Rugged phones are built to withstand the harshest conditions, appealing to adventurers, construction workers, and anyone needing a reliable device. Today, we pit two titans of the rugged phone world against each other: the Cat B15 Q and the Casio G'zOne CA-201L. Let's see which one emerges victorious.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Casio G'zOne CA-201L edges out the Cat B15 Q thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better build quality, despite both being incredibly durable. While the B15 Q boasts a larger screen, the G'zOne's performance and reputation for shock resistance give it the advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - EU, EMEA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| 4G bands | - | 13 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - Latin America | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, Q2. Released 2014, June | 2013, March. Released 2013, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 69.5 x 15 mm (4.92 x 2.74 x 0.59 in) | 129.9 x 68.1 x 13.7 mm (5.11 x 2.68 x 0.54 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 173.8 g (6.10 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| 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 (~52.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~51.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Adreno 225 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) | Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 504 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Red |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Cat B15 Q
- Larger 4.0-inch display
- Rugged and waterproof design
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price point
- Lower performance compared to G'zOne
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Casio G'zOne CA-201L
- Superior build quality and shock resistance
- Slightly better performance
- Reputable brand in rugged phones
- Good battery life
- Smaller display
- Basic camera
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
The Cat B15 Q features a 4.0-inch display, offering a larger viewing area compared to the G'zOne CA-201L's 3.4-inch screen. However, both displays are likely to be relatively low resolution by modern standards, prioritizing durability over visual fidelity. Expect decent visibility in bright sunlight on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities on both phones are basic. Expect low-resolution cameras (likely 5-8MP) with limited features. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect stellar results. Neither phone is a photography powerhouse.
Performance
Here, the Casio G'zOne CA-201L takes a slight lead. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus processor, while older, generally outperforms the Mediatek MT6582M in the Cat B15 Q. The G'zOne's dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU offers a bit more processing power than the B15 Q's quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading.
Battery Life
Both phones are designed for extended battery life. The Cat B15 Q likely has a slightly larger battery capacity, but the G'zOne's more efficient processor could result in comparable real-world battery performance. Expect at least a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Cat B15 Q is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display and basic functionality in a rugged package. The Casio G'zOne CA-201L is better suited for those needing a more responsive experience and a phone with a proven track record for extreme durability and shock resistance, particularly those in demanding professions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How durable are these phones?
Both phones are exceptionally durable, meeting IP68 standards for water and dust resistance and designed to withstand significant shocks and drops. The G'zOne has a stronger reputation for extreme shock resistance.
❓ Can I use these phones for everyday tasks?
Yes, both phones can handle everyday tasks like calls, texts, and basic app usage. However, their older processors may struggle with demanding apps or multitasking.
