Blackview BL9000 Pro vs. Cat S62 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, performance and features vary wildly. We pit the newer Blackview BL9000 Pro, boasting a modern Dimensity 8020 chipset and blazing-fast charging, against the established Cat S62 Pro, known for its robust build and reliable, if older, Snapdragon 660 platform. This comparison aims to determine which device delivers the best balance of toughness and usability.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Blackview BL9000 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8020 chipset offers significantly more processing power, coupled with an exceptional 87-hour battery endurance and 120W charging. While the Cat S62 Pro remains a durable option, its aging Snapdragon 660 struggles to compete in demanding tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview BL9000 Pro Cat S62 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, April2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions179.5 x 82.6 x 17 mm (7.07 x 3.25 x 0.67 in)158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight412 g (14.53 oz)248 g (8.75 oz)
 -IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 mins) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus, Mohs level 7Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio)5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 512
OSAndroid 14, Doke-OS 4.0Android 10
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal512GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaThermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash
Triple50 MP, (wide), 1/1.57", PDAF 13 MP, 120˚, (ultrawide), AF FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module), 160x120-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, (wide), 1/2.8"8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired 5W reverse wired-
Type8800 mAhLi-Ion 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSplendid Gold, Interstellar BlackBlack
PriceAbout 550 EURAbout 530 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery87:06h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (272 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Blackview BL9000 Pro

  • Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
  • Exceptional battery life (87:06h endurance)
  • Ultra-fast 120W charging
  • Likely more advanced display technology

  • May be larger and heavier due to larger battery
  • Potential software bloat (typical of Blackview)

Cat S62 Pro

  • Proven rugged design and durability
  • Reliable, if slower, performance for basic tasks
  • Established brand reputation in the rugged phone market
  • Potentially more compact form factor

  • Outdated Snapdragon 660 processor struggles with modern apps
  • Slow charging speeds
  • Likely inferior display quality
  • Limited future software updates

Display Comparison

Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but given the market positioning, we can infer differences. The Cat S62 Pro likely features an older LCD panel, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. The Blackview BL9000 Pro, being a newer device, likely incorporates a more advanced panel – potentially AMOLED – offering superior contrast and color accuracy. The absence of refresh rate data suggests neither phone prioritizes a fluid visual experience, focusing instead on power efficiency.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the focus should be on the primary sensors. While both phones likely feature multiple cameras, the image quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing capabilities. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the BL9000 Pro’s overall focus on modern hardware, it’s reasonable to assume a more advanced camera system with better low-light performance and dynamic range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Blackview BL9000 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6nm) is a modern, octa-core processor built on a smaller fabrication node than the Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm). This translates to significantly improved CPU and GPU performance, as well as better thermal efficiency. The Dimensity 8020’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.6 GHz) are considerably faster than the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 Gold cores (2.2 GHz), resulting in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 6nm process also means the BL9000 Pro will generate less heat under load, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling.

Battery Life

Battery life is a key differentiator. The Blackview BL9000 Pro boasts an impressive 87:06h endurance, suggesting a large battery capacity optimized for extended use. Crucially, its 120W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Cat S62 Pro lacks this rapid charging capability, relying on slower charging speeds. While the exact mAh capacity of the Cat S62 Pro is unknown, the BL9000 Pro’s combination of endurance and charging speed provides a significant advantage for users who demand all-day battery life and minimal downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview BL9000 Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding applications like mobile gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously, and if fast charging and long battery life are critical. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a proven, reliable rugged design and are primarily focused on basic communication and light usage, and are comfortable with a less powerful processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 8020 in the Blackview BL9000 Pro generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8020’s 6nm fabrication process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 660’s 14nm process. While gaming will inevitably generate heat, the BL9000 Pro is less likely to experience significant performance throttling due to overheating, allowing for longer, more consistent gaming experiences.
❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro still a viable option for users who primarily need a durable phone for basic communication and occasional photography?
Yes, the Cat S62 Pro remains a solid choice for users with basic needs. Its rugged design and reliable build quality ensure it can withstand harsh conditions. However, be prepared for slower performance and limited capabilities when running demanding applications or multitasking.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Blackview BL9000 Pro with the 120W charger?
While a precise figure requires testing, 120W charging typically delivers a full charge in under 40 minutes. This is a substantial improvement over the Cat S62 Pro’s slower charging speeds, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.