The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user – those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The Blackview Oscal C70 aims to disrupt this space with a budget-friendly approach, while the Cat S62 Pro represents a more established, premium offering. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best balance of toughness and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value and acceptable performance for everyday tasks, the Blackview Oscal C70 offers a compelling package. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s more powerful Snapdragon 660 chipset and potentially better software support make it the superior choice for users demanding smoother multitasking and sustained performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 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 | 2023, April 20 | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 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 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.7% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke-OS 3.1 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
0.3 MP, (depth) | 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, panorama | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5180 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dim Forest Green, Summer Sky Blue, Stardust Grey | Black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Blackview Oscal C70
- Significantly more affordable price point.
- Potentially better battery life due to the less powerful chipset.
- Rugged design for durability in harsh environments.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the Cat S62 Pro.
- Likely inferior camera performance.
- Limited software support and updates expected.
Cat S62 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Snapdragon 660.
- Potentially better camera image quality.
- Stronger brand reputation for rugged devices and software support.
- Higher price tag.
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load.
- May be overkill for basic users.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing for the Oscal C70, suggesting a standard LCD. The Cat S62 Pro also utilizes an LCD. The key difference lies in processing power; the Snapdragon 660’s ISP likely provides slightly better image processing for display output. However, without specific brightness and color accuracy data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight, typical for rugged phones prioritizing battery life and durability over screen quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 660’s superior ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The S62 Pro likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms. The Oscal C70 will likely rely heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the S62 Pro’s chipset gives it a clear edge in potential image quality.
Performance
The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) significantly outperforms the Blackview Oscal C70’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores, clocked up to 2.2 GHz, offer a substantial advantage in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the T606’s Cortex-A75/A55 configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. While the T606 is more power-efficient due to the slightly smaller node, the Snapdragon 660’s architectural advantages outweigh this benefit. Gamers will find the S62 Pro capable of handling more demanding titles at playable frame rates.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 660, despite being a 14nm chip, is known for its relatively efficient power management. The Unisoc T606, while also efficient, is less powerful, meaning it may not require as much power to perform basic tasks. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it difficult to assess 0-100% charging times. The Cat S62 Pro’s potentially more efficient software optimization could offset any theoretical battery capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Oscal C70 if you need a highly affordable, durable phone for basic communication, light media consumption, and occasional outdoor use. It’s ideal for those on a tight budget or as a secondary device. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more refined experience with noticeably faster performance, better multitasking capabilities, and a brand known for long-term software support, even if it comes at a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Oscal C70 struggle with demanding apps like navigation or video editing?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset is designed for basic to moderate tasks. While it can handle navigation, expect slower processing times and potential lag when running multiple apps simultaneously or editing large video files. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 is far better suited for these workloads.
❓ How does the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 handle gaming compared to the Oscal C70?
The Snapdragon 660 offers a significantly better gaming experience. It can handle most popular mobile games at medium settings with playable frame rates. The Oscal C70’s Unisoc T606 will struggle with graphically intensive games, requiring lower settings and potentially experiencing frame drops.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed for the Blackview Oscal C70, and for how long?
Blackview’s track record for software updates is inconsistent. Expect limited updates, primarily security patches, and don’t anticipate major Android version upgrades. The Cat S62 Pro, being from a more established brand, is likely to receive more consistent and longer-term software support.
❓ What level of water and dust resistance can I expect from each device?
Both phones are marketed as rugged, but specific IP ratings are crucial. While details are missing, Cat phones are generally known for adhering to stringent IP68 or IP69K standards, offering excellent protection against water and dust. The Oscal C70’s level of protection may be lower, so verifying the exact IP rating is essential.
