Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Sonim XP3plus and Plum Ram 8 are both contenders in the rugged smartphone arena, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus clearly wins on performance and features, thanks to its Snapdragon 662 chipset and robust build. The Plum Ram 8 offers a budget-friendly entry point into the rugged phone market, but sacrifices power and overall functionality. For serious durability and usability, the XP3plus is the better choice.
| 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 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September | 2018, December. Released 2018, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in) | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 134 g (4.73 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Flashlight |
| 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 (~27.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT, 256K colors |
| | Cover display:
IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6276A |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | No |
| 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 | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 240p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 3.0 |
| 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 | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer | - |
| | - | MP4/H.264 player
MP3 player
Photo editor |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 120 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Black/Orange |
| Price | About 240 EUR | - |
Sonim XP3plus
- Superior Performance
- Rugged & Durable Design
- Better Camera
- More Features
- Modern Chipset
- Higher Price
- Potentially Bulky
Plum Ram 8
- Affordable Price
- Rugged Design
- Basic Functionality
- Poor Performance
- Low-Resolution Display
- Basic Camera
- Outdated Chipset
Display Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus likely features a more modern and higher-resolution display, though specifics are limited. The Plum Ram 8 probably has a basic, lower-resolution display suitable for outdoor visibility but lacking in detail. Expect better color accuracy and brightness on the XP3plus.
Camera Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus likely has a more capable camera system, potentially with higher resolution and better image processing. The Plum Ram 8's camera is expected to be basic, suitable for capturing simple snapshots in good lighting conditions. Don't expect high-quality photos from either, but the XP3plus should be noticeably better.
Performance
The Sonim XP3plus's Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the Plum Ram 8's MT6276A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness on the XP3plus. The Plum Ram 8 will likely struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones are designed for extended battery life. The Sonim XP3plus likely has a larger battery capacity and more efficient power management due to its more modern chipset. The Plum Ram 8's battery life will depend heavily on usage, but it may not match the XP3plus's endurance.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3plus is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and anyone needing a truly durable and reliable phone. The Plum Ram 8 is a good option for those on a tight budget who primarily need basic calling and texting capabilities in a rugged package.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Plum Ram 8 good for gaming?
No, the Plum Ram 8's chipset is not powerful enough for demanding games. It's best suited for basic apps and calling.
❓ How rugged is the Sonim XP3plus?
The Sonim XP3plus is built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) and is highly resistant to drops, dust, water, and extreme temperatures.
