Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Sonim XP3plus and Plum Ram Plus LTE are both contenders in the rugged smartphone arena, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This detailed comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP3plus is the clear winner for performance and features, boasting a Snapdragon 662 chipset and robust build. The Plum Ram Plus LTE offers extreme affordability and basic functionality, ideal for users needing a simple, durable device on a tight budget. It's a performance gap, though.
| 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, 13, 17, 26, 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) | 111.5 x 57.5 x 22 mm (4.39 x 2.26 x 0.87 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 108.4 g (3.81 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 min)
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 LCD, 256K colors |
| | Cover display:
IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels | External display: 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Unisoc T107 |
| 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, 48MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 2 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 1200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Black/Orange |
| Price | About 240 EUR | - |
Sonim XP3plus
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Rugged and Durable Design
- Likely Better Camera
- Potentially Larger Display
- More Features
- Higher Price
- Potentially Larger and Heavier
Plum Ram Plus LTE
- Extremely Affordable
- Rugged and Durable
- Simple and Easy to Use
- Compact Size
- Poor Performance (Unisoc T107)
- Low-Resolution Display
- Basic Camera
- Limited Features
- Potential for Lag
Display Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus likely features a brighter, higher-resolution display, offering a better viewing experience. The Plum Ram Plus LTE probably has a smaller, lower-resolution display, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. Expect a noticeable difference in clarity and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
The Sonim XP3plus likely has a more capable camera system, potentially with better image quality and features. The Plum Ram Plus LTE's camera is expected to be basic, suitable for simple snapshots but lacking advanced features or high resolution.
Performance
The Sonim XP3plus's Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking compared to the Plum Ram Plus LTE's Unisoc T107. Expect lag and slower app loading times on the Plum Ram Plus LTE.
Battery Life
Both phones are likely to have decent battery life, but the Sonim XP3plus's more efficient chipset and potentially larger battery could give it a slight edge. Rugged phones often prioritize battery longevity.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3plus is for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, or anyone needing a seriously durable and capable smartphone. The Plum Ram Plus LTE is best for those needing a basic, rugged phone for calls, texts, and essential apps, prioritizing affordability over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sonim XP3plus waterproof?
Yes, the Sonim XP3plus is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to a certain depth and duration.
❓ Can the Plum Ram Plus LTE run demanding apps?
No, the Plum Ram Plus LTE's limited processing power makes it unsuitable for demanding apps or games. It's best for basic tasks.
❓ What is the typical battery life of the Sonim XP3plus?
The Sonim XP3plus typically offers a full day of battery life with moderate use, thanks to its efficient chipset and potentially larger battery.
❓ Is the Plum Ram Plus LTE 4G LTE capable?
Yes, the Plum Ram Plus LTE is advertised as a 4G LTE device, allowing for faster data speeds where available.