The Sonim XP3plus and Plum Ram 8 represent opposite ends of the smartphone spectrum. The Sonim is a purpose-built rugged device designed for harsh environments and reliable communication, while the Plum Ram 8 is a basic smartphone focused on affordability and essential features. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you determine which device best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing durability, reliable connectivity in challenging conditions, and a modern smartphone experience, the Sonim XP3plus is the clear winner. However, the Plum Ram 8 offers a significantly lower entry price for those needing only basic calling and texting functionality.
| 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 | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, December. Released 2018, December | 2021, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 in) | 116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Flashlight | 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 (~27.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT LCD |
| | - | 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 | Mediatek MT6276A | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | No | 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 | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 240p@15fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 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 | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, barometer |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3 player
Photo editor | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 120 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Plum Ram 8
- Extremely affordable price point
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Lightweight and compact
- Very limited performance
- Low-quality camera
- Lack of durability
Sonim XP3plus
- Exceptional durability and ruggedness
- Reliable performance with Snapdragon 662
- Long battery life
- Higher price than Plum Ram 8
- Bulky and heavy design
- Camera is good, not great
Display Comparison
Details regarding the Plum Ram 8's display are unavailable, but given its price point, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a modest resolution. The Sonim XP3plus, while not boasting a high-end display, is designed for visibility in bright sunlight, a crucial feature for outdoor workers. The XP3plus's display is likely optimized for readability rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The lack of display specs for the Plum Ram 8 suggests a focus on cost reduction over display quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Plum Ram 8 are unavailable, but it's reasonable to assume it features a basic camera sensor suitable for simple snapshots. The Sonim XP3plus, while not a photography powerhouse, offers a more capable camera system designed for documentation in the field. The Snapdragon 662's image signal processor (ISP) provides better image processing capabilities than the MT6276A, resulting in clearer and more detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The XP3plus's camera is likely geared towards practical use rather than artistic photography.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Sonim XP3plus utilizes the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662, an octa-core processor built on an 11nm process. This chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience for multitasking, app usage, and even light gaming. In contrast, the Plum Ram 8 is powered by the Mediatek MT6276A, a significantly older and less powerful chipset. The MT6276A is designed for basic feature phone functionality and will struggle with modern smartphone applications. The Snapdragon 662's Kryo cores offer a balance of performance and efficiency, while the MT6276A prioritizes power saving over speed.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for both devices are unavailable. However, the Sonim XP3plus is known for its exceptional battery life, a critical feature for users who may not have access to frequent charging. The Snapdragon 662's 11nm process contributes to improved power efficiency. The Plum Ram 8, with its less powerful chipset, may offer decent battery life for basic usage, but it will likely be significantly shorter than the XP3plus under similar conditions. The Sonim's rugged design also likely incorporates a larger battery to support extended use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram 8 if you need a very inexpensive device primarily for calls and texts, and don't require advanced features or durability. It's ideal for a secondary phone or for users with minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Sonim XP3plus if you work in a demanding environment (construction, field work, etc.), require a phone that can withstand drops, water, and dust, and need a reliable smartphone experience with modern features like app support and a decent processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sonim XP3plus compatible with hearing aids?
Yes, the Sonim XP3plus is HAC (Hearing Aid Compatible) rated, ensuring clear audio transmission for users with hearing aids. This is a key feature for professionals who rely on clear communication in noisy environments.
❓ Can the Plum Ram 8 run popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While technically possible, the Plum Ram 8's Mediatek MT6276A chipset and limited RAM will likely result in a very slow and frustrating experience with apps like WhatsApp or Facebook. These apps are resource-intensive and require a more powerful processor.
❓ How water and dust resistant is the Sonim XP3plus?
The Sonim XP3plus is IP68 rated, meaning it's fully dust-tight and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This level of protection makes it ideal for use in harsh environments where exposure to water and dust is common.
❓ Does the Plum Ram 8 support 4G LTE connectivity?
Details regarding 4G LTE support for the Plum Ram 8 are unavailable. Given its age and price point, it may only support 2G or 3G networks, limiting its data speeds and compatibility with modern cellular infrastructure.
