Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Sonim XP5plus and Nokia 800 Tough are both built to survive, but they cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which rugged champion reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP5plus is the clear winner for performance and features, boasting a significantly faster processor and better camera. However, the Nokia 800 Tough offers exceptional battery life and a simpler, more robust design, making it ideal for users prioritizing longevity and basic functionality over speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA, APAC, GCR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 15 | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 65.9 x 21 mm (5.85 x 2.59 x 0.83 in) | 145.4 x 62.1 x 16.1 mm (5.72 x 2.44 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 275 g (9.70 oz) | 161 g (5.68 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
IPX9K water ingress protection
MIL-STD-810H | IP68 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Flashlight
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| 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 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~19.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) | KaiOS 2.5.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 4GB 512MB |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer | - |
| | Top-mount PTT control knobs (optional) | SNS applications
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1032 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black Steel, Desert Sand |
| Models | - | TA-1189, TA-1186, TA-1180, TA-1176 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.46 W/kg (head) 1.76 W/kg (body) |
Sonim XP5plus
- Faster Performance
- Larger Display
- Better Camera
- More Features
- Android OS
- Shorter Battery Life (compared to Nokia)
- Potentially more complex interface
- Higher Price
Nokia 800 Tough
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Extremely Durable Design
- Simple and Easy to Use
- Lower Price
- Slow Performance
- Small Display
- Basic Camera
- Limited Features
- Outdated OS (likely KaiOS)
Display Comparison
The Sonim XP5plus features a larger 5.5-inch display with a higher resolution (likely 720p or higher, based on typical Sonim specs) offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Nokia 800 Tough has a smaller, more basic 2.4-inch display, prioritizing durability over screen real estate. The Sonim's display is also likely to be more responsive and vibrant.
Camera Comparison
The Sonim XP5plus likely has a much better camera system, potentially with multiple lenses and higher resolution, allowing for better photos and videos. The Nokia 800 Tough's camera is basic, primarily intended for quick snapshots rather than high-quality photography.
Performance
Here's where the Sonim XP5plus truly shines. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset and Octa-core CPU provide significantly faster performance than the Nokia 800 Tough's Snapdragon 205 and Dual-core CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience on the Sonim.
Battery Life
The Nokia 800 Tough is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting for days on a single charge due to its smaller screen and less power-hungry processor. The Sonim XP5plus, while having a decent battery, won't match the Nokia's endurance.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP5plus is perfect for construction workers, first responders, or anyone needing a powerful, feature-rich rugged phone. The Nokia 800 Tough is best suited for those who prioritize extreme battery life, simplicity, and a truly indestructible design, even if it means sacrificing performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is more waterproof?
Both phones are highly water-resistant, but the Sonim XP5plus typically boasts a higher IP rating (likely IP68 or IP69k), indicating superior protection against water and dust.
❓ Can I use the Nokia 800 Tough for 4G LTE?
Yes, the Nokia 800 Tough supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for fast data speeds and internet access.