Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? The Plum Ram Plus LTE and Sonim XP3plus are both contenders in the rugged smartphone arena. But which one truly delivers the best combination of durability, performance, and features? Let's dive in.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus decisively wins this comparison. While the Plum Ram Plus LTE offers affordability, the XP3plus's Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance, a more modern processor, and a generally superior user experience, justifying its higher price for those needing a truly robust device.
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 26, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 02 | 2021, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 02 | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 108.4 g (3.81 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
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 LCD, 256K colors | TFT LCD |
| | External display: 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels | 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 | Unisoc T107 | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | - | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB, 48MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 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 | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Black/Orange | Black |
| Price | - | About 240 EUR |
Plum Ram Plus LTE
- Extremely affordable
- Rugged design
- Basic functionality
- Very limited performance
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Sonim XP3plus
- Excellent durability
- Good performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Bright, visible display
- Long battery life
- Loudspeaker
- Higher price
- Design can be bulky
- Camera not top-tier
Display Comparison
The Plum Ram Plus LTE likely features a basic, lower-resolution display, typical of budget phones. The Sonim XP3plus boasts a brighter, more vibrant display, often with enhanced visibility in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for outdoor use. Expect better color accuracy and viewing angles on the XP3plus.
Camera Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus generally has a better camera system, likely offering higher resolution and improved image processing. While neither phone is expected to be a photography powerhouse, the XP3plus will likely produce more usable photos in various lighting conditions. The Plum Ram Plus LTE's camera is likely basic and may struggle in low light.
Performance
This is where the Sonim XP3plus shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc T107 in the Plum Ram Plus LTE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the XP3plus. The Plum Ram Plus LTE will likely struggle with demanding apps and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones are designed for extended battery life. The Sonim XP3plus often features a larger battery capacity and power-saving optimizations, potentially offering longer usage times than the Plum Ram Plus LTE, especially under heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Plum Ram Plus LTE is best suited for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and extreme affordability over performance. The Sonim XP3plus is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and anyone needing a highly durable phone with reliable performance and advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Plum Ram Plus LTE waterproof?
The Plum Ram Plus LTE likely has some water resistance, but it's probably not as robust as the Sonim XP3plus. Check the manufacturer's specifications for exact ratings.
❓ Can the Sonim XP3plus handle drops?
Yes, the Sonim XP3plus is specifically designed to withstand drops and impacts, often meeting military-grade durability standards.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Sonim XP3plus is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and better graphics capabilities.
❓ What is the typical battery life of each phone?
The Plum Ram Plus LTE likely offers a day of moderate use. The Sonim XP3plus can often last a full day or even longer with moderate to heavy use.
