Plum Gator Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Overview of the Plum Gator

The Plum Gator is a rugged smartphone that was released in July 2014. It was designed to meet the needs of users requiring a durable and reliable device. With its tough exterior and basic smartphone features, the Plum Gator targets outdoor enthusiasts and individuals in demanding work environments. Although it’s no longer in production, it remains a relevant topic for discussion given its unique position in the market during its time.

Design and Build Quality

The Plum Gator features a robust design measuring 131.8 x 70 x 21.7 mm and weighs 207 grams. Its thickness is indicative of its rugged nature, providing added protection against drops and shocks. The phone is encased in a sturdy shell with reinforced corners, making it ideal for outdoor use. This durability is enhanced by the phone’s ability to house dual SIM cards, allowing users the flexibility to manage multiple networks concurrently.

Display

The device is equipped with a 3.5-inch IPS LCD screen, offering users a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. While the ~37.8% screen-to-body ratio may not compare to modern standards, it ensures the device is compact, which is practical for one-handed use in rugged conditions. The ~267 ppi density means the screen quality is reasonably clear for basic operations.

Performance

Under the hood, the Plum Gator is powered by a Mediatek MT6572A chipset and a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. It utilizes a Mali-400 GPU, providing satisfactory performance for its class. While the phone only has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, it supports microSDHC, allowing users to expand their storage capacity for additional media and applications.

Software

Originally running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the Plum Gator offers a user-friendly interface with essential Android features. The system is upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat, providing improved performance and security updates. Despite its older OS version, the Plum Gator provided a stable and consistent user experience for its time.

Camera

The Plum Gator includes a single 5MP rear camera with features like autofocus, LED flash, panorama, and HDR, providing users with modest photography capabilities. It can record videos up to 1080p@30fps, which is respectable for a device focused on durability rather than cutting-edge camera technology. Additionally, there is a 1.3MP front camera, suitable for basic video calls.

Battery Life

A standout feature of the Plum Gator is its hefty 3600mAh removable Li-Ion battery. This provides significant usage time, with up to 22 hours of talk time on 2G networks and up to 18 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. The standby times are similarly impressive, offering up to 900 hours on 2G and 850 hours on 3G, ensuring the device remains functional even in prolonged off-grid situations.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports GSM and HSPA networks, facilitating global connectivity. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for wireless audio, and GPS. While it lacks NFC, it compensates with an infrared port and FM radio, adding to its utility in various environments. The 3.5mm jack provides convenience for headphones, a feature that has become less common in modern devices.

Sensors and Extras

The Plum Gator comes with essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensors. These contribute to basic device functionality, such as auto-rotate and power-saving features. The phone’s design caters to practical and utilitarian use, suitable for users who require dependable hardware without the need for luxury or extensive personalization.

Color Options

The device was available in two color options: black and red, allowing users a minor degree of personalization in terms of aesthetics. The color choices are practical and align well with the rugged and bold nature of the device, appealing to its target audience.

Conclusion

The Plum Gator, though discontinued, remains a noteworthy example of rugged smartphone design. Its emphasis on durability, with satisfactory performance for day-to-day tasks, made it an appealing choice for those working in harsh environments or engaging in outdoor activities. While it may lack the advanced features found in newer models, its robustness, battery life, and connectivity options provided a comprehensive package for its time, marking it as a reliable companion in demanding situations.