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Philips Audio Portable Radio Review: Emergency-ready and multi-power backup

Philips TAR1609 Portable FM/AM radio with Internal Rechargeable Battery, AAA Battery & Crank Backup, Solar Power, Built-In LED Light & Torch for Camping, Hiking & Power Outages
4.7
[Multiple Power Options]  Solar, hand-crank, or 3xAAA power keeps radio running during outages.
[Device Charging]  USB-A port charges phones and gadgets while on the go.
[Clear Radio Reception]  FM/AM analogue tuning with extendable antenna and easy knobs for crystal clarity.
[Emergency SOS Alarm]  Loud SOS alarm plus bright strobe light to attract help quickly.
[Compact & Portable]  Lightweight design with adjustable carry strap for comfortable transport anywhere.
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Portable FM/AM radio designed to keep you connected during outages, with solar, hand crank, rechargeable and AAA battery options. Reliable torch and a loud SOS alarm ease the worry of being off-grid. Is the Philips Audio Portable Radio the companion you need for camping and power cuts?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Power Flexibility: Solar panel, hand crank, internal rechargeable battery and 3x AAA battery support
  • Best for: Campers, hikers and households preparing for power outages
  • Not ideal for: Users who require digital radio presets or wireless streaming, due to analogue FM/AM tuning

Compact analogue FM/AM radio with multiple backup power methods and a USB-A charging port. Built-in torch, loud SOS alarm and simple analogue controls make it suited to outdoor and emergency use.


Reliable backup power – thanks to solar panel, hand crank and rechargeable battery

Onboard solar charging supplements an internal rechargeable battery, while a manual hand crank generates power mechanically and 3 AAA batteries can be used as a secondary option. A USB-A port allows reverse charging of small devices from the internal battery.

Multiple independent power methods keep the radio and small electronics running when mains power is unavailable. Peace of mind comes from being able to recharge by sunlight, muscle power or spare batteries.

Emergency signalling and visibility – with loud SOS alarm and built-in torch

A dedicated button activates a loud SOS alarm and a bright strobe light, while an integrated LED torch provides continuous illumination. The flashing light and audible alarm are designed to draw attention in emergencies.

Quick activation of both sound and light helps alert rescuers and makes the radio useful as a personal safety tool. The torch also serves as a practical light source for campsite chores and finding gear after dark.

Straightforward reception and portability – with analogue FM/AM tuning and extendable antenna

Analogue tuning and volume knobs combine with a long extendable antenna to simplify station selection and improve signal capture for FM and AM bands. A clear display supports tuning decisions at a glance.

Simple controls mean fast, reliable access to local broadcasts without menus or presets. An adjustable carry strap makes the unit easy to transport on hikes or between rooms during a power cut.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Philips Audio Portable Radio
  1. Solar charging – Keeps the internal battery topped up when outdoors or off-grid
  2. Hand crank – Provides manual power generation during extended outages
  3. SOS alarm and strobe – Attracts attention quickly in an emergency situation
  4. USB-A reverse charging – Lets users charge phones and small devices when needed
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Portable FM/AM radio
  • Power sources: Solar panel, hand crank, internal rechargeable battery, 3x AAA (not included)
  • Battery: Internal rechargeable battery (unspecified capacity)
  • Charging methods: Solar charging, hand crank charging, AAA battery backup, USB charging/charging out
  • Tuning: Analogue FM/AM tuning with analogue tuning knob
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can the radio be powered when mains electricity is unavailable?

A: Solar panel charging, a manual hand crank, an internal rechargeable battery and the option to use 3 AAA batteries (not included) are all supported. A USB-A port can also be used to charge small devices from the internal battery.

Q: Does the radio have an emergency alarm and light?

A: Yes, a dedicated control activates a loud SOS alarm together with a bright strobe light, and a built-in LED torch provides continuous illumination.

Q: Is station tuning simple to use?

A: Analogue FM/AM tuning uses a long extendable antenna and clear analogue knobs for straightforward station selection and volume adjustment.

🏆 Our Verdict

The Philips Audio Portable Radio is ideal for campers, hikers and anyone preparing for power outages who needs dependable, simple emergency communications. A combination of solar, hand crank, rechargeable and AAA battery options, plus a torch and SOS alarm, makes it particularly well suited to off-grid scenarios. Long-term value comes from reliable multi-source power and practical emergency features rather than advanced digital connectivity.