The Plum Ram 9 and Plum Ram 8 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. While both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at a low price point, key differences in their chipsets dictate their performance capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Plum Ram 9 offers a slight advantage due to its Mediatek MT6572M chipset and dual-core CPU. While neither phone is a performance powerhouse, the MT6572M provides a marginally smoother experience for everyday tasks compared to the MT6276A in the Ram 8.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 10. Released 2020, April | 2018, December. Released 2018, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 133.4 x 64.4 x 15.8 mm (5.25 x 2.54 x 0.62 in) | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 109 g (3.84 oz) | 134 g (4.73 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Flashlight | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
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 (~27.8% 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 | LEd flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p | 240p@15fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 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 | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| | Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube, Google Assist | 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 1700 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black, Black/Orange |
Plum Ram 9
- Slightly better performance due to dual-core CPU
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- More capable chipset (MT6572M)
- Likely similar display quality to the Ram 8
- Camera performance likely limited
Plum Ram 8
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Less powerful chipset (MT6276A)
- Struggles with multitasking
- Limited performance for apps
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are not provided for either device. Given their price point, it's reasonable to assume both utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual fidelity, with neither offering vibrant colors or high brightness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent, suggesting both phones feature basic camera setups. It's highly probable that both devices have low-resolution sensors, likely around 5MP or less. Image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect significant noise and a lack of detail. Any claims of advanced camera features should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Plum Ram 9’s Mediatek MT6572M features a dual-core CPU, offering a theoretical performance advantage over the Plum Ram 8’s Mediatek MT6276A. While both are entry-level chipsets, the dual-core architecture of the MT6572M allows for better handling of multiple background processes. The MT6276A, being a simpler chipset, will likely struggle with even moderate multitasking. RAM capacity is not specified, but it's likely to be limited on both, further impacting performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. Given the budget nature of these devices, battery life will likely be adequate for a day of light use – primarily calls and texts. Charging times will likely be slow, potentially several hours for a full charge. The efficiency of the Mediatek MT6572M in the Ram 9 *might* offer a slight edge in battery endurance, but this is speculative without further data.
Buying Guide
Buy the Plum Ram 9 if you prioritize slightly better responsiveness for basic app usage and multitasking, even if it's a small difference. It's the better choice for users who occasionally browse the web or use social media. Buy the Plum Ram 8 if your needs are extremely basic – primarily making calls and sending texts – and you're looking for the absolute lowest possible price point. It's a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements.
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 should be *capable* of running these apps, but don't expect a fluid experience. Expect some lag when switching between apps or loading content. The Ram 8 will likely struggle even more with these apps.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither the Plum Ram 9 nor the Plum Ram 8 are suitable for playing modern mobile games. The chipsets lack the processing power and graphics capabilities required for a playable experience. Simple, older games might be playable at very low settings.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Storage capacity is not specified. However, given the price point, it's likely to be very limited – potentially 8GB or 16GB. Expandable storage via microSD card is possible, but not guaranteed.
