The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing durability and reliability in harsh conditions. The Oukitel WP26 and Cat S62 Pro both aim to fulfill this need, but they take different approaches to performance and features. The WP26 leverages a newer MediaTek Helio P90 chipset, while the S62 Pro relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device is the better choice for demanding professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw processing power and potentially better future software support, the Oukitel WP26 emerges as the winner. Its Helio P90 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, offers a performance edge over the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s established brand reputation and potential for more optimized software could appeal to those valuing stability over peak performance.
| 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 | LTE | 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 | 2023, June | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 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 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 16GB 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 | Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
20 MP, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Oukitel WP26
- Potentially better CPU performance with Helio P90
- More power-efficient 12nm process
- Likely more affordable price point
- Less established brand reputation
- Potential software optimization concerns
Cat S62 Pro
- Established brand with rugged phone expertise
- Qualcomm’s optimized software and ISP
- Potential for wider accessory availability
- Older 14nm Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Potentially higher price point
- May exhibit more thermal throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, both likely feature LCD panels optimized for outdoor visibility. Cat, historically, has focused on glove-friendly touchscreens in their rugged devices, a feature not mentioned for the Oukitel. The S62 Pro’s brand reputation suggests a potentially more color-accurate display, while the WP26 might prioritize brightness for outdoor use. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively state which offers a superior viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are absent, making a detailed comparison impossible. However, given the rugged nature of both phones, image processing likely prioritizes practicality over artistic flair. Both devices likely feature a main camera for general photography and a secondary camera for wide-angle or macro shots. The Cat S62 Pro, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), might offer slightly better image stabilization and noise reduction. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s impossible to determine which device captures more detail or performs better in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oukitel WP26’s MediaTek Helio P90 (12nm) utilizes a dual-cluster architecture with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz. This contrasts with the Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm), featuring four Kryo 260 Gold cores at 2.2GHz and four Kryo 260 Silver cores at 1.8GHz. The 12nm process of the Helio P90 generally translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the 14nm Snapdragon 660. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Cortex-A75 cores in the P90 offer a performance advantage in single-core tasks, impacting app launch speeds and responsiveness. The Snapdragon 660 benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized software and potentially better GPU performance, but the P90’s overall architecture suggests a slight edge in CPU-intensive workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, rugged phones typically prioritize long battery life. The Helio P90’s 12nm process should contribute to better power efficiency, potentially allowing the Oukitel WP26 to achieve longer runtimes on a similar battery capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but faster charging would be a significant advantage. Without concrete numbers, it’s difficult to determine which device offers superior battery performance, but the P90’s efficiency gives the WP26 a potential edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel WP26 if you need a rugged phone with a focus on processing power for tasks like running demanding apps or light gaming, and if you're comfortable with a brand that's rapidly improving its software support. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a well-established brand with a history in the rugged phone space, potentially benefiting from more refined software and a wider ecosystem of accessories, even if it means sacrificing some raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P90 in the Oukitel WP26 struggle with graphically demanding games?
While the Helio P90 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of handling many popular titles at medium settings. The Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro is also adequate for gaming, but the P90’s GPU architecture may provide a slight edge in frame rates, especially in less optimized games. Expect to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance on both devices.
❓ Is the Cat S62 Pro likely to receive more software updates and security patches than the Oukitel WP26?
Historically, Cat has a better track record of providing long-term software support for its rugged phones. Oukitel is improving in this area, but the S62 Pro is more likely to receive timely security patches and potentially even Android version updates for a longer period. This is a key consideration for users prioritizing software security and longevity.
❓ How does the 14nm process of the Snapdragon 660 affect the Cat S62 Pro's performance during extended use?
The 14nm process generally results in higher power consumption and heat generation compared to the 12nm process of the Helio P90. This means the Cat S62 Pro may experience more thermal throttling – a reduction in performance to prevent overheating – during prolonged gaming sessions or other demanding tasks. The Oukitel WP26 should maintain higher sustained performance due to its more efficient chipset.
