The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The Blackview BV6600E aims to deliver this at an accessible price point, while the Cat S62 Pro represents a more premium, feature-rich offering. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device best balances toughness with usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and decent performance for basic tasks, the Blackview BV6600E is the better choice. However, professionals needing sustained performance for demanding applications and benefiting from a more refined software experience will find the Cat S62 Pro a worthwhile investment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 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 | 2021, September | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 79.4 x 18 mm (6.26 x 3.13 x 0.71 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 | 325 g (11.46 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | 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 | Dragontrail Glass | 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 (~66.4% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| 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 |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | 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 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 | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 8580 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Black |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Blackview BV6600E
- More affordable price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful processor
- Potentially lower image quality
Cat S62 Pro
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Likely faster charging speeds
- Potentially better camera performance
- Higher price tag
- May not offer a dramatically different level of ruggedness
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but the focus is clearly on durability, not visual fidelity. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison, but rugged phones generally prioritize visibility in direct sunlight over color accuracy. Expect both to feature toughened glass for scratch resistance.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Cat S62 Pro, being a higher-tier device, likely benefits from a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 660. This would result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, even with similar sensor sizes. The BV6600E will likely suffice for basic documentation, but the S62 Pro is the better choice for users who rely on their phone for work-related photography.
Performance
The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) represents a significant advantage over the Blackview BV6600E’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Snapdragon 660’s smaller fabrication node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. This translates to noticeably faster application loading times and smoother multitasking on the Cat S62 Pro. The Kryo 260 cores, with their 2.2 GHz clock speed, outperform the Cortex-A55 cores in the BV6600E, which are clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. Users running mapping apps, data logging software, or other processor-intensive tasks will experience a substantial benefit from the S62 Pro’s chipset.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the charging speeds reveal a key difference. The Blackview BV6600E’s 10W wired charging is significantly slower than what the Cat S62 Pro likely offers (based on its price point and chipset capabilities). This means the S62 Pro will reach a full charge much faster, minimizing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the BV6600E could partially offset this, the convenience of quicker charging is a significant advantage for users who need their phone available throughout the workday.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview BV6600E if you need a highly durable phone for occasional outdoor use, basic communication, and aren't reliant on intensive apps. It's ideal for construction workers needing a backup phone or those on a tight budget. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more powerful processor for running specialized apps, require faster charging, and value a more polished user experience, making it suitable for field service technicians or demanding job sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Blackview BV6600E struggle with demanding work apps like CAD viewers or complex spreadsheets?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle basic tasks, it will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running resource-intensive applications. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 is far better suited for these workloads.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Blackview BV6600E compare to the Cat S62 Pro in terms of drop resistance and water/dust ingress protection?
Both phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, but Cat phones are generally certified to higher standards. While the BV6600E likely meets IP68 or IP69K ratings, the Cat S62 Pro often exceeds these, offering greater peace of mind for users working in extremely demanding environments. Specific certifications should be verified for each model.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Blackview BV6600E a dealbreaker if I need my phone fully charged quickly throughout the day?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. It will take several hours to fully charge the device, making it inconvenient for users who rely on their phone constantly. The Cat S62 Pro, with its likely faster charging capabilities, is a better option for those prioritizing quick power-ups.
