Cubot KingKong Power vs. Cat S75: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, performance and features vary wildly. We pit the Cubot KingKong Power, a value-focused option, against the Cat S75, a more premium offering, to determine which delivers the best blend of toughness and usability.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Cat S75 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 930 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power and efficiency. However, the Cubot KingKong Power provides a compelling value proposition for those needing a durable phone on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong Power 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, 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
Announced20232023, February 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2023Available. Released 2023, July
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions169.9 x 80.2 x 20 mm (6.69 x 3.16 x 0.79 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight382 g (13.47 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 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~74.9% 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/WAMediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPU-IMG 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)
Triple48 MP, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, (night vision camera), 2 IR emitters 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackUnspecifiedNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (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
Charging33W wired Reverse wired15W wireless
Type10600 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-BM1S1B
PriceAbout 210 EURAbout 600 EUR

Cubot KingKong Power

  • Faster Wired Charging (33W)
  • Reverse Wired Charging
  • More Affordable Price Point

  • Older, Less Powerful Chipset
  • Less Efficient Processor

Cat S75

  • Significantly Faster Processor (Dimensity 930)
  • More Efficient 6nm Process
  • Wireless Charging Convenience

  • Slower Charging Speed (15W Wireless)
  • Higher Price

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S75's positioning, it likely features a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate. The Cubot KingKong Power, focusing on cost-effectiveness, likely utilizes a more basic LCD panel. Rugged phones often prioritize durability over display fidelity, so expect both to have reinforced glass, but the Cat S75 may have a more scratch-resistant coating.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, analysis is limited. However, the Cat S75’s higher-end chipset suggests a more capable image signal processor (ISP), leading to better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature multiple cameras, the Cat S75 is more likely to have a larger primary sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial for low-light photography. The MT8788V in the KingKong Power will likely result in slower image processing and less detail in challenging lighting conditions. Expect the Cat S75 to offer a more versatile and higher-quality camera experience.

Performance

The Cat S75’s Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Cubot KingKong Power’s Mediatek MT8788V/WA. The Dimensity 930 utilizes more modern CPU cores – 2x Cortex-A78 at 2.2 GHz versus the KingKong Power’s 4x Cortex-A73 at 2.0 GHz – resulting in significantly faster single-core performance. The 6nm process node also contributes to improved power efficiency, meaning the Cat S75 will likely run cooler and maintain performance for longer under sustained load. The KingKong Power’s older architecture will struggle with demanding tasks and multitasking compared to the Cat S75.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong Power boasts 33W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Cat S75’s 15W wireless charging. While wireless charging offers convenience, it’s considerably slower. The KingKong Power will likely achieve a full charge in under 90 minutes, while the Cat S75 could take over two hours. Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the Cat S75’s more efficient Dimensity 930 may offset a potentially smaller battery size. The KingKong Power also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Cat S75, allowing it to charge other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong Power if you need a highly durable phone for demanding work environments and prioritize battery life and fast charging over top-tier performance. It’s ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, or anyone who frequently drops their phone. Buy the Cat S75 if you prefer a more refined user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of wireless charging, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed and potentially battery longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 930 in the Cat S75 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 930 is a relatively efficient chipset built on a 6nm process. While it will generate heat during intensive tasks like gaming, its thermal management is generally good. The Cat S75’s rugged design likely incorporates heat dissipation features to mitigate throttling, but sustained peak performance may still result in some temperature increase.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Cubot KingKong Power truly faster in real-world use compared to the Cat S75's 15W wireless charging?
Yes, significantly. Wireless charging is inherently less efficient than wired charging. A 33W wired connection will deliver power much faster, typically achieving a full charge in under 90 minutes. The Cat S75’s 15W wireless charging will likely take over two hours, making the KingKong Power the better choice for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Given the focus on ruggedness, how does the audio quality compare between these two devices, especially in noisy environments?
Neither device's audio specifications are provided. However, rugged phones often prioritize durability over audio fidelity. The Cat S75, being a more premium device, may have slightly better speakers and noise cancellation features. Both phones likely feature reinforced speaker grills to protect against damage, but don't expect audiophile-grade sound quality.