Sonim is synonymous with rugged, durable phones built for demanding environments. The XP3 and XP3plus represent their current lineup, but with significant differences under the hood. This comparison will help you decide which model best suits your needs, whether you're a construction worker, first responder, or outdoor enthusiast.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus is the clear winner, boasting a vastly superior processor and chipset, resulting in significantly improved performance. While the XP3 remains a durable option, the XP3plus offers a modern experience and enhanced capabilities for a reasonable price increase.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, March. Released 2019, March | 2021, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in) | 116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | Cover display:
TN LCD, 1.08 inches, 96 x 96 pixels | Cover display:
IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/r, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Barometer | Accelerometer, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 240 EUR |
Sonim XP3
- Extremely durable
- Long battery life
- Lower price point
- Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
Sonim XP3plus
- Significantly improved performance
- Modern chipset (Snapdragon 662)
- Better camera
- Durable design
- Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality
- Higher price than XP3
- Still a relatively small screen
- Rugged design can be bulky
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, likely with similar resolution (likely 480x854). The XP3plus *might* have slightly improved brightness or color accuracy due to its newer chipset, but the core display experience will be comparable. Expect good visibility in direct sunlight, a hallmark of Sonim devices.
Camera Comparison
The XP3 likely has a basic 5MP rear camera. The XP3plus likely features an upgraded camera, potentially 8MP or 13MP, with improved image processing thanks to the Snapdragon 662. Expect better low-light performance and sharper images from the XP3plus. Front-facing cameras are likely minimal on both.
Performance
This is where the XP3plus shines. The XP3's Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 processor is noticeably slower than the XP3plus's Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). The Snapdragon 662 chipset in the XP3plus offers a substantial performance boost, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness. The XP3 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a large battery (likely 4000mAh or greater) designed for extended use in the field. Sonim phones are known for their excellent battery life. The XP3plus's more efficient 11nm chipset *may* offer slightly better battery life than the XP3's older 28nm chipset, but both should easily last a full workday.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3 is ideal for users prioritizing extreme durability and basic functionality at a lower price point. The XP3plus is for those needing better performance, a smoother user experience, and future-proofing, even within a rugged form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sonim XP3plus waterproof?
Yes, both the XP3 and XP3plus are IP68 rated, meaning they are dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Sonim XP3plus support 4G LTE?
Yes, the XP3plus supports 4G LTE connectivity, offering faster data speeds compared to the XP3's likely 3G capabilities.
