The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need – durability. However, performance and price vary significantly. We pit the budget-friendly Oukitel C51, powered by a Unisoc T606, against the more established Cat S62 Pro, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, to determine which offers the best balance of toughness and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, the Oukitel C51 provides a compelling entry point into the rugged phone world. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 delivers noticeably smoother performance and a more responsive user experience, justifying its higher price tag for those needing consistent speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 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 | 2024, May | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 168.1 x 78.2 x 9.4 mm (6.62 x 3.08 x 0.37 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 | 205 g (7.23 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 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~258 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB 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 | LED flash, panorama | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5" | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5150 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Purple | Black |
| Price | - | About 530 EUR |
Oukitel C51
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially larger battery capacity (speculation based on market segment)
- Rugged design for durability
- Slower processor performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely lower quality display
Cat S62 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset
- More refined user experience
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- Older chipset technology
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details are missing for the Oukitel C51, but given its price point, we can expect a basic IPS LCD panel. The Cat S62 Pro also utilizes an IPS LCD. The key difference lies in processing power; the Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) will likely offer slightly better image quality and color reproduction. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight, but the S62 Pro’s superior processing may allow for more effective HDR processing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the Oukitel C51, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 ISP provides a foundation for better image processing. The S62 Pro likely benefits from more sophisticated noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. While neither phone is expected to compete with flagship camera systems, the S62 Pro’s processing capabilities will likely result in more usable images in challenging lighting conditions. We anticipate both phones will include a standard macro lens, but its utility will be limited by the sensor size and image quality.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) features a Kryo CPU architecture with a clock speed peaking at 2.2 GHz. This contrasts with the Oukitel C51’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) and its 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. While the T606 benefits from a slightly smaller node size, the Snapdragon 660’s superior architecture and higher clock speeds translate to significantly better multi-core and single-core performance. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Cat S62 Pro. The 14nm process of the SDM660 may run warmer under sustained load, but the architectural advantages outweigh this concern.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the Oukitel C51, but rugged phones generally prioritize large batteries. The Cat S62 Pro’s battery capacity, combined with the Snapdragon 660’s power efficiency, should provide all-day battery life for moderate use. However, the Oukitel C51’s 10W charging is significantly slower than what’s typically found in the market, meaning longer recharge times. The S62 Pro’s charging speed is also modest, but still faster than the C51.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel C51 if you need a genuinely tough phone for occasional outdoor use, prioritize battery life over raw speed, and are on a strict budget. It’s ideal for construction workers needing a backup phone or those engaging in light outdoor activities. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more refined user experience, require consistent performance for demanding apps, and value the Qualcomm chipset’s established reliability, even if it means a higher upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oukitel C51 struggle with demanding apps like navigation or video editing?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Oukitel C51 is designed for basic tasks. While it can handle navigation, expect slower loading times and potential lag when running more resource-intensive applications like video editing software. The Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 will provide a much smoother experience for these tasks.
❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro still a good buy in 2024, considering its older Snapdragon 660 chipset?
Despite being an older chipset, the Snapdragon 660 remains capable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Cat S62 Pro’s build quality and ruggedness are still excellent, and it offers a more refined experience than many newer, budget-focused rugged phones. However, if you prioritize the latest features and maximum performance, newer options may be preferable.
❓ How does the 10W charging on the Oukitel C51 impact daily use?
The 10W charging on the Oukitel C51 is significantly slower than the charging speeds found on most modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take several hours, making it less convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. This is a major drawback compared to the Cat S62 Pro.
