The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The Cat B40 represents a budget-friendly entry point, while the Doogee S98 Pro aims for a more premium experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tool for the job.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Doogee S98 Pro is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Cat B40’s Unisoc T117, making it better suited for demanding tasks. However, the Cat B40 remains a viable option for those on a strict budget needing basic rugged functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2022, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, June 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 145 x 62 x 18 mm (5.71 x 2.44 x 0.71 in) | 172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 157 g (5.54 oz) | 320 g (11.29 oz) |
| | IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 35 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
Flashlight (100+ lumens)
Antimicrobial protection (silver ion-based) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~19.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T117 | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | - | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | Unspecified | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights
Thermal imaging camera |
| Video | Yes | 1440p, 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired
15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 470 EUR |
Cat B40
- Most affordable rugged option
- Durable build quality for basic use
- Long-lasting battery (potentially, depending on capacity)
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging speeds
Doogee S98 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Potentially better camera quality
- Higher price point
- May not be as exceptionally durable as the Cat B40 (depending on build materials)
- Performance may still be limited for demanding games
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat B40’s positioning, it likely utilizes a lower-resolution panel with standard brightness. The Doogee S98 Pro, aiming for a more premium feel, likely features a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The absence of details like refresh rate or panel technology (IPS vs AMOLED) suggests both prioritize durability and cost-effectiveness over cutting-edge display features.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Doogee S98 Pro’s positioning suggests a more sophisticated camera system. While both phones likely feature multiple lenses, the G96’s image signal processor (ISP) will offer superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Cat B40 likely relies on software processing to compensate for a less powerful ISP, potentially leading to softer images and less detail. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat B40’s Unisoc T117 is an entry-level processor designed for basic smartphone functions. Conversely, the Doogee S98 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) is a significantly more capable SoC. The G96’s octa-core configuration – with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – provides a substantial performance advantage in multi-tasking and application loading times. The 12nm process node also suggests better power efficiency compared to potentially older nodes used in the Unisoc chip, though real-world results depend on software optimization. This translates to a smoother experience for users running navigation apps, using productivity tools, or capturing photos.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Doogee S98 Pro’s 33W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities are a significant advantage. The Cat B40 likely offers slower charging speeds, potentially taking several hours to fully charge. While a larger battery capacity on the Cat B40 could offset the slower charging, the G96’s more efficient architecture in the Doogee S98 Pro could deliver comparable real-world battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity. The convenience of wireless charging is exclusive to the Doogee S98 Pro.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cat B40 if you need a supremely affordable, no-frills rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks in harsh conditions. It’s ideal for construction workers needing a backup phone or individuals prioritizing extreme durability over speed. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and the ability to handle more demanding applications like navigation, photography, and occasional gaming, all within a ruggedized package.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S98 Pro’s Helio G96 chipset struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G96 is a capable mid-range processor, demanding games like PUBG Mobile may require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. It won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, but it’s significantly better equipped than the Cat B40’s Unisoc T117 for gaming.
❓ Is the Cat B40 a suitable phone for someone who frequently uses GPS navigation for work?
The Cat B40’s Unisoc T117 chipset may exhibit slower GPS lock-on times and less responsive navigation compared to the Doogee S98 Pro. While it will function, users relying heavily on GPS for work should consider the Doogee S98 Pro for a more reliable experience.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Cat B40 compare to the Doogee S98 Pro, considering both are marketed as 'rugged'?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. However, the Cat B40, being a more basic device, likely prioritizes core ruggedness (drop resistance, waterproofing) above all else. The Doogee S98 Pro may incorporate additional features like reinforced corners or a more robust screen, but this comes at a higher price.
