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Sonim XP8 InDepth Review of Specs Prices Features & Drawbacks

Release Date
2018, May
Camera
12MP
Battery
4900mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 630
Screen
5.0"
Storage
64GB , microSDXC
Ram
4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 7.0

Overview of Sonim XP8

The Sonim XP8 is a rugged smartphone designed for durability and endurance, particularly suitable for professionals who work in challenging and harsh environments. This device offers robust construction with advanced features to ensure reliable performance in extreme conditions. Released in May 2018, the Sonim XP8 has garnered attention for being one of the most resilient smartphones available on the market.

Design and Build Quality

The Sonim XP8 boasts exceptional build quality, designed to withstand tough environments. It has dimensions of 152 x 79.5 x 18 mm and weighs 335 g, which is noticeably heavier compared to standard smartphones, but understandable considering its durability features. The phone is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for enhanced screen protection and durability. Its body is reinforced to meet military-grade standards for drops, shocks, and vibrations, making it an ideal choice for users who frequently work outdoors or in industrial settings.

Display Features

Equipped with a 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Sonim XP8 offers a display resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 16:9 ratio. This results in an approximate pixel density of 441 ppi, ensuring crisp and clear visuals. The display is designed to be viewable in direct sunlight, which is a crucial feature for outdoor use. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers additional protection against scratches and impacts, which is essential for maintaining screen integrity in rugged environments.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Sonim XP8 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 chipset, with an Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 508 GPU. This hardware combination ensures smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks and industrial applications. Alongside its 4GB of RAM, the device delivers commendable multitasking capabilities.

Storage Capacity

The smartphone comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is relatively standard but can be expanded via a microSDXC card slot. This additional storage option is particularly beneficial for users who need to store a large volume of data, such as maps, photos, and applications relevant to their professions.

Camera Specifications

Despite being built primarily for durability, the Sonim XP8 doesn't compromise on camera quality. The main camera is a 12 MP shooter with features like phase detection autofocus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, ensuring good quality images in various lighting conditions. The device supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. The front-facing camera is 8 MP, suitable for video calls and selfies, maintaining standard quality video recording of 1080p@30fps.

Battery Life and Charging

The device is powered by a robust 4900 mAh Li-Ion battery, which is removable—a rare feature in smartphones today. This significant battery capacity ensures prolonged usage, with stand-by time up to 720 hours and talk time up to 30 hours. Additionally, it supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4, ensuring that users can get back to work with minimal downtime.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 7.0 (Nougat), the Sonim XP8 provides a user-friendly interface with access to a broad range of apps via the Google Play store. Although the device launched with Android Nougat, it provides the essential features and functionality needed for professional environments.

Network and Connectivity

The Sonim XP8 supports comprehensive network technology, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE. Its 4G capabilities ensure fast and reliable internet connectivity, crucial for remote operations. The phone supports dual SIM capability, allowing users to maintain connections with multiple networks simultaneously.

For wireless connectivity, the XP8 includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. Bluetooth 5.0 allows for efficient data transfer and connectivity with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It is also equipped with GPS and GLONASS for precise location tracking, crucial for navigation in challenging terrains.

Additional Features

The device comes with several other features that enhance its utility in rugged environments. It has an NFC chip, enabling contactless payments and quick pairing with NFC-enabled devices. The absence of a 3.5mm jack is noted, but compensated by USB Type-C 2.0 support for audio and charging purposes. The integrated FM radio is a useful tool for staying informed in areas with limited data coverage.

Sensors included in the device are accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, which are necessary for various applications and assistive features. These sensors enhance the device's capability to perform under varied conditions and provide users with valuable data, particularly for location and environmental assessments.

Conclusion

The Sonim XP8 stands out as a durable, reliable, and feature-rich smartphone tailored for rugged environments. Its robust build, long-lasting battery, and comprehensive range of professional-grade features make it an ideal choice for professionals working in demanding conditions. While it may not boast the most cutting-edge design or an up-to-date operating system, its focus on reliability and functionality more than compensates. At about 700 EUR, the Sonim XP8 represents a valuable investment for users who prioritize durability and utility over aesthetics.

Key Features of Sonim XP8

  • Supports multiple network technologies (GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE)
  • Robust design with dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
  • 5.0-inch IPS LCD with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
  • Powered by Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 chipset
  • 64GB internal storage with 4GB RAM and microSDXC card support
  • 12 MP rear camera with LED flash, HDR, and panorama features
  • 8 MP front camera capable of 1080p@30fps video
  • Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, and NFC
  • Durable design with removable Li-Ion 4900 mAh battery
  • Fast charging support with 18W wired, QC4
  • Long battery life with up to 720 hours standby time
  • Waterproof and rugged for challenging environments

Disadvantages of Sonim XP8

  • Heavy weight at 335 g (11.82 oz), which may make it uncomfortable for prolonged use.
  • Outdated operating system, Android 7.0 (Nougat), with no guarantees of software updates.
  • Limited screen-to-body ratio of approximately 57.0%, contributing to a relatively small display compared to the phone size.
  • Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which could be inconvenient for users with wired headphones.
  • Single 12 MP rear camera, which may not provide the best photographic experience compared to competitors with advanced multi-camera systems.
  • High price point at about 700 EUR, which may not be justified given the dated specifications and features.
  • Relatively lower processing power with Snapdragon 630 chipset compared to newer models.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2018, April
Status Available. Released 2018, May
Body
Dimensions 152 x 79.5 x 18 mm (5.98 x 3.13 x 0.71 in)
Weight 335 g (11.82 oz)
SIM Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~57.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Chipset Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm)
CPU Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU Adreno 508
Memory
Card slot microSDXC
Internal 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 12 MP, PDAF
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack No
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio
USB USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Type Li-Ion 4900 mAh, removable
Charging 18W wired, QC4
Stand-by Up to 720 h
Talk time Up to 30 h
Music play Up to 70 h
Misc
Colors Black
Models XP8800
Price About 700 EUR

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