Cat S42 H+ vs. Motorola Moto G Power (2021): A Deep Dive into Ruggedness and Efficiency
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and extended battery life, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the Cat S42 H+'s Helio A20, making it more responsive and capable. However, if absolute ruggedness is paramount, the Cat S42 H+ remains the clear winner.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Cat S42 H+ | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) |
| 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, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 20 | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77.2 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) |
| - | Water-repellent coating | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Flash Gray, Polar Silver |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 60 EUR |
Cat S42 H+
- Exceptional Ruggedness: IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certified for extreme durability.
- Glove-Friendly Touchscreen: Allows operation while wearing gloves, ideal for outdoor work.
- Programmable Key: Customizable button for quick access to frequently used apps.
- Weak Performance: Helio A20 chipset struggles with demanding tasks.
- Limited Camera Capabilities: Likely lacks advanced features and image quality.
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Strong Performance: Snapdragon 662 provides a smooth user experience.
- Excellent Battery Life: 5000mAh battery and efficient chipset offer multi-day usage.
- Capable Camera: 48MP main sensor delivers decent image quality.
- Lacks Ruggedness: Not designed for harsh environments.
- Slow Charging: 15W charging is relatively slow compared to competitors.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Cat S42 H+’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its rugged focus, prioritizing durability over display quality is expected. The Moto G Power (2021) also lacks detailed display specs, but its larger screen size (6.6 inches vs. the Cat’s 5.5 inches) suggests a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO on either device indicates a focus on cost optimization.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely a secondary consideration for both devices. Detailed camera specs for the Cat S42 H+ are scarce, but its rugged design likely prioritizes a functional camera over high-end imaging capabilities. The Moto G Power (2021) features a 48MP main sensor, a significant advantage over any potential sensor in the Cat S42 H+. While image quality is also heavily influenced by software processing, the larger sensor size of the Moto G Power allows for better light gathering and improved detail in various conditions. The inclusion of a depth sensor on the Moto G Power further enhances portrait mode capabilities, a feature likely absent on the Cat.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, an octa-core processor built on an 11nm process. This configuration, with its Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores, provides a significant advantage in multi-tasking and app responsiveness compared to the Cat S42 H+'s MediaTek Helio A20. The Helio A20, a quad-core processor fabricated on a 12nm node, is geared towards basic functionality. While adequate for calls and light messaging, it will struggle with demanding applications or even moderately complex web browsing. The Snapdragon 662’s superior architecture and process node translate to better thermal management and sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both phones aim for excellent battery life, but achieve it through different means. The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) boasts a massive 5000mAh battery coupled with the efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset and 15W wired charging. This combination promises multi-day battery life with moderate usage. The Cat S42 H+’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less efficient Helio A20 processor will likely require more frequent charging. While the Cat may have a larger battery, the Snapdragon 662’s power efficiency gives the Moto G Power a significant advantage in real-world usage. The 15W charging on the Moto G Power is relatively slow, but sufficient given the large battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cat S42 H+ if you require a phone that can withstand drops, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions – ideal for construction workers, field technicians, or anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. Buy the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) if you prioritize long-lasting battery life, smoother performance for everyday apps, and a more responsive user experience, making it perfect for students, commuters, or those who frequently consume media.