Flip phones are making a comeback, and for those needing durability and simplicity, the Alcatel Go Flip 4 and Sonim XP3plus are top contenders. But which one offers the best blend of features, performance, and ruggedness? This detailed comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus decisively wins due to its significantly faster processor, better camera, and superior ruggedness certifications. While the Go Flip 4 is more affordable, the XP3plus offers a vastly improved user experience and is built to withstand far more abuse.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September | 2021, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September | Available. Released 2021, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107.3 x 55.6 x 19.9 mm (4.22 x 2.19 x 0.78 in) | 116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~40.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | Second external TN TFT display, 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels | Cover display:
IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | KaiOS 3.0 | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1850 mAh | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Black |
| Models | 4056W | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | - |
alcatel Go Flip 4
- Affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Basic call and text functionality
- Emergency button
- Slow performance
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Limited features
- Less durable
Sonim XP3plus
- Rugged and durable (IP68, MIL-STD-810G)
- Faster processor
- Better camera
- Longer battery life
- Loudspeaker
- Push-to-Talk (PTT)
- More expensive
- Larger and heavier
- Less sleek design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, standard LCD displays. The Sonim XP3plus might have slightly better brightness and viewing angles due to its higher-end components, but the difference is minimal. Both are functional for basic use.
Camera Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus boasts a significantly better camera, likely offering higher resolution and improved image processing. The Go Flip 4's camera is basic and adequate for occasional snapshots, but don't expect high-quality photos. Expect better low-light performance and video recording on the XP3plus.
Performance
This is where the XP3plus shines. Its Snapdragon 662 octa-core processor is dramatically faster than the Go Flip 4's Snapdragon 215 quad-core. Expect smoother app performance, quicker loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the XP3plus. The Go Flip 4 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
The Sonim XP3plus generally has a larger battery capacity and more efficient processor, leading to longer battery life. While both offer decent standby time, the XP3plus will likely last longer under heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel Go Flip 4 is ideal for budget-conscious users who primarily need a simple, reliable phone for calls and texts, and don't require advanced features or extreme durability. The Sonim XP3plus is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, or anyone needing a phone that can survive drops, water, and harsh conditions, and appreciates a faster, more capable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Alcatel Go Flip 4 waterproof?
The Alcatel Go Flip 4 has limited water resistance, but it's not fully waterproof. Avoid submerging it in water.
❓ Can the Sonim XP3plus survive a drop?
Yes, the Sonim XP3plus is designed to withstand drops from significant heights and is certified to military standards (MIL-STD-810G).
❓ Does the Sonim XP3plus support 4G LTE?
Yes, the Sonim XP3plus supports 4G LTE connectivity for faster data speeds.
❓ What is Push-to-Talk (PTT)?
Push-to-Talk is a communication feature similar to walkie-talkies, allowing for instant voice communication with other PTT-enabled devices.
