The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver that, but they approach it with different chipsets and price points. The Mini 3 leverages a newer Mediatek Helio G85, while the S62 Pro relies on the older, but still capable, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660. This comparison dives deep into the implications of these choices, and others, to determine which phone offers the best value for users demanding a robust device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and value, the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Cat S62 Pro’s 14nm Snapdragon 660, all while typically being available at a lower price point. However, the S62 Pro’s brand reputation and potentially longer software support may appeal to some.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 131 x 58.1 x 13.4 mm (5.16 x 2.29 x 0.53 in) | 158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 149 g (5.26 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 | 480 x 1170 pixels (~281 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 45.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769CZ Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB 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 | 20 MP, (wide) | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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 | 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Red | Black |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Cubot KingKong Mini 3
- More modern and efficient processor (Helio G85)
- Likely better sustained performance due to 12nm process
- Generally more affordable price point
- Less established brand reputation
- Potential for shorter software support lifespan
Cat S62 Pro
- Well-known brand with a history in rugged devices
- Potentially longer software support
- Robust build quality expected from the Cat brand
- Older and less efficient processor (Snapdragon 660)
- Likely lower performance compared to the Mini 3
- Generally higher price point
Display Comparison
Neither device is pushing display boundaries. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in the rugged segment to prioritize durability over advanced technologies like OLED. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the chipset’s GPU capabilities will influence UI smoothness and video playback. The 12nm Helio G85 in the Mini 3 should offer a more fluid experience than the 14nm Snapdragon 660 in the S62 Pro, especially when handling graphically intensive tasks.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Cat S62 Pro might prioritize image processing quality over sheer sensor size. Both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, but the usefulness of any secondary sensors (like 2MP macro lenses) is questionable. The Snapdragon 660’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally regarded as capable, but the Helio G85’s ISP has improved significantly in recent generations. Real-world image quality will depend heavily on software optimization, but the Mini 3’s newer chipset has the potential for better dynamic range and noise reduction.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot KingKong Mini 3’s Mediatek MT6769CZ Helio G85 utilizes a 12nm process and features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture prioritizes performance with the A75 cores. Conversely, the Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, built on a less efficient 14nm process, employs an octa-core setup with 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. While the Snapdragon 660 boasts higher clock speeds on its performance cores, the newer architecture and smaller node of the Helio G85 generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal management, particularly in demanding applications. This means the Mini 3 is likely to experience less throttling during prolonged use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor for rugged phones, often used in situations where charging isn't readily available. While specific mAh ratings are missing, the efficiency of the Helio G85 (12nm) versus the Snapdragon 660 (14nm) suggests the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. Charging wattage is also crucial; faster charging minimizes downtime. Without this data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Mini 3’s chipset efficiency gives it an advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 if you need a responsive, modern processor for everyday tasks and light gaming, and if you’re budget-conscious. It’s ideal for users who want a durable phone without sacrificing performance. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a well-established brand with a history in rugged devices, and if you anticipate needing specific enterprise-level features or potentially longer software update support, even if it means a performance trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Helio G85 in the Mini 3 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, users should expect some frame drops during intense action sequences. The Snapdragon 660 in the S62 Pro will likely offer a similar, or slightly less smooth, gaming experience.
❓ How does the Cat S62 Pro's build quality compare to the Cubot KingKong Mini 3, and is the extra cost justified?
Cat phones are renowned for their robust construction, often meeting MIL-STD-810H standards for shock, vibration, and temperature resistance. The Mini 3 also boasts rugged credentials, but the S62 Pro likely has a more refined and durable build. Whether the extra cost is justified depends on your usage. If you work in extremely harsh conditions, the S62 Pro's build quality might be worth the premium. For general outdoor use, the Mini 3 offers excellent durability at a lower price.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro receive longer software update support compared to the Helio G85 in the Cubot KingKong Mini 3?
Historically, Qualcomm chipsets have enjoyed longer software support cycles than Mediatek. Cat phones also tend to offer more consistent updates than smaller brands like Cubot. Therefore, the S62 Pro is likely to receive security patches and potentially even Android version updates for a longer period than the Mini 3. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software support.
