The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing a device that can withstand drops, dust, and demanding environments. Both the Energizer Hardcase H621S and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver this durability, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and responsiveness, the Cat S62 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Energizer H621S’s Helio P22, making it better suited for demanding applications and a more fluid user experience. However, the H621S may appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June. Released 2021, June | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 12 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.47 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 | 241 g (8.50 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 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~75.3% 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 2.0 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 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 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 |
| Single | 48 MP, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Energizer Hardcase H621S
- Highly affordable price point
- Extremely durable build quality
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Outdated chipset
Cat S62 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 660
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially faster charging speeds
- Higher price tag
- May be slightly bulkier due to larger components
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and refresh rate are absent, suggesting both likely utilize basic LCD panels. However, the core difference lies beneath the surface. The Snapdragon 660’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) benefits from Qualcomm’s superior image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better color accuracy and dynamic range even with similar panel characteristics. The H621S, relying on the Helio P22, will likely exhibit more noticeable color shifting and lower peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 660’s superior ISP provides a significant advantage. It’s capable of faster image processing, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar megapixel counts in their primary sensors, the S62 Pro will likely produce more detailed and visually appealing images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The H621S’s Helio P22 chipset will struggle to keep up with complex image processing tasks.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) features a Kryo CPU architecture with a combination of performance (2.2 GHz) and efficiency (1.8 GHz) cores. This contrasts sharply with the Energizer H621S’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm) which relies solely on Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Snapdragon 660’s architecture allows for more efficient multitasking and handling of demanding applications. The 14nm process, while older, is well-optimized, and the Kryo cores offer a noticeable performance uplift over the Cortex-A53. Users who frequently switch between apps, use navigation, or engage in light gaming will find the S62 Pro a far more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature sizable batteries to accommodate their rugged designs and target user base. The Energizer H621S supports 15W wired charging, a relatively slow rate by today’s standards. The Cat S62 Pro’s charging speed is not specified, but Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology is often supported in devices with the Snapdragon 660, potentially offering faster charging times. While battery capacity is crucial, the Snapdragon 660’s more efficient architecture will likely result in better overall battery life, even with a similar capacity, due to reduced power consumption during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hardcase H621S if you need a highly affordable, extremely durable phone for basic communication and light tasks like calls, texts, and simple navigation. It’s ideal for users who prioritize longevity and minimal software demands. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more responsive and capable device for running multiple apps, handling moderate gaming, and utilizing more complex features – all while maintaining a robust, rugged build quality. It’s geared towards professionals and enthusiasts who need a reliable workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Energizer Hardcase H621S struggle with modern navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze?
Yes, the Helio P22 chipset in the H621S is relatively underpowered for demanding applications like Google Maps or Waze, especially when used for extended periods. Users may experience lag, slow loading times, and occasional crashes. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 will handle these apps much more smoothly.
❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro a good choice for someone who frequently uses push-to-talk (PTT) applications?
The Cat S62 Pro is well-suited for PTT applications. The Snapdragon 660 provides the processing power and network connectivity needed for reliable and responsive PTT communication. The rugged build quality also ensures the device can withstand the demands of field work.
❓ How does the Helio P22's thermal performance compare to the Snapdragon 660 under sustained load?
The Helio P22, while utilizing a 12nm process, is less thermally efficient than the Snapdragon 660. Under sustained load, the H621S is more likely to experience throttling, reducing performance to prevent overheating. The S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 will maintain higher sustained performance levels.
