Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Plum Flipper LTE and Sonim XP3plus are both contenders in the rugged smartphone arena. But which one truly reigns supreme? We'll break down their features, performance, and value to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus takes the win due to its significantly more powerful processor and known specifications. While the Plum Flipper LTE's specs are unknown, the XP3plus offers a proven combination of ruggedness and performance, making it the better choice for demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 02 | 2021, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 02 | Available. Released 2021, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 103 x 53 x 21.2 mm (4.06 x 2.09 x 0.83 in) | 116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 80 g (2.82 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 (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~32.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT LCD |
| | External display: 1.77 inches, 128 x 160 pixels | Cover display:
IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | - | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 64MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM Radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink, Blue | Black |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Plum Flipper LTE
- Potentially very affordable
- Likely rugged design (based on model name)
- Unknown specifications
- Likely limited performance
- Unknown camera quality
- Unknown battery life
Sonim XP3plus
- Rugged and durable construction
- Decent performance with Snapdragon 662
- Long battery life expected
- Known specifications
- Higher price point
- Camera likely not top-tier
- Display may not be high resolution
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specs for the Plum Flipper LTE, it's difficult to compare displays. The Sonim XP3plus likely features a standard, durable display, possibly with Gorilla Glass protection. Expect a resolution suitable for outdoor visibility, but not necessarily high-end.
Camera Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus likely has a standard camera setup, prioritizing durability over high-resolution image capture. The Plum Flipper LTE's camera capabilities are unknown, potentially being a basic module or omitted entirely.
Performance
The Sonim XP3plus boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, a solid mid-range processor. This provides smooth multitasking and adequate performance for most apps. The Plum Flipper LTE's performance is entirely unknown, potentially ranging from very basic to surprisingly capable, but unlikely to match the XP3plus.
Battery Life
Sonim phones are known for their large batteries and extended battery life. The XP3plus likely offers all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Plum Flipper LTE's battery capacity is unknown, but rugged phones often prioritize battery size.
Buying Guide
The Plum Flipper LTE might appeal to users prioritizing extreme affordability and basic functionality, assuming it offers a competitive price. The Sonim XP3plus is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and anyone needing a highly durable and reliable smartphone with decent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Plum Flipper LTE waterproof?
Without specific specs, it's impossible to say definitively. However, 'Flipper' models often have some level of water resistance, but it's unlikely to be as robust as the Sonim XP3plus.
❓ Can the Sonim XP3plus handle extreme temperatures?
Yes, Sonim phones are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, typically -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).
