Doogee S61 Pro vs Cat S62 Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The Doogee S61 Pro and Cat S62 Pro represent two key players in the rugged smartphone market, catering to users who demand durability and reliability in challenging environments. While both boast robust builds, their internal components and overall performance profiles differ significantly, making the choice less straightforward than it appears. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device delivers the best value for demanding users.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more refined user experience, the Cat S62 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset, built on a 14nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in processing power and efficiency compared to the Doogee S61 Pro’s Helio G35, despite the latter’s newer 12nm node.

PHONES
Phone Names	Doogee S61 Pro	Cat S62 Pro

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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66	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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, June 23	2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17
Status	Available. Released 2022, July	Discontinued

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	167.4 x 81.4 x 14.6 mm (6.59 x 3.20 x 0.57 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	266 g (9.38 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	Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution	720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)	1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size	6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~68.2% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)	Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Adreno 512
OS	Android 12	Android 10

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module)
Features	Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash
Video	1080p	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)	8 MP
Video	1080p	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	-	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	10W wired	-
Type	5180 mAh	Li-Ion 4000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Transparent, Wood Grain, Carbon Fiber, AG Frost	Black
Price	About 190 EUR	About 530 EUR

Doogee S61 Pro

More affordable price point
Potentially lighter weight due to simpler components
Rugged design for demanding environments

Less powerful processor
Slower charging speed (10W)
Likely lower image quality

Cat S62 Pro

More powerful Snapdragon 660 processor
Superior ISP for better image quality
Potentially longer battery life due to chipset efficiency

Higher price point
May be slightly heavier
Still a mid-range processor, not a flagship

Display Comparison

Neither device is known for display excellence, focusing instead on durability. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are not provided, but given the market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 includes a more powerful ISP, potentially leading to better image processing for display output. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is typical for rugged phones, prioritizing battery life over visual fluidity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) is demonstrably more capable than the ISP found in the Helio G35. This means the Cat S62 Pro will likely produce better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Cat S62 Pro’s ISP also supports more advanced features like improved HDR and noise reduction. The absence of specific sensor details suggests both phones likely prioritize functionality over photographic excellence, aiming for reliable image capture rather than flagship-level quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) features a Kryo CPU architecture, offering a more balanced and efficient performance profile than the Doogee S61 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). While the G35 benefits from a smaller node size, the Snapdragon 660’s superior architecture and higher clock speeds (2.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz peak) translate to a more responsive user experience, particularly during multitasking and demanding applications. The Snapdragon 660’s Adreno 512 GPU also provides a significant advantage in graphics performance, benefiting users who occasionally engage in gaming. The Helio G35’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are older generation and will struggle with more intensive workloads.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s more efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Doogee S61 Pro. The Doogee S61 Pro is limited to 10W wired charging, which is significantly slower than what is commonly found in modern smartphones. The Cat S62 Pro’s charging speed is unknown, but given its higher price point, it’s reasonable to expect faster charging capabilities, reducing downtime for users in the field.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee S61 Pro if you need a highly affordable entry point into the rugged phone category and your primary use case revolves around basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize smoother multitasking, more responsive app performance, and a more established brand reputation for ruggedized devices, even if it comes at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S61 Pro struggle with resource-intensive apps like mapping or offline navigation?

Yes, the Helio G35 chipset in the Doogee S61 Pro is likely to exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running demanding applications like offline maps or complex navigation software. The older Cortex-A53 cores and limited GPU power will struggle to handle the processing load efficiently.

❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro a good choice for construction workers who need a durable phone that can withstand drops and harsh conditions?

Absolutely. The Cat S62 Pro is specifically designed for demanding work environments. Its ruggedized construction, combined with the reliable Snapdragon 660 chipset, makes it a suitable choice for construction workers and other professionals who require a durable and dependable smartphone.

❓ How does the 10W charging on the Doogee S61 Pro compare to typical smartphone charging speeds?

10W charging is significantly slower than the charging speeds found on most modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take several hours, which can be inconvenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

❓ Does the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro offer any future-proofing benefits?

While not a flagship processor, the Snapdragon 660 is a more capable and efficient chipset than the Helio G35. This means the Cat S62 Pro will likely remain usable for a longer period, with smoother performance and better app compatibility as software evolves.