The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing a device that can withstand drops, dust, and water. The Blackview BV5100 and Cat S62 Pro both aim to deliver this durability, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, the Blackview BV5100 offers a compelling value. However, the Cat S62 Pro, with its superior Snapdragon 660 chipset, provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, making it the better choice for users who demand more from their rugged device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 13. Released 2020, November | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 77.7 x 13.7 mm (6.28 x 3.06 x 0.54 in) | 158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 275 g (9.70 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 |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762V/WD Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 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) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide)
0.3 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Wireless | - |
| Type | 5580 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green, Yellow | Black |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Blackview BV5100
- Significantly more affordable
- Rugged design provides excellent protection
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Slow performance due to the Helio P22 chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Potentially slower camera processing
Cat S62 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance with Snapdragon 660
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Higher price point
- May not offer significantly longer battery life despite efficiency gains
- Rugged design may add bulk
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, but both likely target functional clarity over visual fidelity. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro will likely handle animations and transitions more smoothly. While neither is likely to offer high peak brightness, the Cat S62 Pro’s more powerful GPU could potentially allow for better HDR support, if implemented.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) is more capable than the Helio P22’s, resulting in faster image capture and potentially better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. It’s reasonable to assume the Cat S62 Pro will offer superior video recording capabilities. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage for the device that has it.
Performance
The core of the difference between these two phones is the chipset. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) is a significant step up from the Blackview BV5100’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores, clocked up to 2.2 GHz, offer substantially better single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. The 14nm process node, while older, allows for higher sustained performance than the 12nm Helio P22, reducing the likelihood of throttling under load. The Cat S62 Pro will handle graphically intensive tasks and demanding applications with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature large batteries, typical of rugged phones. The Blackview BV5100 offers 18W wired charging, while the Cat S62 Pro’s charging speed is unspecified. While a larger mAh capacity is generally better, the Snapdragon 660’s improved power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Cat S62 Pro. The 18W charging on the BV5100 is a standard rate, while the Cat S62 Pro may or may not support faster charging, impacting the convenience of topping up the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview BV5100 if you need a highly affordable, genuinely rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks like navigation or basic photography. It’s ideal for users on a tight budget or those who primarily need a reliable backup device. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more refined user experience, faster app loading times, and better multitasking capabilities, even within a rugged form factor. This phone suits users who rely on their smartphone for work or more demanding applications in challenging environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview BV5100 struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P22 chipset in the Blackview BV5100 is not designed for demanding games. While you might be able to run them at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and a generally poor gaming experience. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, though still not at flagship levels.
❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro’s price premium worth it for the performance increase?
That depends on your usage. If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and basic apps, the Blackview BV5100 is sufficient. However, if you rely on your phone for work, multitasking, or frequently use demanding apps, the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and overall usability, justifying the higher price for many users.
❓ How does the ruggedness of these phones compare in real-world scenarios?
Both phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, meeting IP68 standards for water and dust resistance. However, the specific materials and construction techniques may differ. Without drop test data, it’s difficult to definitively say which is more durable, but both are designed to handle accidental drops and exposure to the elements.
