Sonim XP5plus vs Nokia 800 Tough: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison

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.
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🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP5plus Nokia 800 Tough
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA, APAC, GCR
Launch
Announced2022, July 152019, September 05. Released 2019, September 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 15Discontinued
Body
Dimensions148.7 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight275 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-810HIP68 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) Flashlight MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3-
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Size2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio)2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~19.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD, 256K colors
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 304
OSSonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11)KaiOS 2.5.2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM4GB 512MB
 -eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single8 MP2 MP
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Selfie camera
 -No
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, 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)
TypeLi-Ion 3500 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2100 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack Steel, Desert Sand
Models-TA-1189, TA-1186, TA-1180, TA-1176
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 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.