Cat phones are renowned for their durability, built to withstand the harshest environments. The Cat S42 H+ and S41 are two popular choices in their lineup, but which one offers the best blend of ruggedness and performance? This detailed comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat S41 generally edges out the S42 H+ thanks to its superior octa-core processor and faster charging. While the S42 H+ boasts a slightly newer chipset, the S41's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users seeking a rugged device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - APAC/LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 20 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77.2 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) | 152 x 75 x 12.9 mm (5.98 x 2.95 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| | - | 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 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~60.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6757 Helio P20 (16 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T880MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | 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 4200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | S41 |
| Price | $ 249.87 / C$ 298.00 / £ 182.00 / € 188.58 | About 450 EUR |
Cat S42 H+
- More modern chipset (12nm)
- Weaker processor compared to S41
- Slower charging
- Potentially less optimized software
Cat S41
- Faster octa-core processor
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Older chipset (16nm)
- Slightly less efficient
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.0-inch display, likely with similar resolutions (likely 720p). The S41 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly older, but potentially more refined, panel. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of brightness and outdoor visibility, typical of rugged phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar on both devices, probably featuring a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level performance. The S41 might have slightly better image processing due to its older, but potentially more optimized, software.
Performance
The Cat S41's octa-core processor (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a noticeable performance boost over the S42 H+'s quad-core (1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the S41. The S42 H+'s 12nm process is more efficient, but the core count difference is significant.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 4000mAh battery. However, the Cat S41's 18W wired charging offers a significant advantage, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the S42 H+'s likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Cat S42 H+ is ideal for users prioritizing a more modern chipset and slightly improved connectivity (H+ data speeds). The Cat S41 is a better fit for those needing more processing power for demanding tasks and appreciate faster charging speeds, all while maintaining exceptional ruggedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones waterproof?
Yes, both the Cat S42 H+ and Cat S41 are IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning they are waterproof and dustproof and can withstand significant drops and shocks.
❓ What kind of data speeds does the Cat S42 H+ support?
The 'H+' in the Cat S42 H+ name indicates support for HSPA+ data speeds, offering faster mobile data compared to older 3G networks.
