Looking for an ultra-affordable phone? The Plum Ram 9 and Nokia 800 Tough are often mentioned in the budget category. But which one delivers the best experience for the price? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, features, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 800 Tough edges out the Plum Ram 9 thanks to its slightly more capable chipset, better durability, and Nokia's reputation for reliability. While both are budget options, the 800 Tough offers a more dependable and longer-lasting experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA, APAC, GCR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 10. Released 2020, April | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 133.4 x 64.4 x 15.8 mm (5.25 x 2.54 x 0.62 in) | 145.4 x 62.1 x 16.1 mm (5.72 x 2.44 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 109 g (3.84 oz) | 161 g (5.68 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | IP68 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Flashlight
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~20.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~19.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572M | Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 304 |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5 | KaiOS 2.5.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 1.3 MP | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| | Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube, Google Assist | SNS applications
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1032 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black Steel, Desert Sand |
| Models | - | TA-1189, TA-1186, TA-1180, TA-1176 |
| Price | - | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.46 W/kg (head) 1.76 W/kg (body) |
Plum Ram 9
- Extremely affordable
- Compact size
- Basic calling and texting functionality
- Very limited performance
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera quality
- Short battery life
- Unknown software support
Nokia 800 Tough
- Rugged and durable design
- Longer battery life
- Slightly better performance
- Nokia's brand reputation
- Water and dust resistant
- Basic display
- Low-resolution camera
- Limited app support
- Still a budget phone experience
Display Comparison
Both phones feature small, basic displays, likely around 2.4-2.8 inches. Expect low resolutions and limited color accuracy. The Nokia 800 Tough might have slightly better visibility in direct sunlight due to its rugged design and potentially brighter screen, though specific brightness data is scarce.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices will be very basic. Expect low-resolution sensors and limited features. The Nokia 800 Tough might offer slightly better image processing due to the Qualcomm chipset, but don't expect high-quality photos from either phone. Both likely have a rear camera only.
Performance
The Nokia 800 Tough's Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 chipset, while still dual-core, is generally more efficient and offers slightly better performance than the Plum Ram 9's Mediatek MT6572M. Expect smoother app loading and a more responsive user interface on the Nokia 800 Tough. Both will struggle with demanding games or multitasking.
Battery Life
The Nokia 800 Tough is expected to have a larger battery capacity (likely 4000mAh) and better power efficiency, resulting in significantly longer battery life than the Plum Ram 9 (likely around 2000mAh). The Nokia 800 Tough is designed for extended use in the field.
Buying Guide
The Plum Ram 9 is best suited for users needing a basic phone for calls and texts, with minimal app usage. The Nokia 800 Tough is ideal for those prioritizing durability, outdoor use, and a slightly more responsive experience, even if it's still a budget device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones likely run a very basic version of Android, possibly Go Edition, optimized for low-powered hardware. Expect limited app compatibility and outdated software.
❓ Are these phones 4G compatible?
The Nokia 800 Tough supports 4G LTE. The Plum Ram 9 likely only supports 2G or 3G, limiting internet connectivity.
