Doogee R08 vs Cat S62 Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing a device that can withstand harsh conditions. Both the Doogee R08 and Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver this durability, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into the chipset choices – Mediatek’s MT8788 in the R08 versus Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 660 in the S62 Pro – to determine which phone offers the best balance of toughness and performance.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more refined software experience, the Cat S62 Pro emerges as the better choice. While the Doogee R08 offers a compelling value proposition, the Snapdragon 660’s architecture provides a noticeable edge in real-world responsiveness and sustained workloads.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee R08 Cat S62 Pro
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, March2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions249.5 x 167.8 x 13.5 mm (9.82 x 6.61 x 0.53 in)158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight716 g (1.58 lb)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
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 512
OSAndroid 13Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM128GB 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)
FeaturesLED flashThermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash
Single13 MP-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single5 MP8 MP
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired Reverse wired-
Type7680 mAhLi-Ion 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Price-About 530 EUR

Doogee R08

  • More affordable price point
  • Genuine rugged construction
  • Reverse wired charging capability

  • Slower processor and graphics
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Potentially limited software updates

Cat S62 Pro

  • More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset
  • Smoother user experience
  • Potentially faster charging

  • Higher price tag
  • Rugged design may be bulkier
  • May not offer significant camera improvements

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and refresh rate are absent from the provided data, suggesting both likely utilize standard LCD panels. The focus here is on durability, not visual fidelity. However, the choice of chipset impacts display responsiveness; the Snapdragon 660’s superior GPU could translate to slightly smoother scrolling and animations, even with similar panel specs. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the one found in the MT8788, resulting in faster image capture and potentially better low-light performance. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture suggests both phones likely feature mid-range camera systems focused on practicality rather than photographic excellence. Expect adequate results for documentation and casual snapshots.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm) utilizes a Kryo architecture, offering a more efficient and powerful CPU compared to the Doogee R08’s Mediatek MT8788 (12nm). While the MT8788’s Cortex-A73 cores clock slightly higher (2.0 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the Kryo 260 Gold), the Snapdragon 660’s architecture and process node provide better sustained performance and thermal management. This means the S62 Pro is less likely to throttle under prolonged load, benefiting users who frequently use GPS, mapping apps, or run demanding work applications. The 14nm process, while older, is a mature technology known for its stability.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Doogee R08’s 10W wired charging is significantly slower than what’s typically found in the Cat S62 Pro (though specific wattage isn’t provided). This slower charging speed means longer downtime between uses for the R08. While a larger battery capacity on the R08 could offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 660’s power efficiency gives the S62 Pro an advantage in overall battery life, even with a potentially smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee R08 if you need a highly affordable, genuinely rugged phone for basic tasks like communication and occasional photography, and are comfortable with potentially slower performance. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more polished user experience, smoother multitasking, and a chipset known for its stability, even if it comes at a higher price point. The S62 Pro is ideal for professionals relying on their phone in demanding field conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek MT8788 in the Doogee R08 struggle with demanding apps like offline maps or data collection software?
Yes, the MT8788 is a mid-range chipset and may exhibit noticeable lag or slowdowns when running resource-intensive applications. The Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro is better equipped to handle these workloads due to its more efficient architecture and superior GPU.
❓ How does the ruggedization of the Cat S62 Pro compare to the Doogee R08 in terms of certifications and drop resistance?
While both phones are ruggedized, Cat phones are known for adhering to stringent MIL-STD-810H and IP68/IP69K certifications. This typically translates to greater drop resistance and protection against dust, water, and extreme temperatures compared to the Doogee R08, though specific certifications for the R08 are not provided.
❓ Is the slower charging speed of the Doogee R08 a significant drawback for users who rely on their phone throughout the day?
Absolutely. The 10W charging on the R08 will take considerably longer to fully charge the battery compared to the Cat S62 Pro, which likely supports faster charging technologies. This can be a major inconvenience for users who need to quickly top up their phone's battery during breaks or while traveling.