The rugged phone market often demands a premium, but the Cubot Quest Lite and Cat S31 aim to deliver durability without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their core components – from chipsets to build quality – to determine which offers the best value for users needing a resilient device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better performance, the Cubot Quest Lite emerges as the winner. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Cat S31’s aging Snapdragon 210, despite the lower clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2017, September. Released 2017, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 152 x 74 x 8.8 mm (5.98 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) | 146 x 74.4 x 12.6 mm (5.75 x 2.93 x 0.50 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 219.7 g (7.76 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red/Black, Black | Black |
| Price | - | About 330 EUR |
Cubot Quest Lite
- More efficient processor (Helio A22)
- Likely better sustained performance
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Build quality may not match Cat S31's ruggedness
- Brand recognition is lower than Cat
Cat S31
- Proven rugged design and durability
- Established brand reputation in the rugged phone market
- Potentially more robust build materials
- Significantly slower processor (Snapdragon 210)
- Less efficient chipset (28nm process)
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize basic LCD panels. The Cat S31, being an older model, likely has wider bezels. The Quest Lite, being newer, *may* have slightly better color reproduction, but neither will compete with modern IPS or AMOLED displays. Expect similar resolutions, likely 720p, optimized for battery life rather than visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards functionality rather than photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will have a primary camera and potentially a basic front-facing camera. The image processing capabilities of the Helio A22 *may* offer slightly better results in good lighting conditions, but neither phone will excel in low-light scenarios. Expect limited detail and dynamic range from both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Quest Lite’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12nm) is significantly more efficient than the Cat S31’s Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28nm). The 12nm process allows for lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, translating to better sustained performance. While the Snapdragon 210 has a lower clock speed (1.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), the architectural improvements in the Helio A22’s Cortex-A53 cores provide a more fluid experience for multitasking and app loading. The Snapdragon 210 will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the more efficient Helio A22 in the Cubot Quest Lite will likely result in longer battery life under similar usage. The Snapdragon 210’s 28nm process is power-hungry. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, given their budget nature. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Quest Lite if you need a phone for everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use, and appreciate a more responsive user experience. Buy the Cat S31 if you prioritize a proven rugged design and brand reputation, and are willing to accept a slower processor for basic functionality. The Cat S31 is geared towards those who need a very durable phone for harsh environments, even if it means sacrificing speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cat S31 struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes, the Snapdragon 210 is a very old processor and will likely exhibit significant lag and slowdown when running modern apps. While basic functionality may be possible, a smooth user experience is unlikely. The Cubot Quest Lite's Helio A22 will handle these apps much more comfortably.
❓ Is the Cubot Quest Lite as durable as the Cat S31?
While the Cubot Quest Lite is likely built to withstand some level of abuse, the Cat S31 is specifically designed and certified to meet ruggedness standards (like IP68). The Cat S31 will offer superior protection against drops, dust, and water immersion.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games will be playable on both, but don't expect a great experience. The Snapdragon 210 in the Cat S31 will struggle even with simple games, while the Helio A22 in the Cubot Quest Lite will offer slightly better performance, but still won't be suitable for demanding titles.
