The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing a device that can withstand drops, dust, and water. Both the Blackview BV6300 Pro and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver this durability, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into the chipset choices, performance implications, and overall value proposition of each device, helping you determine which one best suits your demanding lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and a slightly more modern chipset, the Cat S62 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 660, built on a 14nm process, generally offers more consistent performance and potentially better thermal management than the Blackview's Helio P70. However, the BV6300 Pro's wireless charging is a compelling feature for those seeking added convenience.
| 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 / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 24. Released 2020, May | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159.6 x 78.2 x 12.8 mm (6.28 x 3.08 x 0.50 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 | 230 g (8.11 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 (~67.2% 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 (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771T Helio P70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
10W wireless | - |
| Type | 4380 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green, Yellow | Black |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Blackview BV6300 Pro
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Potentially lower price point
- Helio P70 offers decent performance for everyday tasks
- Helio P70 may throttle under sustained load
- MediaTek chipsets generally have less consistent software support
- Potentially less efficient power consumption
Cat S62 Pro
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 offers more consistent performance
- Established brand reputation in the rugged phone market
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Lacks wireless charging
- May be more expensive than the Blackview BV6300 Pro
- Older chipset architecture
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, but both are likely to be 720p+ to balance durability with battery life. The key difference lies in the underlying processors impacting UI smoothness. While neither is expected to have high refresh rates, the Snapdragon 660's GPU may provide a slightly more responsive experience during scrolling and video playback. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, prioritizing screen protection over a modern, edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 660’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) gives the Cat S62 Pro an advantage in image processing. The ISP handles noise reduction, color accuracy, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the quality of the sensors and software processing will be crucial. We can assume both will offer acceptable performance in good lighting conditions, but the Cat S62 Pro is likely to perform better in low-light scenarios due to Qualcomm’s superior ISP capabilities. Avoid placing too much weight on the presence of 2MP macro lenses on either device; their image quality is typically limited.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) features Kryo 260 cores, offering a more refined architecture than the Blackview BV6300 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). While the P70's Cortex-A73 cores clock slightly higher (2.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon 660’s more efficient 14nm process and optimized Kryo cores generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. This means the Cat S62 Pro is less likely to throttle under prolonged load, benefiting users who engage in extended GPS navigation or use demanding apps. The Snapdragon 660 also benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor, potentially leading to better camera performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices, but rugged phones typically prioritize long battery life. The Blackview BV6300 Pro gains a significant advantage with its 18W wired and 10W wireless charging support. The Cat S62 Pro likely relies solely on wired charging, and its wattage is unknown. Wireless charging adds convenience for users who frequently charge their phones in the field or prefer a cable-free experience. While a larger battery capacity is always desirable, the efficiency of the chipset and display play a crucial role in overall battery life. The Snapdragon 660’s 14nm process may offer slightly better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the BV6300 Pro.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview BV6300 Pro if you need a rugged phone with wireless charging capabilities and are comfortable with potentially slightly lower peak performance. It's ideal for users who prioritize convenience and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more established brand in the rugged space and value consistent performance from a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, making it a better fit for users who frequently use navigation apps, run multiple tasks simultaneously, or require reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview BV6300 Pro struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P70 in the Blackview BV6300 Pro can run PUBG Mobile, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset's thermal management may also lead to throttling during extended gaming sessions, resulting in performance drops. The Cat S62 Pro's Snapdragon 660 is better equipped to handle sustained gaming loads.
❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro's Snapdragon 660 still a relevant chipset in 2024?
While not the latest and greatest, the Snapdragon 660 remains a capable chipset for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. It offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, and Qualcomm’s software optimization ensures a smooth user experience. It’s perfectly adequate for a rugged phone focused on durability and reliability rather than cutting-edge gaming.
❓ How does the ruggedness of these phones compare in real-world scenarios?
Both phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, meeting IP68 standards for dust and water resistance. However, Cat phones have a longer history in the rugged market and often undergo more rigorous testing. While the Blackview BV6300 Pro is undoubtedly durable, the Cat S62 Pro may offer a slightly higher level of confidence in extreme environments.
