The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, internal components matter just as much. We pit the newer HMD Atlas, powered by a modern 4nm Snapdragon, against the Cat S62 Pro, featuring an older 14nm Snapdragon 660, to determine which offers the best balance of toughness and performance for today's user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the HMD Atlas emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, delivers a noticeable efficiency advantage over the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660, translating to better battery life and sustained performance. While both are rugged, the Atlas offers a more modern platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163 x 75 x 8.8 mm (6.42 x 2.95 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 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 | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.64 inches, 106.4 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
8 MP, (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, QC4 | - |
| Type | 5500 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green | Black |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 530 EUR |
HMD Atlas
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Likely supports faster charging (QC4)
- Potentially more modern display technology
- Specific camera specs unknown
- May be slightly more expensive than the S62 Pro
Cat S62 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Proven rugged design
- Established brand in the rugged phone market
- Older, less efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Likely slower performance and shorter battery life
- Potentially outdated display technology
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S62 Pro's age, it likely utilizes an older LCD panel with lower peak brightness and color accuracy compared to what HMD could integrate into the Atlas. Rugged phones often prioritize durability over display quality, but the Atlas's newer design potentially allows for a more modern panel.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, it's difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, given the age difference, the HMD Atlas likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The Cat S62 Pro, while potentially offering a decent camera for its time, will likely struggle in low-light conditions compared to a newer sensor and ISP found in the Atlas. We can assume both phones will prioritize practicality over photographic excellence.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HMD Atlas’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a significant leap in efficiency over the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 4nm node allows for more transistors in a smaller space, leading to improved performance per watt. While the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores offer a similar clock speed (2.2 GHz) to the Atlas’s Cortex-A78 cores, the architectural improvements and process node of the Atlas chip will result in superior sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Atlas's CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) also suggests a more balanced approach to performance and efficiency than the 660's 4+4 configuration.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the HMD Atlas’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s superior efficiency will translate to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery to the Cat S62 Pro. The Atlas also supports QC4 charging, which is a faster and more efficient charging standard than what the S62 Pro likely supports. This means quicker top-ups when needed, further enhancing usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Atlas if you prioritize battery life, future-proofing, and a more responsive user experience, even for demanding tasks. It’s ideal for users who need a reliable phone for outdoor work or travel and want a device that won’t slow down significantly over time. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you’re on a very tight budget and need a basic, durable phone for essential communication. However, be prepared for slower performance and potentially shorter battery life, especially with heavier usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro struggle with modern apps and multitasking?
Yes, the Snapdragon 660, while capable for basic tasks, will likely exhibit noticeable slowdowns and lag when running demanding applications or multitasking heavily. The 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the HMD Atlas is significantly more efficient and capable of handling modern workloads with greater ease.
❓ How much of a real-world battery life difference can I expect between the HMD Atlas and the Cat S62 Pro?
Due to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2's superior efficiency, the HMD Atlas is expected to offer significantly longer battery life, potentially adding several hours of usage on a single charge compared to the Cat S62 Pro, especially with moderate to heavy use. The QC4 charging support on the Atlas also allows for faster top-ups.
❓ Is the HMD Atlas a good choice for someone who frequently uses GPS for navigation in remote areas?
Yes, the HMD Atlas's more efficient chipset and potentially better thermal management make it a more suitable choice for prolonged GPS usage. The Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro might experience throttling and reduced battery life during extended navigation sessions.
