Sonim XP5s vs. XP3: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sonim XP5s clearly outperforms the XP3 thanks to its faster processor, improved chipset, and likely better camera capabilities. While the XP3 remains a solid, budget-friendly option for basic rugged needs, the XP5s offers a noticeable upgrade in performance and features, justifying its higher price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP5s | Sonim XP3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, 28, 30, 38, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018, December 21. Released 2018, December 21 | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 141 x 64 x 23 mm (5.55 x 2.52 x 0.91 in) | 112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G | 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) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~154 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.64 inches, 21.5 cm2 (~23.8% 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 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) | 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 | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | 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/e/k/r/h, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/r, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer | Barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3180 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | XP5800 | - |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Sonim XP5s
- Faster Processor
- Improved Chipset
- Potentially Better Camera
- Rugged Design
- Long Battery Life
- Higher Price
- May be Overkill for Basic Users
Sonim XP3
- More Affordable
- Extremely Durable
- Long Battery Life
- Simple and Reliable
- Slower Performance
- Outdated Chipset
- Basic Camera
- Less Responsive UI
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar ruggedized displays, prioritizing durability over high resolution. The XP5s *may* have a slightly brighter or more responsive screen due to its newer hardware, but the core functionality will be comparable. Expect a smaller resolution on both, prioritizing battery life and screen protection.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often limited on Sonim devices, the XP5s's newer chipset likely incorporates a more capable image signal processor (ISP), resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect the XP3 to have a basic camera suitable for quick snapshots, while the XP5s *may* offer slightly improved detail and color accuracy.
Performance
The XP5s boasts a significant performance advantage. Its Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Snapdragon 427 chipset are considerably faster than the XP3's 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 and Snapdragon 210. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience. The XP3 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are designed for extended battery life, a hallmark of Sonim devices. While exact battery capacities may vary, the XP5s *may* have a slightly larger battery or more efficient power management due to its newer chipset. Expect both to last a full workday under moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP5s is ideal for professionals in demanding fields like construction, law enforcement, or outdoor work who require reliable performance, a responsive user experience, and potentially better camera quality. The Sonim XP3 is a good choice for users needing a basic, extremely durable phone for simple communication and tasks, prioritizing affordability over advanced features.