Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? Cat phones are renowned for their ruggedness. But with models like the S31 and S41 available, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat S41 is the clear winner, offering significantly improved performance thanks to its more powerful processor and faster charging. While the S31 remains a solid, budget-friendly option for basic needs, the S41's upgrades make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - USA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - APAC/LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, September. Released 2017, October | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146 x 74.4 x 12.6 mm (5.75 x 2.93 x 0.50 in) | 152 x 75 x 12.9 mm (5.98 x 2.95 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 60 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~60.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Mali-T880MP2 |
| OS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS (market dependant) |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 1056 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 38 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | S41 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 450 EUR |
Cat S31
- Extremely durable
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Basic camera
- Lower screen quality
Cat S41
- Improved performance
- Faster charging
- More modern design
- Durable build
- Better camera (likely)
- More expensive than S31
- Still not a flagship phone
- Rugged design can be bulky
Display Comparison
Both phones feature durable displays, but the S41 likely has a slightly brighter and potentially higher resolution screen (though specific specs are often similar across Cat phones). The S41's display may also offer better color accuracy. The S31's display is functional and tough, but not a standout feature.
Camera Comparison
While neither phone is a photography powerhouse, the S41 likely has a slightly improved camera system. Expect better low-light performance and potentially more detail in photos. Both cameras are primarily designed for capturing images in challenging conditions rather than producing high-quality photos.
Performance
The S41's Mediatek Helio P20 chipset with its octa-core processor is a substantial upgrade over the S31's Snapdragon 210. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the S41. The S31 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typical of rugged devices. However, the S41's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the S31's standard charging.
Buying Guide
The Cat S31 is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic functionality in a rugged package. It's great for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts with minimal smartphone needs, or as a secondary, indestructible device. The Cat S41 is for those who need a rugged phone with better performance, a more modern experience, and faster charging – suitable for demanding users who don't want to compromise on durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones waterproof?
Yes, both the Cat S31 and S41 are waterproof and dustproof, meeting IP68 and MIL-STD-810H standards.
❓ What kind of warranty do Cat phones come with?
Cat phones typically offer a 2-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
❓ Can I use the Cat S41 for gaming?
While the S41's performance is improved, it's still not ideal for demanding mobile games. Casual games will run fine, but expect some lag with more graphically intensive titles.
