Mission critical situations require smart communication, data collection, sharing, and connectivity more than ever before. For those working in extreme conditions or demanding environments, no ordinary smartphone will do. The Sonim XP8 is the ultra-reliable, ultra-rugged smartphone that’s built to provide those who serve in mission-critical roles with the smart communication they need, regardless of situation or environment. To fully understand why the XP8 is considered one of the most ultra-rugged smart phones in the industry, it’s important to know the standards the XP8 and all Sonim mobile devices must meet.
Rugged Performance Standards
When we set out to build the most durable phones, we realized that there were no true standards outlining what defines an “ultra-rugged” mobile device. Many vendors would claim to have “rugged” devices, but often they would do little more than add a thicker case and/or bumpers on the corners to make it look rugged. Understanding that this was a critical missing element in our industry, we set out to create a set of standards all rugged devices must live up to. The result was 12 benchmarks of endurance and mobility known as the Sonim Rugged Performance Standards (RPS). Sonim’s RPS are based on over ten years of feedback from customer usage in the world’s most extreme environments. Every Sonim mobile device is designed and built with the following RPS in mind:
Drop and Impact Resistant
Many vendors will state “military-grade ruggedness” based on compliance with MIL-STD-810G. For drop tests this military standard requires a 26-point drop test ensuring that all possible points of impact on the device are checked. While most rugged-phone providers simply meet the MIL-STD-810G requirements and drop test from 4 foot to plywood over concrete, Sonim goes a step further by conducting drop tests at 6 feet directly to concrete, which is more than twice the impact force to the device.
It’s important to note that there is no outside auditor for MIL-STD-810G testing. Vendors are left to self-test their own products and have leeway in doing so, so MIL-STD-810G claims should be followed up with questions to ensure devices are rigorously tested like the XP8.
Waterproof
The XP8’s IP68 rating means it can be submerged in water, up to 6.5 ft for 30 minutes, and the IP69K rating indicates resistance to high temperature pressure washing.
“We recently had a tourist fish out a Sonim device lost on a Jet Ski patrol in mid 2019. We dried the device off and turned it on to find it fully functioning after a year of being underwater.”
— David Vaughan, South Walton Fire District, Beach Safety Director
Resistant to Oil and Chemicals
Recent global events, including the COVID-19 virus, have resulted in many questions regarding “mobile hygiene” best practices. And, given USA Today’s recent report