Cat S62 vs Sonim XP8: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing overall performance and convenience, the Cat S62 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the XP8’s Snapdragon 630, coupled with the added benefit of wireless charging. However, the Sonim XP8’s 18W wired charging and potentially longer software support make it a viable option for those focused on maximizing battery longevity and minimizing downtime.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Cat S62 | Sonim XP8 |
| 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, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 18 | 2018, April. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 18 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 76.2 x 12.7 mm (6.20 x 3.00 x 0.5 in) | 152 x 79.5 x 18 mm (5.98 x 3.13 x 0.71 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) | 335 g (11.82 oz) |
| IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant | IP69 dust proof and water resistant over 1 meter and 30 minutes MIL-STD-810G | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~57.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 12 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless QC4 | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Music play | - | Up to 70 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 720 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 30 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4900 mAh, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | XP8800 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 700 EUR |
Cat S62
- Superior processor performance with Snapdragon 660
- Convenience of wireless charging
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Wireless charging is slower than wired
- May have shorter battery life compared to XP8
Sonim XP8
- Faster 18W wired charging with QC4
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient power management
- Sonim’s reputation for long-term software support
- Less powerful Snapdragon 630 processor
- Lacks wireless charging convenience
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the target market, both likely utilize LCD panels optimized for outdoor visibility. The Cat S62’s inclusion of wireless charging suggests a potentially more refined overall design, which *could* translate to slightly tighter tolerances and a more premium display assembly. The Sonim XP8, historically, prioritizes durability over display aesthetics, potentially resulting in thicker bezels and a more utilitarian screen.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the Cat S62 will likely have a more capable image signal processor (ISP), leading to better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely prioritize functionality over photographic excellence, the S62’s more powerful processor gives it an edge in post-processing capabilities. The absence of information regarding sensor size and lens apertures prevents a more granular analysis.
Performance
The Cat S62’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 is the clear performance leader. Built on a 14nm process, it features an octa-core CPU with a Kryo 260 architecture – specifically, 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores for demanding tasks and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores for efficiency. This contrasts with the Sonim XP8’s Snapdragon 630, also 14nm, but utilizing a less sophisticated octa-core configuration of 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Kryo cores in the S62 offer superior single-core and multi-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved responsiveness in graphically intensive applications. This difference is particularly noticeable for users running resource-heavy field service apps or utilizing the phone for remote monitoring.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Sonim XP8’s 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support provides a faster charging experience than the Cat S62’s QC4-compatible wireless charging. Wireless charging, while convenient, is inherently less efficient than wired charging. The S62’s wireless charging capability offers flexibility, but the XP8’s faster wired charging will get you back up and running quicker when a power outlet is available. The XP8’s focus on efficiency, combined with potentially larger battery capacity (based on Sonim’s historical emphasis on battery life), could result in longer real-world usage times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cat S62 if you need a rugged phone with a more responsive user experience for tasks like mapping, data logging, or running specialized applications. Its wireless charging is a significant convenience for users already invested in that ecosystem. Buy the Sonim XP8 if you prioritize maximizing battery life through efficient power management and prefer a faster-charging solution, even if it’s wired-only. The XP8 is ideal for users who spend extended periods away from power sources and require reliable communication.