Choosing a new phone can be overwhelming, especially when faced with vastly different options. The Sonim XP5s is a ruggedized phone built for demanding environments, while the LG K92 5G offers 5G connectivity and a more mainstream feature set. Let's break down which one reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG K92 5G is the clear winner for most users, offering 5G, a faster processor, and a better camera. However, the Sonim XP5s is unmatched in durability and ruggedness, making it ideal for those who need a phone that can withstand extreme conditions.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, December 21. Released 2018, December 21 | 2020, September 29. Released 2020, November 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 141 x 64 x 23 mm (5.55 x 2.52 x 0.91 in) | 166.4 x 77.2 x 8.4 mm (6.55 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) | 202.4 g (7.13 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 1 | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 432 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~204 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.64 inches, 21.5 cm2 (~23.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 619L |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06, 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/h, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Quick Charge 4.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3180 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Titan Gray |
| Models | XP5800 | LMK920, LM-K920 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 340 EUR |
Sonim XP5s
- Extremely durable and rugged
- Water and dust resistant (IP68)
- Long battery life
- Push-to-Talk functionality
- Outdated processor
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- No front-facing camera
LG K92 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Faster processor
- High-resolution display
- Versatile camera system
- Quick Charge 4.0
- Less durable than XP5s
- Larger and heavier
- LG exiting the smartphone market (potential software support concerns)
Display Comparison
The LG K92 5G boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a higher resolution (1080 x 2560) compared to the XP5s's 5.5-inch display (1280 x 720). This results in a sharper and more immersive viewing experience on the K92 5G. The XP5s display is more durable, however, due to its ruggedized construction.
Camera Comparison
The LG K92 5G features a triple-lens rear camera system (64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 2MP depth sensor) offering superior image quality and versatility compared to the XP5s's 8MP camera. The K92 5G also has a front-facing camera, while the XP5s does not.
Performance
The LG K92 5G's Snapdragon 690 5G chipset and octa-core processor significantly outperform the XP5s's Snapdragon 427. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the K92 5G. The XP5s is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life, but the LG K92 5G's larger battery capacity (4000 mAh) and more efficient processor generally provide longer usage times. The XP5s has a 4000 mAh battery as well, but the older processor is less efficient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sonim XP5s if you work in construction, fieldwork, or any environment where drops, dust, and water are common. Buy the LG K92 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, a smoother user experience, and a better camera at a more affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sonim XP5s waterproof?
Yes, the Sonim XP5s is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Does the LG K92 5G have 5G?
Yes, the LG K92 5G supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and streaming speeds where available.
❓ What is the battery life like on each phone?
Both phones offer all-day battery life under moderate usage. The LG K92 5G generally lasts slightly longer due to its more efficient processor.
❓ Will LG continue to provide software updates for the K92 5G?
LG has exited the smartphone market, so future software updates are uncertain. However, the phone will likely continue to function normally for the foreseeable future.
