I have had the Sonim XP5s for over a year and I love this phone. The only reason I don’t use it any longer is because the T-Mobile/Sprint merger is complete and as it is CDMA (Sprint was CDMA where T-Mobile is GSM), it would no longer work with the carrier as of the middle of January. Here are my thoughts on the phone. Aesthetics - I think his phone is fantastic in its design. The textures look and feel good. The two tone color scheme (black with grey accents) looks really good to me. The thickness does make it odd to carry but it feels fantastic in you hand. It is easy to text one handed. I think it would even be better if it used an e-ink screen but that is my subjective opinion. Ruggedness - There is never a doubt about how rugged this phone it. You don’t have to worry about dropping it. You don’t have to worry about getting liquids on it (someone supposedly put it in Jet fuel for 18 hours to disinfect it with no problems). I have used it to open pistachios by smashing them open with it and there wasn’t a scratch on the phone. Use as a phone - This phone had better connections with cell towers and as a mobile hotspot than any cellular phone I have ever had. Rarely was I in a position where this phone wouldn’t get a signal. Any phone call was clear 99% of the time with the remaining one percent being where I wasn’t within in good cell tower range. It also did texting very well. The web browser is usable but not quick. Text messaging is very good and multiple person texts work very well. Battery life is also quite good. The original software it came with would last up to seven days in standby. Sprint updated the software to make the icons in color and to have the voice assistant. That lowered the battery duration to a maximum of three days in standby. Still very usable. Critiques - as the screen isn’t a touch screen, being able to enlarge a picture or item in a text message is spotty. You can sometimes hit the center d pad button to zoom in. It may not zoom in enough or it may not zoom in at all. I have had to ask friends to resend the image they sent via SMS to my email so I can read it. The other critique I have is that accessories are expensive. Do you want a holster to carry the phone? $40. Do want the 3.5mm earpiece adapter? $50-75. Do want a charging dock instead of using the USB C cable? I don’t think you could get a single dock so forget it. Other - this can use the ouch to talk feature through the carrier’s software or through other software which could be a great feature for business, first responders, or just a family that wants better connectivity. It at least had the capability to add other software through adb and the only things I added were a mouse pointer (mine didn’t have that from the factory except for a partial one on the web browser) and Signal. Both are usable though Signal is a bit clunky as it was designed solely for a touch screen. I would have experimented with more programs but I switched phones before that was necessary. The only reason I didn’t purchase the upcoming Sonim XP5+, which will be compatible with T-Mobile, is because it won’t be available until this summer and my wife would probably divorce me if I didn’t have a phone for that long. Is this phone right for you? If you are looking for a very good feature phone that is tougher than nails, then you will enjoy this phone (unless you prefer a smaller form factor in which case the Sonim XP3+ flip phone would be good for you)! If you need to have other applications? I suggest something else.
@texhale when the XP3+ came out, I contacted Sonim directly to see if there was going to be an XP5+. The young lady that responded via email said there would be an XP5+, they hoped it would come out this summer, and wouldn’t release any other details other than to say it should have similar upgrades to the XP3+. So I don’t really know anything other than what this person told me but it seems promising to me. Sonim has a history of not releasing much information on new phones until they are in production so I am encouraged and I hope this comes to pass.
You mention in the video that you have the XP5 and that you thought you ordered the XP5s, but the phone in the video is in fact an XP5s. The XP5, among other differences, has a hardware torch button in the place of the XP5s' hardware speakerphone key. I had this phone for about 2 years before switching to the Gabb Z2 and I loved it.
A practical phone which makes sense, rugged and waterproof for those who do not need to make a fashion statement. I own the XP8 after ditching a slim, flimsy Samsung. Will never go back.
Recently got a Sonim XP5S myself and I dig it...Got the Verizon version and am using it with US Mobile. Everything including the hotspot works perfectly..Only thing is I can't update it to the newest version...oh well. Works fine as it is. From an accessibility standpoint, especially the screen reader (which I use daily, being fully blind), it's quite useable, but not as good as the Kyoceras. That being said I got it because I really loved the form factor of the Kyocera DuraTR, which sadly, I don't think I can use anymore. So heads-up to anyone who's visually impaired wanting a basic phone: if you're willing to experiment and don't mind a minor hick-up or two, this is a great choice -- I can elaborate more on the "hick-ups" if anyone wishes.
@@Saved-qv2ow The biggest issue you will find, is that Talkback tends to stop talking in the middle of a task. Like, texting or going through a menu. Doesn't happen super often, but it is something to be aware of. So you will have to either use the shortcut (volume keys) to turn it off and back on, or another thing I do is go to another tool or application and to the home screen until it starts talking again. You definitely have to be aware of what you're doing on the device at all times. So yeah, pretty big issue but if you're willing to work around it it's okay. Another issue, though not quite as severe, is sometimes before saying the next menu item, it will repeat either the previous one of the name of the app you're in. I'd say this is definitely more a phone for those that don't mind a workaround or two, or are a bit more savvy.
@@MrMrdavis98 > Thank you ever so much, appreciate you taking the time to get back to me! I was looking at the Raz MIniVision2 cell phone for my brother who is blind; the Mini2 is a bit to pricy for him. I will let him know what you informed me of, and the suggested work arounds. Again Thank You!
@@MrMrdavis98 > Kyocera, looked it up; it is on the list of workable cell phones with our network carrier. Will definitely look that up on YT. Again, Thank You, so very much!!!
Cool, I was looking into getting this phone the night before you uploaded this. Too bad this isn't the S. I would love to see how whatsapp and spotify behave on this phone. Currently using a nokia 6300 4g on verizon but looking for an "upgrade".
Could you make a video about how to convince a family member or your spouse to also make the switch to a dumb phone or at least be mindful about their smartphone usage? My boyfriend has a borderline phone addiction and is always on his phone whenever he's off work or with me. I've told him a few times and he doesn't believe he's addicted.
I just discovered your channel and I'm wondering if you have any videos where you define your terms, i.e. what qualifies as a dumbphone, what you mean by digital minimalism, etc? I would love to see some context along with the reviews. Thanks!
Hey! Thanks for watching. I believe my written posts would be helpful with some of those questions. Check it out here: medium.com/@jbriones95 Dumbphone for me is basic phones that don't have all the infinite scrolling feeds, but just tools that are able to help you in the world. Digital Minimalism is more of the big umbrella and for me it's the process of looking to minimize digital usage and improving the quality of life :)
What is the use case/target audience for this phone? Some mentioned military - is that it's purpose? And for regular consumers? Is it for like preppers, to be very durable and reliable? Security and integrity? Digital detox+ why so thick? I just now stumbled upon this segment. Didn't know they release all these new old Nokias and stuff. :)
Hi Jose nice video, what is the phone that has the better battery lasting, screen brightness and candybar with T9? i miss candybar phones with T9, the phones nowadays i cannot hear them in the car, and cannot see the screen on max brightness when on the beach. Maybe i can still get a Samsung Xcover 550 like phone? The Inrico T310/Voiceping P1 looks fine but i don't know if the screen is bright enough and the battery lasts some reasonable time. Any advice?
Thank you for the video. I actually have the XP5s carrier unlocked from ATT, but the mobile hotspot feature was locked to ATT only, is your Verizon model the same? Also talking about the apk install, you put the update as a future year for December 😛
Thank you for your review. I have the same one and after 3 years stopped working half of the buttons at all, so I can't use the phone anymore. Do you know what could happen ? Any suggestions ?
Can anyone tell me why one would want a phone (dumb or otherwise) without a camera? Why not just elect to not use the camera? From my research/shopping around, the camera-less versions of dumbphones are the exact same price as the version with a camera. Why not just get the equally priced camera version, even if you don't plan to use it, just in case? /gen
Niya, to answer your question, this phones were primarily designed for government workers like 1st responders, police, security and military personnel and not a consumer product. With the absence of Cameras it ensures privacy in highly sensitive and classified places.
@@JoseBriones Also Sonim is not the only one, other manufacturers of so-called "smart feature phones" that run a stripped down version of Android instead of KaiOS do the same thing.
Is it possible to do GPS navigation on this phone at all? If not do you know of a similar basic phone that allows for gps navigation? Thanks for the great videos!
@@JoseBriones that’s a huge downer, I’m definitely ready to step down my smartphone use but love visible for their FULLY unlimited hotspot. Do you know of any dumphones that do work? Thanks for the help and keep up the great content, I don’t get why you don’t have 50K by now lol
I would like to have one of these but Verizon has stopped carrying them for some reason. Do you know where I could buy one that will work on the Verizon network?
I had the older version of this phone, I think it was XP5 without the "s", I was able to install WhatsApp on it but I couldn't do anything - there was a problem with the user interface of the app. I'm now using Nokia 800 Tough, I rooted it, removed the bloatwares and I have WhatsApp working on it perfectly, but there was an update somewhere in 2021 that prevents it to be rooted again and the bloatware came back and I can't do anything anymore. I'll throw this phone if anyone can share their experience of using WhatsApp on XP5s. Thank you.
If you use ADB, you can sideliad apk's, so you could see if you can use like a VNC like program. **#***#2387**#*#** gets you devoloper option, then enable USB debugging.
Get it here: amzn.to/3nBpfKO In order to install Android Apps, you have to do the following: 1. Dial star pound star pound 2387 pound star pound star 2. Enable Development Options and then USB debugging 3. Install Apps via ADB through a computer. Most apps work, but not all.
Dump phones became more interesting than smartphones these days.
I have had the Sonim XP5s for over a year and I love this phone. The only reason I don’t use it any longer is because the T-Mobile/Sprint merger is complete and as it is CDMA (Sprint was CDMA where T-Mobile is GSM), it would no longer work with the carrier as of the middle of January. Here are my thoughts on the phone.
Aesthetics - I think his phone is fantastic in its design. The textures look and feel good. The two tone color scheme (black with grey accents) looks really good to me. The thickness does make it odd to carry but it feels fantastic in you hand. It is easy to text one handed. I think it would even be better if it used an e-ink screen but that is my subjective opinion.
Ruggedness - There is never a doubt about how rugged this phone it. You don’t have to worry about dropping it. You don’t have to worry about getting liquids on it (someone supposedly put it in Jet fuel for 18 hours to disinfect it with no problems). I have used it to open pistachios by smashing them open with it and there wasn’t a scratch on the phone.
Use as a phone - This phone had better connections with cell towers and as a mobile hotspot than any cellular phone I have ever had. Rarely was I in a position where this phone wouldn’t get a signal. Any phone call was clear 99% of the time with the remaining one percent being where I wasn’t within in good cell tower range. It also did texting very well. The web browser is usable but not quick. Text messaging is very good and multiple person texts work very well.
Battery life is also quite good. The original software it came with would last up to seven days in standby. Sprint updated the software to make the icons in color and to have the voice assistant. That lowered the battery duration to a maximum of three days in standby. Still very usable.
Critiques - as the screen isn’t a touch screen, being able to enlarge a picture or item in a text message is spotty. You can sometimes hit the center d pad button to zoom in. It may not zoom in enough or it may not zoom in at all. I have had to ask friends to resend the image they sent via SMS to my email so I can read it.
The other critique I have is that accessories are expensive. Do you want a holster to carry the phone? $40. Do want the 3.5mm earpiece adapter? $50-75. Do want a charging dock instead of using the USB C cable? I don’t think you could get a single dock so forget it.
Other - this can use the ouch to talk feature through the carrier’s software or through other software which could be a great feature for business, first responders, or just a family that wants better connectivity. It at least had the capability to add other software through adb and the only things I added were a mouse pointer (mine didn’t have that from the factory except for a partial one on the web browser) and Signal. Both are usable though Signal is a bit clunky as it was designed solely for a touch screen. I would have experimented with more programs but I switched phones before that was necessary.
The only reason I didn’t purchase the upcoming Sonim XP5+, which will be compatible with T-Mobile, is because it won’t be available until this summer and my wife would probably divorce me if I didn’t have a phone for that long. Is this phone right for you? If you are looking for a very good feature phone that is tougher than nails, then you will enjoy this phone (unless you prefer a smaller form factor in which case the Sonim XP3+ flip phone would be good for you)! If you need to have other applications? I suggest something else.
@texhale when the XP3+ came out, I contacted Sonim directly to see if there was going to be an XP5+. The young lady that responded via email said there would be an XP5+, they hoped it would come out this summer, and wouldn’t release any other details other than to say it should have similar upgrades to the XP3+. So I don’t really know anything other than what this person told me but it seems promising to me. Sonim has a history of not releasing much information on new phones until they are in production so I am encouraged and I hope this comes to pass.
You mention in the video that you have the XP5 and that you thought you ordered the XP5s, but the phone in the video is in fact an XP5s. The XP5, among other differences, has a hardware torch button in the place of the XP5s' hardware speakerphone key.
I had this phone for about 2 years before switching to the Gabb Z2 and I loved it.
A practical phone which makes sense, rugged and waterproof for those who do not need to make a fashion statement. I own the XP8 after ditching a slim, flimsy Samsung. Will never go back.
How is your Sonim? Works well ?
Recently got a Sonim XP5S myself and I dig it...Got the Verizon version and am using it with US Mobile. Everything including the hotspot works perfectly..Only thing is I can't update it to the newest version...oh well. Works fine as it is. From an accessibility standpoint, especially the screen reader (which I use daily, being fully blind), it's quite useable, but not as good as the Kyoceras. That being said I got it because I really loved the form factor of the Kyocera DuraTR, which sadly, I don't think I can use anymore. So heads-up to anyone who's visually impaired wanting a basic phone: if you're willing to experiment and don't mind a minor hick-up or two, this is a great choice -- I can elaborate more on the "hick-ups" if anyone wishes.
WorldofMistaDavis> I'm interested in getting this phone; would definitely like to know your thoughts and the hick-up? Thanks
@@Saved-qv2ow The biggest issue you will find, is that Talkback tends to stop talking in the middle of a task. Like, texting or going through a menu. Doesn't happen super often, but it is something to be aware of. So you will have to either use the shortcut (volume keys) to turn it off and back on, or another thing I do is go to another tool or application and to the home screen until it starts talking again. You definitely have to be aware of what you're doing on the device at all times. So yeah, pretty big issue but if you're willing to work around it it's okay. Another issue, though not quite as severe, is sometimes before saying the next menu item, it will repeat either the previous one of the name of the app you're in. I'd say this is definitely more a phone for those that don't mind a workaround or two, or are a bit more savvy.
@@MrMrdavis98 > Thank you ever so much, appreciate you taking the time to get back to me! I was looking at the Raz MIniVision2 cell phone for my brother who is blind; the Mini2 is a bit to pricy for him. I will let him know what you informed me of, and the suggested work arounds. Again Thank You!
@@Saved-qv2ow Of course! I definitely recommend a Kyocera, if you can get your hands on one. But if not, the Sonim should be okay if you're patient.
@@MrMrdavis98 > Kyocera, looked it up; it is on the list of workable cell phones with our network carrier. Will definitely look that up on YT. Again, Thank You, so very much!!!
Cool, I was looking into getting this phone the night before you uploaded this. Too bad this isn't the S. I would love to see how whatsapp and spotify behave on this phone. Currently using a nokia 6300 4g on verizon but looking for an "upgrade".
After looking deeper, I have the S. Still a hassle to get apps supported on the device.
Could you make a video about how to convince a family member or your spouse to also make the switch to a dumb phone or at least be mindful about their smartphone usage? My boyfriend has a borderline phone addiction and is always on his phone whenever he's off work or with me. I've told him a few times and he doesn't believe he's addicted.
He has to have a AHA moment. Mine was when i was texting while holding my newborn son. I then knew i truly needed a dumbphone.
I just discovered your channel and I'm wondering if you have any videos where you define your terms, i.e. what qualifies as a dumbphone, what you mean by digital minimalism, etc? I would love to see some context along with the reviews. Thanks!
Hey! Thanks for watching. I believe my written posts would be helpful with some of those questions. Check it out here: medium.com/@jbriones95
Dumbphone for me is basic phones that don't have all the infinite scrolling feeds, but just tools that are able to help you in the world.
Digital Minimalism is more of the big umbrella and for me it's the process of looking to minimize digital usage and improving the quality of life :)
Awesome review! Nice work!! Battery life and EPTT are awesome!
What is the use case/target audience for this phone? Some mentioned military - is that it's purpose? And for regular consumers? Is it for like preppers, to be very durable and reliable? Security and integrity? Digital detox+ why so thick?
I just now stumbled upon this segment. Didn't know they release all these new old Nokias and stuff. :)
Basically anyone who wants a good PoC device. Police, fire, food delivery, anywhere real time communication is needed.
@@RKingis OK, thanks!
Hi Jose nice video, what is the phone that has the better battery lasting, screen brightness and candybar with T9? i miss candybar phones with T9, the phones nowadays i cannot hear them in the car, and cannot see the screen on max brightness when on the beach. Maybe i can still get a Samsung Xcover 550 like phone? The Inrico T310/Voiceping P1 looks fine but i don't know if the screen is bright enough and the battery lasts some reasonable time. Any advice?
Thank you for the video. I actually have the XP5s carrier unlocked from ATT, but the mobile hotspot feature was locked to ATT only, is your Verizon model the same?
Also talking about the apk install, you put the update as a future year for December 😛
Lol. Just realized that 😂. Supposed to day 2021. And apks can be installed with the method at the pinned comment.
Thank you for your review. I have the same one and after 3 years stopped working half of the buttons at all, so I can't use the phone anymore. Do you know what could happen ? Any suggestions ?
Can anyone tell me why one would want a phone (dumb or otherwise) without a camera? Why not just elect to not use the camera? From my research/shopping around, the camera-less versions of dumbphones are the exact same price as the version with a camera. Why not just get the equally priced camera version, even if you don't plan to use it, just in case? /gen
Some people need to not have a camera because they may work in areas where its restricted to use them like the government.
Niya, to answer your question, this phones were primarily designed for government workers like 1st responders, police, security and military personnel and not a consumer product.
With the absence of Cameras it ensures privacy in highly sensitive and classified places.
Good video . Does it have voice to text . Or maybe it's called speech to text , I can't remember?
Hello, many thanks for the video Jose. Is this a secure operating system based on AOSP?
Only GrapheneOS, but it's not available on basic phones
@@JoseBriones Thanks Jose, I was meaning whether the Sonim operating system is based on AOSP?
Why the manufacturer decides to block apk installation on their feature phones?
We think it's because of their military contracts and security. But you can sideload apps :)
@@JoseBriones Also Sonim is not the only one, other manufacturers of so-called "smart feature phones" that run a stripped down version of Android instead of KaiOS do the same thing.
I had the XP5 but I now use an XP3 flip.
Is it possible to do GPS navigation on this phone at all? If not do you know of a similar basic phone that allows for gps navigation? Thanks for the great videos!
It's not going to be very smooth. Look into the CAT S22 flip for better performance.
I’m curious if the Verizon version will work on Verizon MVNO’s like Visible.
It probably won’t. Visible needs newer protocols to work.
@@JoseBriones dang, do you think it would be the same story with the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme?
@@RL69420 most likely. They only are accepting newer phones and very little dumbphones.
@@JoseBriones that’s a huge downer, I’m definitely ready to step down my smartphone use but love visible for their FULLY unlimited hotspot. Do you know of any dumphones that do work? Thanks for the help and keep up the great content, I don’t get why you don’t have 50K by now lol
@@RL69420apparently they are blacklisting all IMEIs that are not for these devices. www.visible.com/help/compatible
What app do you need to use the Push to talk function?
Does this phone still work with Verizon? Trying to find something with a physical keyboard
No
I would like to have one of these but Verizon has stopped carrying them for some reason. Do you know where I could buy one that will work on the Verizon network?
Amazon would be your best bet.
I saw the disclaimer about Sonim blocking non approved apps. Can you still side load apps with an apk file?
You can via ADB
can you use mouse feature in text message mode to click on a link within a text message?
I had the older version of this phone, I think it was XP5 without the "s", I was able to install WhatsApp on it but I couldn't do anything - there was a problem with the user interface of the app. I'm now using Nokia 800 Tough, I rooted it, removed the bloatwares and I have WhatsApp working on it perfectly, but there was an update somewhere in 2021 that prevents it to be rooted again and the bloatware came back and I can't do anything anymore. I'll throw this phone if anyone can share their experience of using WhatsApp on XP5s. Thank you.
If you use ADB, you can sideliad apk's, so you could see if you can use like a VNC like program.
**#***#2387**#*#** gets you devoloper option, then enable USB debugging.
@@RKingis Does ADB allow to download any kind of GPS app?
@@uunz4075 If you download the APK file.
Wish they had one with a keyboard
How is battery life? (You didn’t mentioned it in the video)
2-3 days easy. 5 days possible
@@JoseBriones thanks
Any phone with internet in it is not a dumbphone.
Thanks for your opinion.
Nokia Asha series can access Internet but nobody call it smartphone.
What’s the best dumb phone with the best hotspot
Sonim is pretty good at hotspot.
can you access spotify online to play music?
It’s possible. But it’s not easy.
were can i buy this online?
Amazon
December 2022 hasn’t came yet
is the XP5s a de-googled device?
Yes.
Cómo instalo WhatsApp
No se puede usar bien con este dispositivo
No longer works in the U.S.
Get it here: amzn.to/3nBpfKO
In order to install Android Apps, you have to do the following:
1. Dial star pound star pound 2387 pound star pound star
2. Enable Development Options and then USB debugging
3. Install Apps via ADB through a computer. Most apps work, but not all.
Why are they so hard pressed against third party apps
@@darren537 I believe its because of their military contracts and security firms. I don't think its warranted, but it is what it is.