The Plum Ram 10 LTE and Energizer E280s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential connectivity at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Plum Ram 10 LTE emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc T107 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a more modern architecture than the Energizer E280s’ Spreadtrum SC9820E, potentially leading to smoother multitasking and app performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 26, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 18 | 2021, April 07. Released 2021, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 133.4 x 64.4 x 15.8 mm (5.25 x 2.54 x 0.62 in) | 134.5 x 56 x 16.8 mm (5.30 x 2.20 x 0.66 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 109 g (3.84 oz) | 113 g (3.99 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | - |
| 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 (~20.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core (2x1.2 GHz) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 | Spreadtrum SC9820E |
| GPU | - | Mali-T820 |
| OS | - | KaiOS 2.5.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 128MB, 48MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 2.1, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| | - | Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc. |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black, White, Gray, Blue, Green, Yellow, Brown |
| Price | - | About 40 EUR |
Plum Ram 10 LTE
- More modern Unisoc T107 chipset
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Likely better image processing
- Still an entry-level processor
- Limited RAM specifications
Energizer E280s
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable for basic communication
- Outdated Spreadtrum SC9820E chipset
- Dual-core CPU struggles with multitasking
- Low-resolution camera
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding resolution or refresh rate suggests both are targeting the bare minimum for functionality. The Energizer E280s’ age suggests a potentially lower brightness output, impacting outdoor visibility compared to the Plum Ram 10 LTE, which benefits from a more recent chipset generation.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be minimal. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Energizer E280s is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). The Plum Ram 10 LTE’s camera, even with similar sensor specs, may benefit from slightly improved image processing capabilities offered by the newer Unisoc chipset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Plum Ram 10 LTE’s Unisoc T107, while still an entry-level processor, represents a more modern design than the Energizer E280s’ Spreadtrum SC9820E. The Energizer E280s features a dual-core CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz, a configuration that will struggle with even moderately demanding tasks. The Unisoc T107, while not specifying core count, benefits from architectural improvements and potentially better GPU performance, leading to a smoother user experience. The lack of LPDDR RAM specifications for either device suggests both likely utilize slower RAM standards, further limiting performance.
Battery Life
Battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns. Without specific mAh ratings, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the more efficient Unisoc T107 in the Plum Ram 10 LTE could translate to slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, suggesting slow charging speeds are likely, requiring several hours to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram 10 LTE if you need a phone capable of handling basic social media, messaging, and occasional web browsing with a degree of responsiveness. Its newer chipset provides a slight edge in overall performance. Buy the Energizer E280s if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls and texts, and you prioritize simplicity over speed or advanced features. It's a good option for those less comfortable with smartphone technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Plum Ram 10 LTE handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The Unisoc T107 chipset in the Plum Ram 10 LTE should be capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp, but expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media. It's designed for basic tasks, not intensive multitasking.
❓ Is the Energizer E280s a good choice for someone who primarily needs a phone for making calls and sending texts?
Yes, the Energizer E280s is well-suited for basic communication. Its simple interface and reliable connectivity make it a good option for users who prioritize calls and texts over advanced features or performance.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern mobile games?
Neither phone is suitable for playing modern, graphically demanding mobile games. The chipsets lack the processing power and GPU capabilities required for a smooth gaming experience. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings.
❓ What type of SIM card do these phones support?
Given their target market, both phones likely support standard Nano-SIM cards. However, it's crucial to verify compatibility with your carrier's network bands before purchasing.
