Sonim XP400 vs XP8: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

Sonim caters to a niche market demanding extreme durability, but within their lineup, choices exist. The XP400 represents a more recent generation, boasting a modern chipset, while the XP8 has been a mainstay, offering a balance of features and a proven track record. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you choose the right tool for demanding environments.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Sonim XP400 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) chipset delivers a substantial performance advantage over the XP8’s older Snapdragon 630 (14nm), translating to smoother multitasking and app responsiveness. While the XP8 offers 18W Quick Charge 4, the XP400’s efficiency gains offset the slower charging for typical use cases.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sonim XP400	Sonim XP8

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 68, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	-	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2025, January 22	2018, April. Released 2018, May
Status	Available. Released 2025, January 22	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	170 x 78 x 10.2 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.40 in)	152 x 79.5 x 18 mm (5.98 x 3.13 x 0.71 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	230 g (8.11 oz)	335 g (11.82 oz)
	-	IP69 dust proof and water resistant over 1 meter and 30 minutes MIL-STD-810G

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~272 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 101.5 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio)	5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~57.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 613	Adreno 508
OS	Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades	Android 7.0 (Nougat)

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide)	-
Features	LED flash	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	12 MP, PDAF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, (wide)	8 MP
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	-	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 3.1	USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	-	18W wired, QC4
Music play	-	Up to 70 h
Stand-by	-	Up to 720 h
Talk time	-	Up to 30 h
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Ion 4900 mAh, removable

Misc
Colors	Black	Black
Models	-	XP8800
Price	€ 249.90	About 700 EUR

Sonim XP400

Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life
Likely improved image processing capabilities

May lack Quick Charge 4 compatibility
Potentially higher price point

Sonim XP8

18W Quick Charge 4 support for faster charging
Potentially lower price point
Proven reliability within the Sonim ecosystem

Older, less powerful Snapdragon 630 chipset
Less power-efficient, leading to shorter battery life
Slower application loading and multitasking

Display Comparison

Neither Sonim explicitly details display specs beyond ruggedization. However, given the XP400’s newer chipset, it likely benefits from a more modern display controller, potentially offering improved color accuracy and viewing angles. Both will prioritize visibility in direct sunlight over color gamut coverage. The XP8’s age suggests a less efficient panel, potentially impacting overall battery life. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing screen protection.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given Sonim’s focus on durability over photography, expect basic camera setups. The XP400’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will likely offer improved image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The XP8’s older ISP will likely produce noisier images and slower processing times. Any differences in sensor size or lens aperture are likely minimal, making the ISP the key differentiator.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Sonim XP400’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant leap forward. The 4nm process node delivers substantially better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the XP8’s Snapdragon 630 (14nm). The XP400’s CPU, with its Cortex-A78 cores, offers a noticeable performance boost in single-core tasks, while the combination of A78 and A55 cores provides a more balanced multi-core experience. The XP8’s all-Cortex-A53 CPU will struggle with demanding applications. While RAM details are missing, the XP400 likely benefits from faster LPDDR4X or even LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing responsiveness.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the XP400’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior power efficiency will translate to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar or even smaller battery capacity. The XP8’s 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 support is its advantage, allowing for faster refueling when a power source is available. However, the XP400’s efficiency means it may not require charging as frequently, mitigating the slower charging speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sonim XP400 if you prioritize future-proofing, smoother application performance, and improved power efficiency for extended use in remote locations. This phone is ideal for field workers relying on data-intensive apps. Buy the Sonim XP8 if you specifically need Quick Charge 4 compatibility with existing chargers and are on a tighter budget, accepting a performance trade-off for immediate convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 630 in the XP8 struggle with modern apps like mapping or data collection software?

Yes, the Snapdragon 630 is a relatively old chipset. While it can handle basic tasks, demanding applications like detailed mapping, complex data collection, or running multiple apps simultaneously will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The XP400’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is significantly better equipped to handle these workloads.

❓ How much does the lack of Quick Charge 4 on the XP400 impact real-world usability?

While the XP8 charges faster with Quick Charge 4, the XP400’s superior power efficiency means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently. The difference in charging time is often offset by the longer runtime you’ll get between charges. For many field workers, minimizing downtime is more important than shaving off a few minutes during charging.

❓ Are software updates guaranteed for both devices, and for how long?

Sonim typically provides extended software support for their devices, focusing on security patches and bug fixes. However, the XP8, being an older model, is likely nearing the end of its guaranteed update cycle. The XP400 will receive updates for a longer period, ensuring continued security and compatibility.