The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 and Cat S42 both target users needing a phone that can withstand harsh conditions, but they approach this goal with vastly different internal hardware. This comparison dissects the core differences – from processing power to charging speeds – to determine which device delivers the best blend of durability and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset offers significantly more processing power than the Cat S42’s Helio A20, making it suitable for more demanding tasks. However, the Cat S42 remains a viable option for those on a strict budget needing basic rugged functionality.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 - EU |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 04 | 2020, January. Released 2020, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 12 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 147.1 x 71.6 x 9.2 mm (5.79 x 2.82 x 0.36 in) | 161.4 x 77.3 x 12.7 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant | 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 | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, charging connector pins | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | SM-G525F, SM-G525F/DS, SM-G525N | - |
| Price | £ 61.49 / € 74.89 | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy XCover 5
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- Faster 15W wired charging
- May be more expensive than the Cat S42
- Rugged design may not be as extreme as the Cat S42
Cat S42
- Extremely affordable price point
- Highly durable and rugged design
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow and inefficient processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Cat provide detailed display specifications beyond basic resolution. However, the XCover 5’s use of an 8nm chipset suggests a more advanced display driver capable of potentially higher brightness and color accuracy compared to the S42’s Helio A20. The S42’s display is likely optimized for visibility in direct sunlight, a common feature in rugged phones, but at the cost of color fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing screen protection over a modern, edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking for both devices. However, given the target market, image quality is likely not a primary focus. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards documentation rather than photography. The XCover 5’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Exynos 850 will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, even with similar sensor sizes. Expect both to include a basic rear camera and a front-facing camera for video calls.
Performance
The performance gap between these two phones is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 5’s Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, features an octa-core CPU, offering significantly more processing power than the Cat S42’s MediaTek Helio A20. The Helio A20’s quad-core Cortex-A53 architecture, fabricated on a 12nm process, is demonstrably less efficient and slower. This translates to sluggish app loading times, noticeable lag during multitasking, and an inability to handle graphically intensive applications on the S42. The XCover 5 will provide a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks and light productivity.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities aren’t provided, the XCover 5’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the likely slower charging capabilities of the Cat S42. The more efficient 8nm Exynos 850 chipset will also contribute to better battery life under similar usage scenarios. The S42 may compensate with a larger battery capacity, but the less efficient Helio A20 will negate some of that advantage. Expect the XCover 5 to achieve a full charge significantly faster than the S42.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover 5 if you need a rugged phone capable of handling work applications, occasional multitasking, and benefit from a more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for field technicians, delivery drivers, or anyone who needs a reliable device that won’t slow down with moderate use. Buy the Cat S42 if you prioritize extreme affordability and require a basic, highly durable phone primarily for calls, texts, and simple tasks in challenging environments. It’s best suited for construction workers or those needing a secondary, ultra-tough device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy XCover 5 tend to overheat during prolonged use, like GPS navigation or video recording?
The Exynos 850 is a relatively efficient chipset. While it can get warm during extended, demanding tasks, it’s unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling due to its 8nm fabrication process and the XCover 5’s rugged design, which provides ample surface area for heat dissipation. It’s designed for sustained use in field environments.
❓ Is the Cat S42’s Helio A20 chipset sufficient for running popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram reliably?
Yes, the Helio A20 is capable of running basic messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when switching between apps. It’s designed for essential communication, not heavy multitasking.
❓ What level of water and dust resistance do these phones offer, and are they certified to specific IP ratings?
Both phones are designed to be rugged, but specific IP ratings aren't provided in the context data. However, both are expected to meet at least IP68 standards for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The Cat S42, given Cat’s brand focus, likely exceeds this standard.
