Casio's G'zOne series is legendary for its durability and resilience. But which model reigns supreme? We're pitting the CA-201L, known for its Snapdragon chipset, against the Commando, a popular choice for its robust build, to determine the ultimate rugged phone champion.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The CA-201L boasts a more modern chipset offering potentially better performance. However, the Commando's reputation for extreme durability and often more affordable price point makes it a strong contender. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: speed or ultimate toughness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | 13 | - |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | CDMA / EVDO |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, March. Released 2013, May | 2011, April. Released 2011, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 129.9 x 68.1 x 13.7 mm (5.11 x 2.68 x 0.54 in) | 129 x 65.5 x 15.2 mm (5.08 x 2.58 x 0.60 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 173.8 g (6.10 oz) | 154 g (5.43 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~51.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.6 inches, 36.9 cm2 (~43.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus | - |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | - |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 1GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | - |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer, barometer | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer |
| | - | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Photo/video editor
Document viewer/editor
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 270 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 7 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 1460 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red | Black |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) |
Casio G'zOne CA-201L
- More powerful processor
- Potentially better camera
- Slightly more modern design
- May not be as durable as the Commando
- Battery life potentially shorter
Casio G'zOne Commando
- Exceptional durability and water resistance
- Often more affordable
- Excellent battery life (anecdotal)
- Slower performance
- Lower resolution display
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
The CA-201L likely features a slightly higher resolution display, though both phones prioritize durability over visual fidelity. Expect both to have smaller, more practical screens suited for outdoor visibility rather than media consumption. The Commando's screen is known for being quite resistant to scratches.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both phones is secondary to their ruggedness. Expect basic camera capabilities on both, with the CA-201L potentially offering slightly better image quality due to its newer hardware, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Both are likely to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The CA-201L's Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Commando, which likely uses an older, less powerful processor. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the CA-201L.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor in rugged phones. While specific Commando battery capacity is hard to confirm, anecdotal evidence suggests it often provides excellent battery life. The CA-201L's battery is likely adequate, but may not match the Commando's endurance in heavy use.
Buying Guide
The Casio G'zOne CA-201L is ideal for users who need a rugged phone with decent performance for everyday tasks and occasional gaming. The G'zOne Commando is perfect for those prioritizing maximum durability and water resistance above all else, often used in demanding outdoor environments or construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which G'zOne is better for construction workers?
The Commando is generally considered the better choice for construction workers due to its exceptional durability and water resistance, prioritizing toughness over performance.
❓ Can the CA-201L handle drops as well as the Commando?
While the CA-201L is rugged, the Commando has a stronger reputation for withstanding significant impacts and harsh conditions. The Commando is specifically designed for extreme environments.
