Cat phones are renowned for their durability, built to withstand the harshest environments. But when choosing between models, it can be tough to decide. This in-depth comparison pits the Cat S42 H+ against the Cat S60, analyzing their specs, performance, and features to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat S60 edges out the S42 H+ thanks to its superior processor, faster charging, and slightly better camera capabilities. While the S42 H+ is a more budget-friendly option, the S60 provides a more robust and feature-rich experience for those needing serious ruggedness and performance.
| 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 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - North America |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2016, February. Released 2016, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 20 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77.2 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) | 147.9 x 73.4 x 12.7 mm (5.82 x 2.89 x 0.5 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM (South Africa only)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 223 g (7.87 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 5m 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 4 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | a-Si AHVA |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 405 |
| OS | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF | 13 MP, AF, FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 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 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | $ 249.87 / C$ 298.00 / £ 182.00 / € 188.58 | About 650 EUR |
Cat S42 H+
- More affordable
- Rugged and durable
- Decent battery life
- Compact size
- Lower performance
- Slower charging
- Basic camera
- Less feature-rich
Cat S60
- Better performance
- Faster charging (18W QC2)
- Improved camera
- FLIR thermal imaging
- Larger display (potentially)
- More expensive
- Larger size
- Still not a flagship phone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature durable displays, but the S60 generally has a slightly larger screen size and potentially better color accuracy. The S42 H+ likely uses a standard LCD panel, while the S60 might have a slightly improved IPS display, though specifics are often limited in rugged phones. Resolution is likely similar, around 720p.
Camera Comparison
The Cat S60 generally boasts a better camera setup, likely with higher resolution sensors and improved image processing. While both phones prioritize durability over camera quality, the S60's hardware provides a slight edge in image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The S60 also has a thermal camera, a significant differentiator.
Performance
The Cat S60's Snapdragon 617 with its octa-core processor offers a noticeable performance advantage over the S42 H+'s Helio A20. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the S60. The S42 H+ is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Cat S60's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the S42 H+'s standard charging. Both phones offer substantial battery capacity (likely around 4000mAh or higher), but the faster charging on the S60 reduces downtime. Battery life will be comparable under moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Cat S42 H+ is ideal for users on a tighter budget who prioritize basic functionality and ruggedness. The Cat S60 is best suited for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who demand higher performance, faster charging, and a more advanced camera system, along with the added benefit of FLIR thermal imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Cat S60 worth the extra cost compared to the S42 H+?
If you need better performance, faster charging, and the unique FLIR thermal imaging capabilities, the S60 is worth the investment. If you're on a budget and primarily need a durable phone for basic tasks, the S42 H+ is a solid choice.
❓ How durable are these phones?
Both phones are built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) and are highly resistant to drops, dust, and water. They are designed for demanding environments.
