609 lists a torch and an SOS alarm with a flashing light. If you want the radio to double as a light in a power cut the Philips TAR1609 is the one. The Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID stays a radio with a USB output.
How long do they run on a charge?
Philips states up to 32 hours for the Philips TAR1609 from its built-in Li-ion battery. Duronic publishes no runtime and no capacity for the Duronic Solar Radio HYBRID. PreparedBritain estimates about 7 hours but the brand does not confirm that figure. Both recharge by solar panel or hand crank or USB.
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