Sonim XP3 vs. Nokia 8110 4G: A Deep Dive into Ruggedness and Retro

The Sonim XP3 and Nokia 8110 4G represent opposite ends of the mobile spectrum. The XP3 is a purpose-built, incredibly durable smartphone aimed at demanding work environments, while the 8110 4G is a modern take on a classic feature phone, prioritizing simplicity and battery life. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing resilience and smartphone functionality, the Sonim XP3 is the clear winner. Its quad-core processor and smartphone OS offer a broader range of capabilities. However, the Nokia 8110 4G excels for those seeking a long-lasting, distraction-free communication tool with a nostalgic appeal.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP3 Nokia 8110 4G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Europe
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 38, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA/China
Launch
Announced2019, March. Released 2019, March2018, February 25. Released 2018, April 23
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in)133.5 x 49.3 x 14.9 mm (5.26 x 1.94 x 0.59 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Micro-SIM· Micro-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)117 g (4.13 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G Drip protection Flashlight
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Size2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio)2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~27.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT
 Cover display: TN LCD, 1.08 inches, 96 x 96 pixels -
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm)
GPUAdreno 304Adreno 304
OSSonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1)KaiOS 2.5.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal8GB 1GB RAM4GB 512MB RAM
 -eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP2 MP
Video-Yes
Selfie camera
 -No
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS
RadioFM RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/r, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsBarometer-
 -Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc. Audio/Video player
Battery
Music play-Up to 48 h
Stand-by-Up to 408 h
Talk time-Up to 11 h
TypeLi-Ion 1500 mAh, removableLi-Ion 1500 mAh battery
Misc
ColorsBlackTraditional Black, Banana Yellow
Models-TA-1071, TA-1067
PriceAbout 190 EURAbout 140 EUR
SAR-1.16 W/kg (head)     1.18 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.95 W/kg (head)     1.48 W/kg (body)

Sonim XP3

  • More powerful processor for smoother multitasking
  • Smartphone functionality with access to apps
  • Increased durability for harsh environments

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Nokia 8110 4G
  • Potentially higher price point

Nokia 8110 4G

  • Exceptional battery life for extended use
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Limited functionality compared to a smartphone
  • Lower processing power for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

Neither device prioritizes display quality. Both are likely to feature LCD panels given their market segments. The XP3, being a smartphone, will have a larger display, but specifics like resolution and brightness are unavailable. The Nokia 8110 4G’s smaller screen focuses on readability rather than immersive viewing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their cost-conscious designs.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is not a key selling point for either phone. Details on camera sensors are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots. The XP3, as a smartphone, likely has a higher resolution sensor and potentially more features, but image quality will still be limited by the processor and optics. The Nokia 8110 4G’s camera is primarily for basic documentation.

Performance

The Sonim XP3’s Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210, with its quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, demonstrably outperforms the Nokia 8110 4G’s dual-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 based on the Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the additional cores in the XP3 translate to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The XP3’s performance is sufficient for basic smartphone tasks, while the 8110 4G is limited to the functionality of its feature phone OS. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern for either device given the low-power nature of these chipsets.

Battery Life

The Nokia 8110 4G’s strength lies in its battery life. While the exact capacity is unknown, feature phones generally consume significantly less power than smartphones. The XP3, with its more demanding operating system and quad-core processor, will require more frequent charging. The 8110 4G is likely to offer days of standby time and hours of talk time, while the XP3 will likely provide a full day of moderate use. Charging wattage is also likely to be lower on the Nokia 8110 4G, prioritizing efficiency over speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sonim XP3 if you need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, water, and extreme temperatures, and require smartphone apps and features for work or outdoor activities. Buy the Nokia 8110 4G if you prefer a simple, reliable device for calls and texts, with exceptional battery life and a compact, retro design – ideal as a secondary phone or for minimalists.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Sonim XP3 truly waterproof, and what IP rating does it have?
The Sonim XP3 is designed for extreme environments and boasts an IP68 rating, meaning it's dust-tight and can withstand immersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it suitable for use in construction, fieldwork, and other demanding conditions.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp or Facebook on the Nokia 8110 4G?
The Nokia 8110 4G runs on KaiOS, a lightweight operating system. While it supports some apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, the experience is limited compared to their smartphone versions. Functionality is streamlined and may not include all features.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 210 in the Sonim XP3 handle basic multitasking, like switching between calls and messaging?
The Snapdragon 210, while an entry-level processor, is sufficient for basic multitasking on the Sonim XP3. Switching between calls, messaging, and simple apps should be manageable, though demanding apps or numerous open applications may cause slowdowns.
❓ What kind of charging port does the Nokia 8110 4G use, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Nokia 8110 4G uses a Micro-USB port for charging. Charging times are relatively slow compared to modern smartphones, typically taking several hours to fully charge from 0%.