Sonim XP5plus vs. XP3: A Rugged Phone Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP5plus is the clear winner, offering significantly improved performance, a modern chipset, and a better camera. While the XP3 remains a durable option, the XP5plus provides a vastly superior user experience for those needing more than basic functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP5plus | Sonim XP3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 15 | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| 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) | 112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 275 g (9.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IPX9K water ingress protection MIL-STD-810H | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| - | Cover display: TN LCD, 1.08 inches, 96 x 96 pixels | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/r, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer | Barometer |
| Top-mount PTT control knobs (optional) | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Sonim XP5plus
- Significantly faster performance
- Larger, better display
- Improved camera
- Modern chipset (Snapdragon 662)
- Likely better software support
- Potentially higher price
- May be slightly bulkier than the XP3
Sonim XP3
- Extremely durable
- More affordable
- Compact size
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset (Snapdragon 210)
- Small, low-resolution display
- Limited features
- Poor camera quality
Display Comparison
The XP5plus boasts a larger 5.5-inch display (likely with better resolution) compared to the XP3's smaller screen. Expect improved readability and a more immersive experience on the XP5plus. The XP3's display is functional but noticeably less advanced.
Camera Comparison
While both phones prioritize durability over camera quality, the XP5plus likely has a more capable camera system due to its newer chipset and potentially better sensors. Expect improved image quality and features on the XP5plus.
Performance
The XP5plus's Snapdragon 662 chipset is a massive upgrade over the XP3's Snapdragon 210. This translates to significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The XP3 feels sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones are known for their long battery life, a hallmark of Sonim devices. However, the XP5plus's more efficient chipset and potentially larger battery capacity could give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP5plus is ideal for construction workers, first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a powerful, feature-rich rugged phone. The XP3 is best suited for users prioritizing extreme durability and basic communication in harsh conditions, where performance isn't a primary concern and budget is a significant factor.