I don't know the Yaesu line well enough to answer your questions, but I have several fellow hams who have this radio. The major comment I have heard about it is near impossible programming from the keypad.

When we do drills we frequently are directed to use other than our normal frequencies...it is amazing how many hams cannot quickly move to a non-programmed frequency. Many times the Yaseu guys fall out of the drill at this point. Kenwood and Icom hams seem to be able to move faster. I think this is entirely due to the poor keyboard interface of the Yaseu compared to the others. All these compact HT's are difficult to use with tiny buttons and screens, but something about the VX-5 is worse than most.

We have a pair of Icom T90a's and I like them quite a bit. They are somewhat hard to program from the keypad, but the very very very crude Icom software works well. Moving to a new frequency is sort of intuitive. They have 3AA optional battery packs which give near full power output. I have used the rechargable packs (we have 4) for years with excellent luck. I never use the AA pack but only keep it for emergency/emergency backup. I use sealed large capacity gel lead acid batteries for backup in field use.

The things I now consider essential in a handheld are:

wide multiband receive (FRS, NOAA, AM and FM radio are very useful....other frequencies depending on local usage). The T90 has TV reception too, but that soon will be a dead zone.

5 Watt output minimum

Plenty of organized memory (I set up specific frequency areas for different ememgency organizations or locations)

Relatively easy setup of new simplex or repeater pair frequencies.

Reasonable battery life

Easy use of high gain antenna

Good clear audio

Reasonable intermod rejection

Compact enough to carry daily with a spare battery and gain antenna

Keeping up with new radio models is a chore that I have not done, so hopefully others have some specific recommendations on some of the new offerings.