Blackview Oscal S80 vs Cat S53: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison

Looking for a phone that can withstand the elements? The Blackview Oscal S80 and Cat S53 are both contenders in the rugged smartphone arena, boasting durability and unique features. But which one offers the best overall package? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Cat S53 edges out the Oscal S80 thanks to its 5G connectivity and wireless charging, despite the Oscal S80's more powerful chipset. Both offer rugged builds, but the Cat S53's focus on connectivity and convenience gives it a slight advantage for users needing modern features.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview Oscal S80 Cat S53
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100 HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 66, 77, 78
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, January 032022, July 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, February 13Available. Released 2022, July 19
Body
Dimensions174 x 81.4 x 18.9 mm (6.85 x 3.20 x 0.74 in)171 x 81 x 16 mm (6.73 x 3.19 x 0.63 in)
SIMHybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight460 g (1.01 lb)320 g (11.29 oz)
 IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliantIP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant Dedicated flashlight
Display
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, Doke-OS 3.0Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0
Triple12 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.55", PDAF 8 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP, (depth)-
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack UnspecifiedYes
35mm jack-Yes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
Battery
Charging33W wired, 51% in 66 min (advertised) Reverse chargingWireless
TypeLi-Po 13000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsNavy Green, Mecha Orange, Conquest BlackBlack
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 530 EUR

Blackview Oscal S80

  • More powerful chipset (Helio G85)
  • Faster wired charging (33W)
  • Potentially better display (higher resolution)
  • Generally more affordable

  • No 5G connectivity
  • No wireless charging
  • Camera quality likely average

Cat S53

  • 5G connectivity
  • Wireless charging
  • Rugged design and durability
  • More streamlined software experience

  • Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 480 5G)
  • Slower charging
  • Potentially lower display quality
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

Both phones feature displays designed for outdoor visibility, but the Oscal S80 likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially brighter screen. The Cat S53's display is known for its durability, often featuring Gorilla Glass protection. Specific display specs (resolution, size, brightness) are needed for a more precise comparison.

Camera Comparison

Camera quality is often a weak point in rugged phones. While specific megapixel counts are needed, the Oscal S80's more powerful chipset *could* translate to better image processing. The Cat S53's camera is likely adequate for basic photography, but don't expect flagship-level results from either device.

Performance

The Blackview Oscal S80's Helio G85 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Cat S53's Snapdragon 480 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Oscal S80. The Snapdragon 480 is still capable, but the G85 is the clear winner here.

Battery Life

Both phones offer decent battery life, but the Cat S53's wireless charging provides added convenience. The Oscal S80's 33W wired charging is faster than the Cat S53's, potentially allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Blackview Oscal S80 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and gaming on a budget, needing a robust device for demanding tasks. The Cat S53 is best suited for those needing 5G connectivity, wireless charging, and a slightly more streamlined experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Cat S53 waterproof?
Yes, the Cat S53 is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Can the Blackview Oscal S80 handle heavy gaming?
The Helio G85 chipset in the Oscal S80 is capable of handling most mobile games, although demanding titles may require lower graphics settings.