The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 and Cat S62 represent two distinct approaches to the rugged smartphone market. The DuraForce Pro 2, a veteran, focuses on established durability and a familiar user experience. The Cat S62, newer to the scene, aims to blend ruggedness with a more modern chipset and faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best balance of toughness and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Cat S62 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the DuraForce Pro 2’s Snapdragon 630, and the inclusion of Quick Charge 4 (QC4) significantly reduces charging times. However, the DuraForce Pro 2 remains a viable option for those deeply embedded in the Kyocera ecosystem or seeking a more affordable rugged solution.
| 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, 4, 5, 7, 13, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, November. Released 2018, November | 2021, June 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 150.2 x 73.4 x 13.5 mm (5.91 x 2.89 x 0.53 in) | 157.5 x 76.2 x 12.7 mm (6.20 x 3.00 x 0.5 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 243 g (8.25 oz) | 260 g (9.17 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant
Push-to-talk button | IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~62.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 508 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
8 MP (ultra wide; dedicated video camera) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/i/r/k, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Wireless (Qi) | Wireless
QC4 |
| Stand-by | Up to 312 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 21 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3240 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 440 EUR |
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2
- Qi Wireless Charging for convenient power-ups.
- Proven Rugged Design – Kyocera has a long history in this space.
- Potentially Lower Cost – Often available at a more affordable price point.
- Older Snapdragon 630 chipset limits performance.
- Slower 10W wired charging.
- Less efficient CPU architecture compared to the Cat S62.
Cat S62
- Faster Snapdragon 660 chipset for improved performance.
- Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support for rapid charging.
- More efficient CPU architecture for potentially longer battery life.
- May be more expensive than the DuraForce Pro 2.
- Wireless charging not explicitly mentioned (though likely present).
- Rugged design may not be as battle-tested as Kyocera's.
Display Comparison
Neither Kyocera nor Cat provide detailed display specifications beyond basic resolution. However, the focus on outdoor visibility is paramount for rugged phones. While both likely employ laminated displays for impact resistance, the Snapdragon 660’s ISP in the Cat S62 *may* offer slightly better dynamic range processing for improved visibility in bright sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing screen protection over a modern, edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are lacking for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Cat S62 offers superior image processing capabilities compared to the 630. This means better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely feature a primary camera for general photography, the Cat S62’s ISP is better equipped to extract detail and clarity. The absence of detailed sensor information makes a definitive comparison difficult, but the chipset advantage favors the Cat S62.
Performance
The Cat S62’s Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 represents a clear advantage over the DuraForce Pro 2’s SDM630 Snapdragon 630. The 660 utilizes a Kryo 260 CPU architecture with a heterogeneous core arrangement (4x2.2 GHz Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Silver) compared to the 630’s homogenous Cortex-A53 setup. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in multi-threaded tasks, benefiting users running multiple apps or demanding software. While both chipsets are built on a 14nm process, the 660’s architectural improvements also contribute to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life under load. The Cat S62 will handle graphically intensive tasks and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified in the provided data, but both phones are designed for all-day use. The Cat S62’s support for Quick Charge 4 (QC4) is a significant advantage. QC4 allows for significantly faster charging speeds compared to the DuraForce Pro 2’s 10W wired charging and Qi wireless charging. This means less downtime and quicker returns to full power, crucial for users in the field. While the DuraForce Pro 2 offers the convenience of wireless charging, the Cat S62’s faster wired charging provides a more practical solution for rapid power replenishment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 if you need a proven, reliable rugged phone with Qi wireless charging and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It’s ideal for users who prioritize familiarity and a lower upfront cost. Buy the Cat S62 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, faster charging via QC4, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding applications, making it better suited for field workers relying on data-intensive apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Cat S62’s Snapdragon 660 chipset generate excessive heat during prolonged use, potentially impacting performance?
While the Snapdragon 660 is more powerful than the 630, it’s also more efficient. The Cat S62’s thermal design, combined with the 660’s improved efficiency, should prevent significant overheating during typical use. However, sustained gaming or demanding tasks *may* lead to some thermal throttling, but it’s unlikely to be as severe as with less efficient chipsets.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a major concern, and how do the image processing capabilities compare in real-world scenarios?
The absence of detailed specs is a drawback. However, the Cat S62’s Snapdragon 660 ISP provides a significant advantage in image processing. Expect better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image clarity, especially in low-light conditions. While megapixel counts may be similar, the software processing will be the key differentiator.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Cat S62 compare to the well-established durability of the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2?
Kyocera has a long-standing reputation for building incredibly durable phones. The Cat S62 meets IP68 and MIL-STD-810H standards, indicating robust protection against drops, dust, and water. While the DuraForce Pro 2 benefits from years of refinement, the Cat S62 offers comparable ruggedness, making it a reliable choice for demanding environments.
