Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? Cat phones are renowned for their durability. But with models like the S40 and S30, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat S40 edges out the S30 primarily due to its slightly improved thermal imaging capabilities and potentially better software support. However, the S30 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing affordability and core ruggedness, as the core performance is virtually identical.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - North America | 2, 4, 5, 7, 17 - North America |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, July. Released 2015, August | 2015, September. Released 2015, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144.9 x 74.1 x 12.5 mm (5.70 x 2.92 x 0.49 in) | 141.9 x 72.7 x 13.3 mm (5.59 x 2.86 x 0.52 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 60 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~234 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~54.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 936 h | Up to 936 h |
| Talk time | Up to 18 h | Up to 18 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | S30 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 340 EUR |
Cat S40
- Thermal Imaging Camera
- Better Camera Quality
- Slightly Longer Battery Life
- Potentially Better Software Support
- Higher Price
- Performance still limited
Cat S30
- More Affordable
- Rugged Design
- Decent Battery Life
- Compact Size
- Lower Camera Quality
- Limited Performance
- No Thermal Imaging
Display Comparison
Both the Cat S40 and S30 feature 5-inch IPS LCD displays with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. While the S40 might have slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations, the difference is minimal. Both screens are bright enough for outdoor use, but direct sunlight can still pose a challenge.
Camera Comparison
The Cat S40 boasts a 13MP rear camera with autofocus and flash, while the S30 has an 8MP rear camera. Image quality on the S40 is noticeably better, with more detail and better low-light performance. Both offer basic front-facing cameras (likely 5MP on S40, 2MP on S30) suitable for video calls.
Performance
Performance is essentially identical. Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 chipset and a Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. Expect basic performance suitable for calls, texts, and light app usage. Demanding games or multitasking are not recommended.
Battery Life
The Cat S40 typically has a 4000mAh battery, offering slightly longer battery life than the S30's 3000mAh battery. Both phones offer decent battery performance for their class, easily lasting a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Cat S40 is ideal for professionals in demanding environments (construction, emergency services) who need thermal imaging. The Cat S30 is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, or anyone wanting a seriously tough phone without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Cat S40 worth the extra cost over the S30?
If you need thermal imaging capabilities, then yes. Otherwise, the S30 offers excellent value for its ruggedness and core functionality.
❓ How durable are these phones?
Both phones are built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) and are waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, making them exceptionally durable.
