Cat S42 vs Blackview BV9900E: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and extreme affordability, the Cat S42 is a viable option. However, the Blackview BV9900E is the clear winner for those needing more processing power for demanding tasks, faster charging, and the convenience of wireless charging, justifying its higher price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Cat S42 | Blackview BV9900E |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, August | 2020, September 10. Released 2020, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 77.3 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) | 156.5 x 78.3 x 14.2 mm (6.16 x 3.08 x 0.56 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 273 g (9.63 oz) |
| IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6779V/CE Helio P90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GM9446 |
| OS | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired 18W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | 4380 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Silver |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Cat S42
- Extremely affordable
- Highly durable and ruggedized
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak processing power
- Likely limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging
Blackview BV9900E
- Significantly faster processor
- Wireless charging support
- Potentially better camera performance
- Higher price point
- May be slightly bulkier due to added features
- Still a mid-range processor, not a flagship
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S42's focus on cost-effectiveness, it likely features a lower-resolution panel and potentially lower brightness. The BV9900E, positioned as a more premium rugged device, likely has a sharper, brighter display, though specifics are unknown. Bezels are likely substantial on both, given the ruggedized design requirements for impact absorption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests a disparity in image processing capabilities. The Helio P90 in the BV9900E includes an ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of handling more complex image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. It's reasonable to assume the BV9900E will offer a more versatile camera experience, even if the sensor sizes are similar. The Cat S42 will likely focus on basic image capture for documentation purposes.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Cat S42's Mediatek Helio A20, with its quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz, is designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light app usage. The Blackview BV9900E's Helio P90, featuring an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 (2x2.2 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x2.0 GHz) cores, represents a significant leap in processing power. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for responsiveness, while the A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to run more demanding applications on the BV9900E. The P90's architecture is far more capable of handling modern mobile games and video editing.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but the charging capabilities offer a clear advantage to the Blackview BV9900E. Its 15W wired and 18W wireless charging options provide significantly faster and more convenient replenishment compared to the Cat S42, which likely relies solely on slower wired charging. While a larger mAh battery in the Cat S42 could offset the slower charging, the P90's more efficient architecture in the BV9900E could result in comparable real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. Wireless charging is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cat S42 if you need a truly basic, incredibly durable phone for essential communication and infrequent app use, prioritizing longevity and minimal cost. It's ideal for construction workers or those in similarly harsh environments who need a reliable, no-frills device. Buy the Blackview BV9900E if you prefer a rugged phone that can also handle more demanding applications, streaming, and gaming, and if you value the convenience of wireless charging and a faster overall user experience.