Sonim XP8 vs. Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G: A Clash of Priorities

The Sonim XP8 and Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G represent fundamentally different approaches to smartphone design. The Sonim prioritizes extreme durability for demanding work environments, while the Oppo focuses on delivering 5G connectivity and a modern user experience at a competitive price. This comparison dissects their core strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your lifestyle.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing speed, connectivity, and a vibrant display, the Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset and 30W charging offer a significantly smoother and more convenient experience. However, if your work demands a virtually indestructible phone, the Sonim XP8 remains the only viable choice.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP8 Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 66 - Europe
5G bands-40, 78 SA/NSA - Europe
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G 3.7/1.6 Gbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2018, April. Released 2018, May2019, December. Released 2019, December
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions152 x 79.5 x 18 mm (5.98 x 3.13 x 0.71 in)159.4 x 72.4 x 7.7 mm (6.28 x 2.85 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight335 g (11.82 oz)171 g (6.03 oz)
 IP69 dust proof and water resistant over 1 meter and 30 minutes MIL-STD-810G-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~57.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 508Adreno 620
OSAndroid 7.0 (Nougat)Android 10, ColorOS 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm 2 MP B/W, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm
Single12 MP, PDAF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC430W wired, 50% in 20 min
Music playUp to 70 h-
Stand-byUp to 720 h-
Talk timeUp to 30 h-
TypeLi-Ion 4900 mAh, removableLi-Po 4025 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, White, Starry Night, Sunrise, Classic Blue
ModelsXP8800PCRM00, PCRT00, CPH2009
PriceAbout 700 EURAbout 430 EUR
SAR EU-0.82 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 100h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 308231 (v8) GeekBench: 1815 (v5.1) GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sonim XP8

  • Unmatched durability and ruggedness
  • Designed for harsh environments
  • Dedicated PTT (Push-to-Talk) functionality (likely)

  • Outdated Snapdragon 630 chipset
  • Likely inferior display quality
  • Slower charging speeds

Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G

  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Snapdragon 765G offers superior performance
  • 30W fast charging for quick top-ups

  • Less durable construction
  • More susceptible to damage from drops
  • May lack specialized features like PTT

Display Comparison

The Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G boasts a significantly more advanced display, achieving a measured peak brightness of 819 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a weakness inherent in the Sonim XP8’s likely more utilitarian panel. While the Sonim’s display specs are unavailable, its focus on ruggedization likely means compromises in color accuracy and brightness. The Oppo’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a modern AMOLED or similar technology, offering deeper blacks and a more immersive viewing experience compared to the Sonim’s probable LCD.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but details are sparse for the Sonim XP8. The Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 765G, offering improved image processing and low-light performance. Without sensor size or aperture information for the Sonim, it’s difficult to assess its camera quality, but it’s reasonable to assume it prioritizes functionality over photographic excellence. The Oppo’s camera system is likely geared towards social media sharing and everyday photography.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Sonim XP8’s Snapdragon 630 (14nm). The 765G’s Kryo 475 CPU architecture – with its Prime, Gold, and Silver cores – provides a more efficient and responsive experience, particularly in multitasking and demanding applications. The 7nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained loads. While the Sonim’s Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 is adequate for basic tasks, it will struggle with modern games and resource-intensive apps.

Battery Life

Both phones share an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the Sonim’s unknown battery capacity. However, the Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G’s 30W wired charging with a 50% charge in 20 minutes provides a significant convenience advantage over the Sonim XP8’s slower 18W QC4 charging. This faster charging mitigates any potential battery life differences, allowing Oppo users to quickly top up their device when needed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sonim XP8 if you need a phone that can withstand drops, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions – ideal for construction, field work, or anyone prone to accidents. Buy the Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, a bright and responsive display, faster charging, and a more refined software experience for everyday use and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Sonim XP8 truly waterproof and dustproof, and what certifications does it hold?
The Sonim XP8 is built to withstand incredibly harsh conditions, typically meeting IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards. This means it's fully dustproof, can survive submersion in water, and is resistant to drops, shocks, extreme temperatures, and humidity. These certifications are crucial for users in demanding work environments.
❓ Can the Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 765G in the Oppo Reno3 Pro 5G is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, the 765G’s Adreno 620 GPU provides a smooth gaming experience, especially when paired with sufficient RAM. Expect playable frame rates, though sustained high settings may lead to some thermal throttling.
❓ Does the Sonim XP8 support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, and are these features reliable?
Yes, the Sonim XP8 generally supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi calling, which are essential for reliable voice communication in areas with limited cellular coverage. However, compatibility can vary depending on your carrier, so it's crucial to verify support with your provider before purchasing.