The rugged phone market caters to a specific need – durability. However, performance and price vary significantly. We pit the budget-focused Oukitel C57s against the more established Cat S62 Pro, examining how their core components translate into real-world usability for those needing a tough device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a smoother experience, the Cat S62 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset, built on a 14nm process, delivers significantly more processing power than the Oukitel C57s’ Unisoc SC9863A. However, the C57s offers a compelling value proposition for users on a tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66 | 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, October | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.6 x 9.4 mm (6.53 x 3.02 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 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 | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB 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), 1/5.0" | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | 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 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4300 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Grey, Blue, Purple, Gold | Black |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Oukitel C57s
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful chipset
- Rugged design for basic protection
- Substantially slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Lower quality camera experience
Cat S62 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking and app handling
- More refined software experience
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- Larger size and weight compared to some competitors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific display specs for the Oukitel C57s are unavailable, its market positioning suggests a basic LCD panel. The Cat S62 Pro features a 5.7-inch HD+ display. The Snapdragon 660’s more powerful GPU will likely contribute to smoother scrolling and video playback on the S62 Pro, even with a similar resolution. The 14nm process allows for more efficient power delivery to the display controller.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs for the Oukitel C57s are limited. The Cat S62 Pro’s camera system, while not flagship-level, is more likely to deliver consistent results due to Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 660. The ISP optimizes image processing, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. While both phones likely feature basic camera functionality, the S62 Pro’s processing power gives it an edge in image quality and speed.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oukitel C57s’ Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Snapdragon 660 utilizes Kryo 260 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, offering significantly faster processing speeds compared to the C57s’ Cortex-A55 cores peaking at 1.6 GHz. The smaller 14nm node of the Snapdragon 660 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. This means the S62 Pro will handle multitasking, demanding apps, and even light gaming more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Oukitel C57s are unavailable. The Cat S62 Pro packs a 4800mAh battery. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s lower power demands might allow the C57s to achieve comparable battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity. The Snapdragon 660’s power efficiency improvements, coupled with optimized software, will contribute to solid all-day battery life on the S62 Pro, but the C57s could potentially compete in standby time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel C57s if you need a highly affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks, and aren't concerned with demanding applications. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a more refined software experience, even if it comes at a higher price point. The S62 Pro is ideal for field workers or those needing reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cat S62 Pro handle demanding apps like mapping or offline navigation without significant lag?
Yes, the Snapdragon 660 chipset in the Cat S62 Pro is capable of handling demanding applications like mapping and offline navigation with minimal lag. Its faster processing speeds and efficient architecture provide a smoother user experience compared to the Oukitel C57s.
❓ Is the Oukitel C57s suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media?
Absolutely. The Oukitel C57s is well-suited for users with basic needs. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset is sufficient for calls, texts, and light social media usage. The primary benefit is its affordability and rugged design for peace of mind.
❓ Does the Cat S62 Pro receive regular software updates and security patches?
Cat phones generally provide a reasonable level of software support, including security patches. However, it's not on par with flagship brands. Expect updates for a couple of years after release, focusing on security and stability improvements. Check Cat's official website for the latest update schedule.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Cat S62 Pro compare to other rugged phones on the market?
The Cat S62 Pro meets MIL-STD-810H standards for shock, vibration, and temperature extremes, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This is a solid level of ruggedness, though some specialized rugged phones offer even higher levels of protection. It's designed to withstand drops onto concrete and submersion in water.
