The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Energizer Hard Case G5 and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver that, but they take different approaches under the hood. The G5 leverages a newer Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset, while the S62 Pro relies on the older Qualcomm Snapdragon 660. This comparison dissects these core differences and their impact on real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Energizer Hard Case G5 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the Cat S62 Pro’s 14nm Snapdragon 660, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. However, the Cat S62 Pro may appeal to those deeply embedded in the FLIR ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 29. Released 2021, Q4 | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 78.2 x 13.7 mm (6.60 x 3.08 x 0.54 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 | - | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| | IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m | 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 | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~74.3% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module) |
| Features | LED flash | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
20 MP, f/1.8
13 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Energizer Hard Case G5
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset
- Likely better thermal management due to 7nm process
- Potential for faster charging speeds
- Lacks integrated FLIR thermal imaging
- Rugged design may compromise aesthetics
Cat S62 Pro
- Integrated FLIR thermal imaging for professional applications
- Robust build quality for demanding environments
- Established brand reputation in the rugged phone market
- Older and less efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Potentially slower performance and more throttling
- Higher power consumption
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S62 Pro's focus on professional applications, it likely prioritizes outdoor visibility with a higher peak brightness. The Energizer G5, targeting a broader audience, may lean towards color accuracy. Bezels are likely substantial on both due to the ruggedized design, prioritizing protection over a sleek aesthetic. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this segment for their durability.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Cat S62 Pro likely emphasizes its FLIR thermal imaging capabilities, potentially at the expense of traditional camera performance. The Energizer G5, aiming for broader appeal, may offer a more balanced camera system. The Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) is older, potentially resulting in less sophisticated image processing compared to the Dimensity 800U’s ISP. The absence of information on sensor sizes and apertures makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the G5’s newer chipset suggests a potential advantage in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Energizer G5’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) boasts a more modern architecture than the Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The Dimensity 800U’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, offer significantly better single-core performance than the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 Gold cores at 2.2 GHz. While the Snapdragon 660 has a higher clock speed, the architectural improvements and smaller node size of the Dimensity 800U result in superior overall performance and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the G5. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 660’s 14nm process is less power-efficient than the Dimensity 800U’s 7nm process. This means the Cat S62 Pro will likely consume more power for the same tasks, potentially requiring more frequent charging. Without knowing the battery sizes, it’s difficult to predict real-world battery life. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the Dimensity 800U supports faster charging standards, potentially giving the G5 an edge in replenishment speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hard Case G5 if you need a rugged phone with modern processing power for demanding applications, streaming, and gaming. It’s ideal for users who want a phone that won’t slow down with time. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you specifically require integrated FLIR thermal imaging capabilities for professional use, such as building inspection or search and rescue, and are willing to compromise on raw processing speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Energizer Hard Case G5 struggle with graphically intensive games?
The Mediatek Dimensity 800U is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't match flagship performance, it should handle most popular titles at medium to high settings. The 7nm process also aids in thermal management, reducing the risk of significant performance throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the FLIR thermal camera on the Cat S62 Pro useful for everyday users?
The FLIR thermal camera is primarily geared towards professionals like building inspectors, electricians, and first responders. While it can be interesting for casual use, its practical applications for the average user are limited. The cost of the S62 Pro is significantly influenced by this specialized feature.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro still receive security updates?
Qualcomm typically provides several years of security updates for its chipsets. However, the S62 Pro is an older device, so the length of continued support is uncertain. It's crucial to check Cat's official website for the latest security update information before purchasing.
