The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Cubot Quest and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with different philosophies. The Cubot Quest focuses on affordability, utilizing a Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, while the Cat S62 Pro opts for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, prioritizing a smoother user experience and potentially better longevity through software support. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a responsive experience and potential for future software updates, the Cat S62 Pro is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Cubot Quest’s Helio P22, justifying the price difference for those who demand more from their device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20 | 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 | 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 | 157 x 73.7 x 8.8 mm (6.18 x 2.90 x 0.35 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 | 216 g (7.62 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 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~67.5% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.9", PDAF
2 MP | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red/Black, Black | Black |
| Price | - | About 530 EUR |
Cubot Quest
- Significantly more affordable
- Rugged design for durability
- Decent battery life due to efficient chipset
- Noticeably slower performance
- Limited software update potential
- Potentially lower camera quality
Cat S62 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 660
- Better software support and longevity
- Potentially improved camera image processing
- Higher price point
- Still a rugged phone, so design may be bulky
- May not offer a dramatically better battery life than the Cubot Quest
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for display excellence. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in the rugged segment to prioritize durability over advanced display tech like OLED. The Cat S62 Pro, given its higher price point, *may* have slightly better color calibration, but neither is expected to compete with flagship displays. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to structural integrity. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the S62 Pro’s Qualcomm chipset generally supports higher resolution panels, suggesting a potential advantage.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s chipset generally supports more advanced image signal processors (ISPs), potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Snapdragon 660’s ISP can handle more complex image processing algorithms, resulting in sharper details and more accurate colors. It’s reasonable to assume the S62 Pro will offer a more refined camera experience, even if the main sensor resolution is similar. The Cubot Quest likely relies on simpler image processing, which may result in softer images and less dynamic range. We can expect both phones to include a variety of camera modes, but the S62 Pro’s processing power will likely make those modes more effective.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) in the Cat S62 Pro is a clear step up from the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) in the Cubot Quest. The Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores (4x2.2 GHz Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Silver) offer significantly better single-core and multi-core performance than the Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Cat S62 Pro. While the Helio P22 is adequate for basic tasks, the Snapdragon 660 provides headroom for more demanding applications. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 660, while older, is generally well-optimized, and its thermal design in the S62 Pro is likely more robust for sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but rugged phones generally prioritize long battery life. The Snapdragon 660, despite being more powerful, is also relatively efficient. The 14nm process contributes to reasonable power consumption. The Cubot Quest’s Helio P22 is also efficient, but its lower performance means it’s less likely to be stressed, potentially leading to similar real-world battery life. Charging wattage is unknown for both devices. However, the Cat S62 Pro, being a more premium device, *may* support faster charging technologies, reducing the time to fully recharge the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Quest if you need a highly affordable, genuinely rugged phone for basic communication and light tasks, and are comfortable with potentially limited software support. It’s ideal for users who prioritize cost above all else. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more refined user experience, smoother multitasking, and a chipset known for its stability and compatibility, making it suitable for work-related tasks and moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro still capable of running modern apps smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 660 remains a capable chipset for everyday tasks and even moderate gaming. While not a flagship processor, its eight cores and optimized architecture provide a smooth experience for most apps and multitasking scenarios. It’s a significant step up from the Helio P22 in the Cubot Quest.
❓ How durable is the Cubot Quest compared to other rugged phones?
The Cubot Quest is designed to withstand drops, dust, and water exposure, typical of rugged phones. However, the specific certifications (IP rating, MIL-STD-810G compliance) are crucial. While it offers a robust build, the Cat S62 Pro, being a more premium device, likely adheres to stricter durability standards and may offer a higher level of protection.
❓ Will the Cubot Quest receive Android updates in the future?
Software update support for the Cubot Quest is uncertain. Budget-focused brands often provide limited or no major Android updates. The Cat S62 Pro, benefiting from Qualcomm’s chipset and Cat’s brand reputation, is more likely to receive at least one major Android update and security patches for a longer period.
❓ Is the performance difference between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the performance difference is quite noticeable. The Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro handles app launches, multitasking, and web browsing with greater speed and fluidity compared to the Helio P22 in the Cubot Quest. Users will experience less lag and a more responsive overall experience with the S62 Pro.
