Sonim XP3 Quest User Reviews

Buy this phone for what it does best and you will have no complaints. Think of it as a basic communications device for harsh conditions.

If you want something to take pictures with, this is not the phone for you. Yes it has a camera but it is frustratingly awkward and slow to use. Don't expect to be able to send picture messages either - you can't. But the built-in torch, is a good and useful feature that has saved the day on many occasions.

Many times I have wanted to throw this phone at the wall or stamp on it due to the poor user interfaces and inadequate instructions. Had I done so, the phone would have been undamaged - yes it really is a tough old beast.

Battery life is sensational. Not used the radio and not interested in mp3 files either. PC software is an absolute swine to get working - again the instructions miss out on important details and it is all a bit flaky.

Support and aftersales is superb. I had a problem with call quality and a new handset arrived in the post having contacted support via email.

This is a niche product and will not sell in volume - hence the stiff price, but worth paying if you want a rugged phone. If I lost mine, I would replace it with an identical model - it is the only phone to consider if you work or play in tough conditions.

Improvements could be made to predictive text entry mode and the ability to send photographs would make me consider upgrading. Better software would be nice and a faster camera and better resolution, aswell please.

If you work in an environment that justifies the price of this phone you will be probably be satisfied with your choice of the XP3 Quest if you are lucky enough to purchase one without any battery issues.

After a little perseverance and several calls to Sonim after sales helpline you will be able to get the WAP up and running and use the java applications such as the AMAZE GPS software. I wouldnt recommend using the built in GPS as a primary means of navigation but it could be useful as a back up and picks up a position relitavely quickly. The GPS alone without the software will provide you with longitude, latitude, altitude, speed, date and time.

Unfortunately these setttings cannot be personalised and the information provided cannot be exploited by sending your position by sms for example. To use GPS information you have to be able to connect to the WAP and use the software which is of course at extra cost. An icon to indicate when the GPS is activated would be useful. The FM radio works fine and can be listened to on the external speaker provided the earphones remain connected to the phone. The earphones themselves are well constructed but unfortunately cannot be used to listen to any MP3 files.

These can only be listened to on the external speaker which sort of defeats the object of having a flight safe mode because for most people this is the main reason using the telephone on an aircraft unless you are a Suduko addict. Games can be downloaded onto the phone via WAP. The PC software provided with the phone can be tricky to install and the multimedia file manage will only work if you have outlook installed on your computer.

The camera is basic and functional but is annoyingly slow to save photographs between shots. At the end of the day, if you want to make calls and send / recieve SMS in a harsh environment then this is the phone for you.

As I have mentionned, I have not yet experienced any battery problems with my XP3 although there seems to be many reviews highlighting this problem. Sonim would probably do better by scrapping the GPS and WAP and multimedia capabilities and concentrate on marketing a basic rugged phone at a more affordable price. On a final note,the after sales services are excellent and the people you speak with are very helpful in dealing with your problems but I suspect this is because they are getting lots of practice.

Had the phone 3 days from new. Phone being returned as has hardware fault, loudspeaker fault and the battery discharges within 12 hours. Phone charger slot at bottom does not lock.

Features are minimilistic to save battery life. GPS function is useless and not so sure why they advertise this function as the instructions do not tell you how to use it, as it does not tell you your location. Rugged exterior and looks good. I would not test it for water resistance if the bottom of the phone does not lock.

Call quality ok with no problems. Software has been a big issue. Phone would not turn on, save numbers and need rebooting several times. Now it has a battery life of around 12 hours rather than 2 months.

Handsfree that came with it has a wire cut somewhere as only plays through one ear. I must be unlucky with this and will be returning the handset very promptly for one that works, not a happy chappy.