Cat S42 H+ vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Deep Dive into Durability and Daily Use
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday performance, camera quality, and 5G connectivity, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset and superior display offer a significantly smoother experience. However, if your work or lifestyle demands a truly rugged and drop-proof device, the Cat S42 H+ is the only viable option.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Cat S42 H+ | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 20 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77.2 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Mostly Black |
| Models | - | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 230 EUR | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 122h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Cat S42 H+
- Extremely durable and rugged design
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP68/IP69K)
- Long battery life (122h endurance)
- Weak processor performance (Helio A20)
- Likely inferior camera quality
- Outdated chipset technology
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Smooth performance (Snapdragon 765G)
- Excellent camera quality (Google's image processing)
- Fast charging (18W PD2.0)
- Less durable than the Cat S42 H+
- Not as resistant to extreme conditions
- May require a case for added protection
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 861 nits, compared to the Cat S42 H+'s unspecified brightness. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While the Cat S42 H+ likely prioritizes screen durability, the Pixel 5a 5G’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. The Pixel 5a 5G’s display technology is likely OLED, offering superior color accuracy and viewing angles compared to the Cat S42 H+'s likely LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
While detailed camera specs for the Cat S42 H+ are unavailable, the Pixel 5a 5G is known for its excellent image processing capabilities. The Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s computational photography expertise to deliver consistently high-quality photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of detailed camera information for the Cat S42 H+ suggests a more basic camera setup focused on functionality rather than image quality. The Pixel 5a 5G’s image processing will likely outperform the Cat S42 H+ in dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 5a 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, built on a 7nm process, features an octa-core CPU with Kryo cores designed for performance and efficiency. This contrasts sharply with the Cat S42 H+'s MediaTek Helio A20, a quad-core processor built on a larger 12nm node. The Snapdragon 765G’s architecture – with its Prime, Gold, and Silver cores – allows for dynamic task allocation, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The Helio A20 is geared towards basic functionality and will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0 support offers a faster charging experience than the Cat S42 H+'s likely slower, proprietary charging solution. While both will last a full day for average users, the Pixel 5a 5G will replenish its battery more quickly, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cat S42 H+ if you need a phone that can withstand drops, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions – ideal for construction workers, field technicians, or outdoor enthusiasts. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a phone with a more refined user experience, a capable camera system, and reliable 5G connectivity for everyday tasks and content creation.