The Plum Ram 9 and Plum Ram 7 - 3G represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. While both devices offer basic smartphone functionality, a key difference lies in their chipsets, impacting performance and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Plum Ram 9 is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6572M chipset, featuring a dual-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Plum Ram 7 - 3G’s MT6276A, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 10. Released 2020, April | 2016, December. Released 2017, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 133.4 x 64.4 x 15.8 mm (5.25 x 2.54 x 0.62 in) | 133 x 61 x 19.3 mm (5.24 x 2.40 x 0.76 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 109 g (3.84 oz) | 107.3 g (3.77 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8 m
Flashlight |
| 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 (~22.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572M | Mediatek MT6276A |
| GPU | - | No |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 128MB 64MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio; built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | No |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| | Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube, Google Assist | MP3/WAV/AAC player
MP4/H.263 player
Organizer
Photo viewer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 900 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 24 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1700 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black, Black/Orange |
Plum Ram 9
- More powerful dual-core processor
- Likely smoother multitasking
- Potentially better GPU performance
- No specific details on display quality
- Limited RAM likely restricts performance
Plum Ram 7 - 3G
- Extremely affordable
- Sufficient for basic calling and texting
- Low power consumption for extended standby
- Significantly weaker processor
- Poor performance with multiple apps
- Limited functionality
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are unavailable for either device. Given their market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The Ram 9’s slightly more powerful chipset *could* translate to better performance in rendering basic UI elements, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, and color accuracy should not be expected to be high.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is impossible. Any claims of advanced features like HDR or image stabilization should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices is their chipsets. The Plum Ram 9’s Mediatek MT6572M features a dual-core CPU, offering a significant advantage over the Plum Ram 7 - 3G’s Mediatek MT6276A. While neither chipset is designed for demanding tasks, the dual-core architecture of the MT6572M will result in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The MT6572M also likely has a more capable GPU, though both will struggle with modern 3D games. RAM specifications are not provided, but it’s likely both devices feature limited RAM, further emphasizing the importance of the more efficient chipset in the Ram 9.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. Given the low-power chipsets, both devices should offer at least a full day of standby time and several hours of talk time. However, the more efficient MT6572M in the Ram 9 *may* result in slightly longer battery life during active use. Charging times will likely be lengthy with standard chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram 9 if you need a slightly more responsive experience for basic app usage, web browsing, and occasional social media. The dual-core processor offers a tangible benefit over the Ram 7 - 3G. Buy the Plum Ram 7 - 3G if your primary need is a very basic phone for calls and texts, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget where every dollar counts. The Ram 7 - 3G will suffice for minimal usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Plum Ram 9 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The Plum Ram 9’s Mediatek MT6572M chipset is more capable of handling basic social media apps than the MT6276A in the Ram 7 - 3G. While it won’t offer a blazing-fast experience, it should provide a reasonably smooth experience for browsing feeds and sending messages. Expect some lag with heavier features or multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Plum Ram 7 - 3G suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for making calls and sending texts?
Yes, the Plum Ram 7 - 3G is perfectly adequate for basic calling and texting. Its low-power chipset and minimal features prioritize core functionality, making it a viable option for users with very limited smartphone needs and a tight budget. However, don't expect to do much else with it.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern mobile games?
Neither the Plum Ram 9 nor the Plum Ram 7 - 3G are suitable for playing modern mobile games. Their chipsets lack the processing power and graphical capabilities required for a playable experience. Simple, older games might run at low settings, but don't expect to play titles like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile.