Rugged phones are built for adventure, offering exceptional durability and resilience. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the Casio G'zOne CA-201L, known for its shock resistance, and the Cat B15Q, boasting impressive water and dust protection. Let's see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat B15Q edges out the G'zOne CA-201L thanks to its more modern quad-core processor and slightly better battery life. While the G'zOne boasts superior shock resistance, the B15Q provides a more balanced package for everyday use and outdoor activities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - EU, EMEA |
| 4G bands | 13 | - |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - Latin America |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, March. Released 2013, May | 2014, Q2. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 129.9 x 68.1 x 13.7 mm (5.11 x 2.68 x 0.54 in) | 125 x 69.5 x 15 mm (4.92 x 2.74 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 173.8 g (6.10 oz) | 170 g (6.00 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
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~51.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~52.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 504 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 16 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red | Black |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 320 EUR |
Casio G'zOne CA-201L
- Exceptional shock resistance
- Compact and durable design
- Water resistant
- Outdated processor
- Low performance
- Basic display
- Poor camera quality
Cat B15 Q
- Good water and dust resistance
- Quad-core processor for better performance
- Slightly better battery life
- More modern design
- Less shock resistant than G'zOne
- Basic display
- Average camera quality
- Can still feel slow with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, basic displays. The G'zOne CA-201L has a 3.1-inch LCD screen, while the Cat B15Q sports a 3.5-inch LCD. Neither offers high resolution or vibrant colors; they prioritize visibility and durability over visual fidelity. The B15Q's slightly larger size offers a marginally better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is not a strong point for either device. The G'zOne CA-201L typically has a basic 8MP camera, while the Cat B15Q features a 5MP camera. Image quality is adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is poor on both. Don't expect to capture stunning photos with either of these phones.
Performance
The Cat B15Q's quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the G'zOne CA-201L's dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading on the B15Q. The G'zOne can feel sluggish at times, especially with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Cat B15Q generally offers better battery life due to its more efficient processor and optimized power management. While the G'zOne CA-201L has a decent battery capacity, its older chipset consumes more power. Expect the B15Q to last longer on a single charge, especially with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Casio G'zOne CA-201L is ideal for those prioritizing extreme shock resistance above all else – construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts facing harsh impacts. The Cat B15Q is a better choice for users needing a balance of durability, performance, and battery life for general use and moderate outdoor exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is more durable overall?
The Casio G'zOne CA-201L excels in shock resistance, while the Cat B15Q offers better water and dust protection. It depends on your specific needs.
❓ Can either of these phones handle extreme temperatures?
Both phones are designed to withstand a range of temperatures, but specific temperature tolerances vary. Check the manufacturer's specifications for detailed information.
