Sonim

Sonim XP8: Pros and Cons

Android OS v7.0 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 630
Adreno 508
4 GB / 64 GB
5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus

Sonim announced the launch of the XP8 smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The XP8 series was launched with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 1080 x 1920 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus). Let's dive into what makes this device unique.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Sonim XP8 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Sonim XP8 / 1

Sonim XP8 specifications

BrandSonim
NameXP8
ModelXP8800
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight11.82 oz
Dimensions5.98 x 3.13 x 0.71 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Sonim XP8 is about 11.82 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

Sonim XP8 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.0 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 630
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 508

The Sonim XP8 comes with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.

Sonim XP8 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Sonim XP8 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Sonim XP8 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. You can expand the internal storage (64 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Sonim XP8 / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The XP8 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The XP8 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The XP8 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 4900 mAh

The Li-Ion 4900 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM, Fast charging, Quick Charge

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The XP8 smartphone has an accelerometer. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The fast charging technology comes in handy when you need quick juice on your device. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Sonim phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • good battery
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Sonim XP8 to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / Sonim / Sonim XP8