Cubot Hafury V1 vs Cat S75: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Cubot Hafury V1 and the Cat S75 aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with vastly different internal hardware. The Hafury V1 represents a budget-conscious entry point, while the Cat S75 leverages a more modern chipset for enhanced performance. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Cat S75 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 930 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power and efficiency over the Hafury V1’s MT8788V. However, the Hafury V1 remains a compelling option for those on a tight budget who still require a durable device.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Hafury V1 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, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 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 / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 022023, February 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilAvailable. Released 2023, July
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions165.8 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.53 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)268 g (9.45 oz)
 -IP68/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
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 13Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple64 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service)
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wireless
Type4350 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Pink, Light BlueBlack
Models-BM1S1B
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 600 EUR

Cubot Hafury V1

  • More affordable price point
  • Faster wired charging (18W)
  • Rugged design for durability

  • Older, less efficient chipset (MT8788V)
  • Potentially lower performance in demanding tasks
  • Lacks wireless charging

Cat S75

  • More powerful and efficient chipset (Dimensity 930)
  • Wireless charging convenience (15W)
  • Superior performance for gaming and multitasking

  • Higher price tag
  • Slower wired charging compared to Hafury V1
  • Potentially larger size/weight due to more advanced components

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S75's higher price point and more modern chipset, it's reasonable to expect a brighter panel with better color accuracy. The Hafury V1, targeting a lower price bracket, likely utilizes a more cost-effective display solution. Bezels are likely to be larger on the Hafury V1 to reduce manufacturing costs. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both likely operate at a standard 60Hz.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Cat S75’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of sensor size information makes it hard to assess image quality, but the Cat S75’s processing capabilities suggest a more refined camera experience. It's likely the Hafury V1 relies on simpler image processing to conserve resources.

Performance

The Cat S75’s Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Cubot Hafury V1’s Mediatek MT8788V (12nm). The 6nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially longer sustained performance. Architecturally, the Dimensity 930’s Cortex-A78 cores are significantly more powerful than the Hafury V1’s Cortex-A73 cores, resulting in faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The Hafury V1’s Cortex-A53 cores are also less efficient than the Cat S75’s Cortex-A55 cores. This difference will be most noticeable in graphically intensive tasks and demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Cat S75’s 15W wireless charging is a significant advantage, offering convenient top-ups without needing a cable. The Hafury V1’s 18W wired charging is faster, but lacks the convenience of wireless charging. The Dimensity 930’s superior power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity in the Cat S75, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The 12nm process of the MT8788V will likely result in higher power draw, potentially requiring more frequent charging on the Hafury V1.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Hafury V1 if you need a genuinely affordable rugged phone for basic tasks like communication, navigation, and light media consumption, and aren't concerned with demanding gaming or intensive multitasking. Buy the Cat S75 if you prefer a more responsive and capable device that can handle demanding applications, extended gaming sessions, and benefit from the convenience of wireless charging, even if it comes at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 930 in the Cat S75 prone to overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 930 is a relatively efficient chipset built on a 6nm process. While it will generate heat under heavy load, its thermal management is generally good. The Cat S75’s rugged design likely incorporates heat dissipation features to mitigate throttling, allowing for sustained performance during gaming. However, extremely demanding titles at maximum settings may still cause some heat buildup.
❓ How does the MT8788V in the Cubot Hafury V1 handle multitasking compared to the Cat S75?
The MT8788V is an older chipset and will struggle with heavy multitasking compared to the Cat S75’s Dimensity 930. While it can handle basic tasks like browsing and messaging simultaneously, running multiple demanding applications will likely result in noticeable slowdowns and lag. The Dimensity 930’s more powerful cores and increased memory bandwidth provide a significantly smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Does the Cat S75 support fast software updates and security patches?
Cat phones generally have a reasonable track record for software updates, though not on par with flagship brands. Expect to receive security patches and potentially a few major Android version updates. However, the frequency and duration of support can vary. Checking Cat’s official website for the S75’s update schedule is recommended.