Sonim phones are legendary for their durability, built to withstand the harshest conditions. But with multiple models available, choosing the right one can be tough. This in-depth comparison pits the Sonim XP3 against the XP5s, examining their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which is the best fit for your rugged lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP5s offers a significant performance upgrade over the XP3 thanks to its faster processor and chipset. While both are incredibly durable, the XP5s' improved speed and potentially better camera make it the overall winner for most users, though the XP3 remains a solid, budget-friendly option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, 28, 30, 38, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, March. Released 2019, March | 2018, December 21. Released 2018, December 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in) | 141 x 64 x 23 mm (5.55 x 2.52 x 0.91 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 260 g (9.17 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-810G |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 1 |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) | 320 x 432 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~204 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.64 inches, 21.5 cm2 (~23.8% 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 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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/e/k/r/h, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Barometer | Accelerometer, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3180 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | XP5800 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 340 EUR |
Sonim XP3
- Extremely durable
- Long battery life
- Affordable
- Push-to-Talk functionality
- Outdated processor
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Sonim XP5s
- Improved performance
- More modern chipset
- Potentially better camera
- Rugged design
- Push-to-Talk functionality
- Higher price
- Still not a flagship phone
- Durability prioritized over premium features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature ruggedized displays, likely with Gorilla Glass or similar protection. The XP5s likely has a slightly larger and potentially higher-resolution display, offering a better viewing experience. However, both prioritize durability over pixel density.
Camera Comparison
While neither phone is a photography powerhouse, the XP5s likely has a slightly better camera sensor and image processing capabilities due to its newer chipset. Expect marginally improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, on the XP5s. Both cameras are likely designed for capturing essential moments in challenging environments, not for high-resolution photography.
Performance
The XP5s boasts a clear advantage here. Its 1.4 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and Snapdragon 427 chipset are significantly faster than the XP3's 1.1 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A7 and Snapdragon 210. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the XP5s.
Battery Life
Sonim phones are known for their long battery life. Both the XP3 and XP5s likely offer all-day battery performance under moderate usage. The XP5s, with its slightly more efficient chipset, *might* offer a marginally longer battery life, but both are expected to be reliable in demanding situations.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3 is ideal for users on a tighter budget who prioritize extreme durability and basic functionality. The XP5s is better suited for those needing faster performance for apps, potentially better camera quality, and a more modern user experience, while still maintaining Sonim's legendary ruggedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones waterproof?
Yes, both the Sonim XP3 and XP5s are IP68 rated, meaning they are dustproof and waterproof up to a certain depth for a specified time. Check Sonim's official specifications for exact details.
❓ Do these phones support 4G LTE?
The Sonim XP5s supports 4G LTE. The Sonim XP3 likely supports 3G, but confirm with Sonim's official specifications for your region.
