Sonim XP3 vs. XP5plus: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP5plus is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance, a more modern display, and improved camera capabilities compared to the XP3's older hardware. While the XP3 remains a durable option, the XP5plus offers a substantial upgrade.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP3 | Sonim XP5plus |
| 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, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 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 | 2022, July 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, July 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in) | 148.7 x 65.9 x 21 mm (5.85 x 2.59 x 0.83 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 275 g (9.70 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) IPX9K water ingress protection MIL-STD-810H | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Cover display: TN LCD, 1.08 inches, 96 x 96 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 |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| - | Top-mount PTT control knobs (optional) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Sonim XP3
- Extremely durable
- Long battery life
- More affordable
- Rugged design
- Outdated processor
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Slow performance
Sonim XP5plus
- Significantly better performance
- Larger, higher-resolution display
- Improved camera
- Rugged design
- Modern chipset
- More expensive
- Larger size may be less pocketable
- Still a rugged phone, so design is utilitarian
Display Comparison
The XP5plus boasts a larger 5.5-inch display with a higher resolution (likely 1440 x 720) compared to the XP3's smaller and lower-resolution screen. This translates to a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience. Both phones likely feature durable glass, but the XP5plus's larger size might make it slightly less pocketable.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are primarily focused on durability, the XP5plus likely has a more capable camera system. Expect better image quality, improved low-light performance, and potentially more features like video stabilization. The XP3's camera is likely basic and adequate for simple snapshots.
Performance
This is where the XP5plus truly shines. The Snapdragon 662 is a vastly more powerful chipset than the XP3's Snapdragon 210. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience on the XP5plus. The XP3 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both Sonim phones are known for their long battery life. The XP5plus, with its larger size, likely houses a slightly larger battery (potentially around 4000mAh) than the XP3 (likely around 3500mAh), providing slightly longer usage times. Both should easily last a full workday, even with heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3 is ideal for users prioritizing extreme durability and basic functionality at a lower price point. It's a good choice for those needing a reliable phone for simple tasks in harsh conditions. The Sonim XP5plus is better suited for users who need a more capable device with better performance, a superior camera, and a more modern user experience, even within a rugged form factor.