The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need – durability. However, performance and features vary wildly. We pit the budget-focused Cubot KingKong CS against the more established Cat S62 Pro, examining how their core hardware choices impact real-world usability, particularly focusing on the significant disparity in their system-on-chips.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Cat S62 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the KingKong CS’s Mediatek MT6580, making it better suited for multitasking, demanding apps, and even light gaming. However, the KingKong CS remains a viable option for basic use cases where budget is the primary concern.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153 x 80.2 x 14.9 mm (6.02 x 3.16 x 0.59 in) | 158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 236.5 g (8.36 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| | - | IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 mins)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~56.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module) |
| Features | LED flash | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4400 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | - | About 530 EUR |
Cubot KingKong CS
- Significantly lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Suitable for basic communication tasks
- Poor performance with the MT6580 chipset
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely inferior camera quality
Cat S62 Pro
- Much faster performance with Snapdragon 660
- Better power efficiency and battery life
- Superior camera capabilities
- Higher price compared to the Cubot KingKong CS
- May still lack flagship-level performance
- Rugged design may add bulk
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S62 Pro's higher price point, it likely features a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and viewing angles. The KingKong CS, targeting a lower price bracket, likely utilizes a more basic LCD. Both will likely prioritize durability over peak brightness or resolution, but the S62 Pro likely benefits from better outdoor visibility due to its potentially higher nit rating.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the Cat S62 Pro, being a higher-tier device, likely features a more capable camera system with a larger sensor and better image processing. While both phones may include multiple lenses, the Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) will provide superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The MT6580’s ISP is comparatively basic, resulting in less detailed and vibrant photos. We can assume the S62 Pro will offer more advanced features like HDR and potentially 4K video recording.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Cubot KingKong CS’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This is a decidedly entry-level chipset. Conversely, the Cat S62 Pro boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm), an octa-core processor with Kryo 260 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz. The 14nm process node is significantly more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 660’s architecture allows for far smoother multitasking and handling of more complex applications. Users needing to run multiple apps, navigate with GPS, or engage in any form of gaming will find the S62 Pro vastly superior.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 660’s superior power efficiency (14nm vs 28nm) means the Cat S62 Pro will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar or even smaller battery capacity. The MT6580, being less efficient, will drain the battery faster under load. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the S62 Pro likely supports faster charging speeds, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong CS if you need an extremely affordable, durable phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and basic apps – and aren't concerned with demanding performance. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience, plan to use your phone for navigation, photography, or occasional gaming, and value a more refined software experience backed by a reputable brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot KingKong CS struggle with modern navigation apps like Google Maps?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6580's limited processing power and RAM will likely result in slow loading times, laggy map rendering, and potential crashes when using demanding navigation apps like Google Maps, especially when running other apps in the background.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro capable of playing popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 660 can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates. While not a dedicated gaming chipset, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the MT6580, allowing for playable performance without excessive lag or stuttering. Expect some frame drops during intense action.
❓ How does the older Snapdragon 660 chipset in the Cat S62 Pro compare to newer mid-range chips in terms of software updates?
While the Snapdragon 660 is an older chip, Qualcomm generally provides good driver support. However, the Cat S62 Pro's software update schedule will ultimately depend on CAT's commitment. Expect fewer major Android version updates compared to phones with newer chipsets, but security patches should still be available for a reasonable period.
