The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: reliability in harsh conditions. The Kyocera DuraSport UW enters the fray with a modern 5G chipset, while the Cat S62 Pro leverages a more mature, though older, platform. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best blend of durability and functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing 5G connectivity and future-proofing, the Kyocera DuraSport UW is the better choice, despite the older Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro. The UW’s Snapdragon 480 offers a more efficient architecture and faster data speeds, making it ideal for field work requiring constant connectivity. However, the Cat S62 Pro remains a viable option for those needing a proven, durable device without the immediate need for 5G.
| 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, 12, 13, 48, 66, 71 - unlocked | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 48, 66, 71, 77, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - unlocked | - |
| 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 | 2023, November | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 70.7 x 9.9 mm (6.09 x 2.78 x 0.39 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 | 185 g (6.53 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 | Shatter-Resistant Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~82.1% 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 Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 13 (unlocked), Android 12 (Verizon) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm | 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, panorama | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5) | 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/e/i/k/r/v, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 27W wired, PD, QC4.0
8W wireless (Qi) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Kyocera DuraSport UW
- 5G Connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset
- Faster 27W charging with PD and QC4.0
- Wireless charging support (Qi)
- Potentially less established durability reputation
- Camera performance likely similar to Cat S62 Pro
Cat S62 Pro
- Proven track record of durability
- Potentially integrated thermal imaging capabilities (historical Cat feature)
- Mature software ecosystem
- Reliable Snapdragon 660 platform
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Less power-efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- No wireless charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but both are likely LCD panels optimized for outdoor visibility. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting display responsiveness. The Snapdragon 480 in the DuraSport UW, while not a display powerhouse, benefits from a more modern GPU, potentially offering smoother scrolling and transitions compared to the Snapdragon 660’s Adreno 512. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing screen protection over a sleek aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but the focus on ruggedness suggests both phones prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. The Cat S62 Pro, historically, has focused on thermal imaging, a feature not mentioned for the DuraSport UW. Assuming similar sensor sizes (likely around 12-13MP for the main sensor), the image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 480 might offer slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction. However, the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device limits low-light performance. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors are likely to be of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference here is the chipset generation. The Kyocera DuraSport UW’s Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). While the 660’s Kryo 260 cores offer a slightly higher peak clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), the 480’s newer architecture and smaller node size translate to superior power efficiency and sustained performance. This means less throttling during prolonged tasks and better battery life. The 480 also integrates a 5G modem, a feature absent in the 660. The 660’s octa-core configuration is split into performance and efficiency cores, while the 480 utilizes a more unified approach, potentially leading to more consistent performance across various workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for rugged phones. The Kyocera DuraSport UW gains an advantage with its 27W wired charging, supporting Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 4.0, enabling significantly faster charging times compared to the Cat S62 Pro’s likely slower charging speeds. The inclusion of 8W wireless charging (Qi) on the DuraSport UW adds convenience, a feature absent on the Cat S62 Pro. The Snapdragon 480’s improved power efficiency further contributes to potentially longer real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Kyocera DuraSport UW if you need 5G connectivity for remote work, streaming data, or utilizing cloud-based applications in the field. Its newer chipset also offers better long-term software support. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a device with a well-established reputation for durability and are less concerned with having the latest 5G technology, or if your work environment doesn't require high bandwidth.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Kyocera DuraSport UW receive long-term software updates?
Given the Snapdragon 480's relatively recent release, the DuraSport UW should receive at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches, offering better long-term support compared to the older Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 still capable of handling demanding applications?
The Snapdragon 660 is a capable chipset, but its age means it will struggle with newer, more resource-intensive applications. While it can handle basic tasks and some multitasking, it won't offer the same level of responsiveness or future-proofing as the Snapdragon 480.
❓ Does the Kyocera DuraSport UW support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 480 supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more reliable data speeds, provided your carrier network supports it. This is a significant advantage over the Cat S62 Pro, which lacks 5G entirely.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Kyocera DuraSport UW compare to the Cat S62 Pro?
Both phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, meeting MIL-STD-810H standards. However, Cat phones have a longer history in the rugged market, and their build quality is well-regarded. The DuraSport UW is a newer entrant, and while it appears durable, its long-term reliability remains to be seen.
