The Doogee S35 and Cat S42 H+ occupy a similar niche: providing durable, reliable smartphones for users who need a device that can withstand harsh conditions without breaking the bank. Both phones target construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone prone to accidental drops. However, with nearly identical core specifications, discerning a clear winner requires a deep dive into the nuances of each device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing pure value, the Doogee S35 likely presents a more compelling option, assuming it's available at a lower price point. Both phones deliver the same core performance, but the S35's potential for cost savings makes it the more practical choice given their shared hardware.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2021, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August | Available. Released 2021, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153.4 x 82.9 x 15.7 mm (6.04 x 3.26 x 0.62 in) | 161.3 x 77.2 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 4350 mAh | Li-Ion 4200 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Red | Black |
| Price | About 120 EUR | $ 249.87 / C$ 298.00 / £ 182.00 / € 188.58 |
Doogee S35
- Potentially lower price point offers better value.
- Rugged design provides excellent drop and water resistance.
- Helio A20 chipset is sufficient for basic tasks.
- Limited performance for demanding applications.
- Camera quality is likely to be basic.
Cat S42 H+
- Established brand reputation for rugged devices.
- Potential for better software support and warranty.
- Rugged design provides excellent drop and water resistance.
- Likely higher price compared to the Doogee S35.
- Limited performance for demanding applications.
Display Comparison
Both the Doogee S35 and Cat S42 H+ are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their target market and chipset. While specific details like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, we can anticipate a focus on readability in direct sunlight rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates. The ruggedized design will likely necessitate thicker bezels, prioritizing screen protection over maximizing screen real estate. Expect a utilitarian display experience focused on functionality over aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Details regarding camera sensors are absent, but given the price point, both phones likely utilize basic image sensors. It's probable that both devices feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and limited dynamic range in low-light environments. The image processing will likely prioritize speed over detail, resulting in images that are acceptable for sharing but not suitable for critical photography.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20, a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This chipset is designed for basic smartphone tasks – calls, texts, light web browsing, and running simple apps. The identical CPU and chipset mean performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two phones. Expect noticeable lag when multitasking or running demanding applications. The Helio A20's 12nm process node offers reasonable efficiency for its class, but don't expect extended gaming sessions or smooth performance with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Helio A20's efficiency suggests a reasonable battery life for moderate usage. The 10W wired charging on the Doogee S35 indicates a slower charging speed. While the Cat S42 H+ charging speed is unknown, it's unlikely to be significantly faster given the shared chipset and target market. Expect several hours of usage on a single charge with typical use, but heavy users may need to top up the battery during the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee S35 if you need a dependable, rugged phone and are primarily concerned with getting the best possible price for a basic smartphone experience. It's ideal for users who need a work phone that can survive a job site without demanding high performance. Buy the Cat S42 H+ if you prefer the established brand reputation of Cat and their focus on enterprise solutions, potentially benefiting from better software support or warranty options, even if the underlying hardware is identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A20 chipset struggle with modern apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A20 can run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, users should expect some lag and slower loading times, especially when multitasking. The chipset is designed for basic functionality, and these apps are becoming increasingly resource-intensive.
❓ How effective is the ruggedization on these phones? Can they survive a significant drop?
Both the Doogee S35 and Cat S42 H+ are built to withstand drops, dust, and water exposure, meeting IP68 or similar ruggedization standards. They can likely survive drops onto hard surfaces from reasonable heights (around 1.5-2 meters), but the level of protection depends on the impact surface and angle.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed for either of these devices?
Software update support is often limited on budget rugged phones. Cat, with its enterprise focus, *may* offer slightly better long-term support, but users shouldn't expect frequent or major Android version updates on either device. Security patches are the most likely updates to be provided.
