Cat S53 vs Cat S75: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

Cat phones are renowned for their incredible durability, built to withstand the harshest environments. But with multiple models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. This in-depth comparison pits the Cat S53 against the Cat S75, analyzing their specs, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Cat S75 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 930 chipset, offering superior performance and smoother multitasking. While the S53 provides solid ruggedness and wireless charging, the S75's enhanced capabilities justify its higher price point for users needing more power.

PHONES
Phone Names Cat S53 Cat S75
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 66, 77, 781, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 23, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78, 255, 256 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, July 192023, February 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 19Available. Released 2023, July
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions171 x 81 x 16 mm (6.73 x 3.19 x 0.63 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight320 g (11.29 oz)268 g (9.45 oz)
 IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant Dedicated flashlightIP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~73.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 11Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.08 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.08 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 3.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service)
Battery
ChargingWireless15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5500 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-BM1S1B
PriceAbout 530 EURAbout 600 EUR

Cat S53

  • More affordable
  • Wireless charging
  • Rugged design
  • 5G connectivity

  • Lower performance
  • Less powerful chipset
  • Potentially less vibrant display
  • Limited camera capabilities

Cat S75

  • Superior performance
  • More powerful chipset (Dimensity 930)
  • Likely better display quality
  • Improved camera performance
  • Wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • Potentially larger and heavier
  • May be overkill for basic users

Display Comparison

Both phones feature durable displays, though the S75 likely has a slightly brighter and more vibrant screen due to its more modern chipset. The S53 likely uses a standard LCD panel, while the S75 may incorporate an AMOLED or OLED display for improved color accuracy and contrast. Resolution is likely similar, around 1080p.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their class, the S75's more powerful processor likely translates to better image processing and overall photo quality. Expect improved low-light performance and more detailed images from the S75. Specific megapixel counts are likely similar, around 48MP for the main sensor.

Performance

The S75's Mediatek Dimensity 930 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the S53's Snapdragon 480 5G. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the S75. The S53 is adequate for everyday tasks but will struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones offer robust battery life, typical of rugged devices. The S75 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life under heavy use. Both support wireless charging, with the S75 offering 15W wireless charging.

Buying Guide

The Cat S53 is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic ruggedness, needing a reliable phone for light tasks and occasional outdoor use. The Cat S75 is best suited for professionals and enthusiasts who demand high performance, advanced features, and the ultimate in durability for demanding work environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Cat S75 waterproof?
Yes, both the Cat S53 and S75 are IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning they are waterproof and dustproof and can withstand drops and extreme temperatures.
❓ What is the difference between 5G and 4G?
5G offers significantly faster data speeds and lower latency compared to 4G. The S53 supports 5G, while the S75 also supports 5G, allowing for faster downloads and streaming.