Sonim XP3plus vs. XP5plus: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

Sonim is synonymous with rugged, durable smartphones built for demanding environments. The XP3plus and XP5plus are two of their popular models, both boasting incredible resilience. But beyond their tough exteriors, what are the key differences? This comprehensive comparison will help you choose the right Sonim for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The XP5plus generally edges out the XP3plus due to its larger display, enhanced audio, and potentially more robust build (though both are incredibly durable). However, the XP3plus might be a better value for users prioritizing a slightly more compact size and potentially lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP3plus Sonim XP5plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, September2022, July 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, July 15
Body
Dimensions116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in)148.7 x 65.9 x 21 mm (5.85 x 2.59 x 0.83 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)275 g (9.70 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) IPX9K water ingress protection MIL-STD-810H
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)
Size2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio)2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
 Cover display: IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixels-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 610
OSSonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11)Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal16GB 2GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single8 MP8 MP
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, barometerAccelerometer, barometer
 -Top-mount PTT control knobs (optional)
Battery
TypeLi-Ion 2300 mAh, removableLi-Ion 3500 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 300 EUR

Sonim XP3plus

  • More compact and pocketable
  • Potentially lower price
  • Rugged and durable
  • Loudspeaker for clear communication

  • Smaller display
  • Shorter battery life
  • Potentially less robust build than XP5plus

Sonim XP5plus

  • Larger display for better visibility
  • Longer battery life
  • Enhanced audio capabilities
  • Potentially more durable construction

  • Larger size, less pocketable
  • Potentially higher price
  • Rugged, but still bulky

Display Comparison

The XP5plus features a larger 5.5-inch display compared to the XP3plus's 5.0-inch screen. This difference provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and easier readability in various conditions. Both displays are likely to be durable and designed for outdoor visibility, but the extra real estate on the XP5plus is a noticeable advantage.

Camera Comparison

While specific camera specs are often limited in Sonim's rugged offerings, the XP5plus *may* offer a slightly improved camera system. Expect decent image quality for documentation and quick snapshots in challenging environments, but don't expect flagship-level photography. Both likely prioritize durability over high-end camera features.

Performance

Both phones share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset and CPU. Therefore, expect similar performance in everyday tasks, app usage, and multitasking. Neither phone is a powerhouse, but both are capable of handling typical smartphone workloads reliably.

Battery Life

The XP5plus typically has a larger battery capacity (likely around 4000mAh) compared to the XP3plus (likely around 3500mAh). This translates to longer battery life on the XP5plus, a crucial factor for users working in remote locations or facing extended periods without access to charging.

Buying Guide

The Sonim XP3plus is ideal for users who need a rugged phone but prefer a more pocketable size and are on a tighter budget. The Sonim XP5plus is better suited for those who prioritize a larger screen for better visibility, enhanced audio for communication in noisy environments, and potentially a slightly more durable design for extreme conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are these phones waterproof?
Yes, both the XP3plus and XP5plus are IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certified, meaning they are waterproof and dustproof and can withstand drops and extreme temperatures.
❓ What kind of warranty does Sonim offer?
Sonim typically offers a 3-year warranty on their rugged phones, which is a significant advantage over many other smartphone manufacturers.