Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Sonim XP3plus and Plum Flipper LTE are both contenders in the rugged phone market, but they cater to different needs. This review breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus clearly wins on specs and documented durability. The Plum Flipper LTE's value proposition is unclear due to missing specifications, but it likely targets a budget-conscious user prioritizing basic functionality and ruggedness over performance. Sonim offers a more complete package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September | 2022, February 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September | Available. Released 2022, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in) | 103 x 53 x 21.2 mm (4.06 x 2.09 x 0.83 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 80 g (2.82 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~32.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| | Cover display:
IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels | External display: 1.77 inches, 128 x 160 pixels |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | - |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128MB, 64MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 0.3 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | No |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | No |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Pink, Blue |
| Price | About 240 EUR | - |
Sonim XP3plus
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Enhanced Durability (Sonim Reputation)
- Likely Better Camera
- Potentially Larger Battery
- More Modern Features
- Higher Price
- Potentially Bulky Design
Plum Flipper LTE
- Potentially Lower Price
- Rugged Design
- Simple and Durable
- Missing Specs - Unknown Performance
- Likely Low-Resolution Display
- Basic Camera
- Limited Functionality
- Uncertain Battery Life
Display Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus likely features a more modern display with better resolution and brightness, given its Snapdragon 662 chipset. The Plum Flipper LTE probably has a basic, lower-resolution display prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. Expect a smaller screen size on the Plum.
Camera Comparison
Given the Sonim XP3plus's chipset, it likely has a more capable camera system than the Plum Flipper LTE, which probably features a basic, low-resolution camera. Image quality and features will be noticeably better on the Sonim.
Performance
The Sonim XP3plus's Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a significant performance advantage. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness compared to the Plum Flipper LTE, which likely uses a less powerful processor. The Sonim will handle more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are likely to prioritize battery life due to their rugged nature. The Sonim XP3plus likely has a larger battery capacity and more efficient power management thanks to its newer chipset. Expect longer usage times on the Sonim.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3plus is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and anyone needing a seriously durable phone with decent performance. The Plum Flipper LTE might suit users needing a simple, rugged phone for basic communication in harsh environments, provided its price is significantly lower and its core functionality meets their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Plum Flipper LTE waterproof?
While likely rugged, specific waterproof ratings for the Plum Flipper LTE are unavailable. The Sonim XP3plus typically has an IP68 or similar rating, guaranteeing water and dust resistance.
❓ Can the Sonim XP3plus run modern apps?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662 chipset in the Sonim XP3plus is capable of running most modern Android apps smoothly. The Plum Flipper LTE's performance is unknown.
