Sonim XP Pro E vs. Cat S62 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing performance and longevity, the Sonim XP Pro E is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660, coupled with impressive 41:21h battery endurance. While the Cat S62 Pro remains a viable option, its age shows in its dated chipset.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP Pro E | Cat S62 Pro |
| 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, 13, 14, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 68, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave | - |
| 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 | 2025, July 09 | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 171.5 x 80 x 11.5 mm (6.75 x 3.15 x 0.45 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 | 267 g (9.42 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 Victus 2, Mohs level 5 | 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 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, (ultrawide) | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (100dB+) | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, magnetic connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, tri-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless charging | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | X802 | - |
| Price | About 670 EUR | About 530 EUR |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 41:21h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class C | - |
| Free fall | Class A (300 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Sonim XP Pro E
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- Exceptional battery life (41:21h endurance)
- Wireless charging support
- Longer battery lifespan (1000 charge cycles)
- Potentially higher price point
- Rugged design may be bulky
Cat S62 Pro
- Lower upfront cost
- Rugged design for durability
- Established brand in the rugged phone market
- Potentially more compact size
- Outdated Snapdragon 660 chipset
- Significantly shorter battery life
- No wireless charging
- Limited software update support
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cat S62 Pro's age, it likely utilizes an older LCD panel with lower peak brightness and color accuracy compared to what is now standard. Sonim typically focuses on readability in direct sunlight, suggesting the XP Pro E likely features a brighter display optimized for outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing durability over a sleek aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the age of the Cat S62 Pro suggests its camera system will be significantly less advanced than what’s achievable today. Modern image processing algorithms, enabled by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Sonim XP Pro E, will likely result in superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Cat S62 Pro may rely on older sensor technology and lack features like advanced HDR or night mode capabilities. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Cat S62 Pro is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Sonim XP Pro E’s Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant generational leap over the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 4nm process node delivers superior power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and improved sustained performance. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s octa-core CPU, with its Cortex-A715 cores, will demonstrably outperform the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores in both single-core and multi-core tasks. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Sonim XP Pro E. The older Snapdragon 660 will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
The Sonim XP Pro E boasts an impressive 41:21h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. While the Cat S62 Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the less efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset will undoubtedly result in significantly shorter runtimes. The Sonim XP Pro E also benefits from wireless charging, a convenience feature absent on the Cat S62 Pro. The 1000 charge cycle rating for the Sonim XP Pro E suggests a longer lifespan and reduced battery degradation over time, a crucial factor for users relying on their device for extended periods.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sonim XP Pro E if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks, extended workdays, and benefit from future software updates. Its modern chipset and long battery life make it ideal for field workers, construction crews, or anyone requiring reliable performance in harsh conditions. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and are comfortable with a less powerful, older platform. It’s a reasonable choice for basic communication and limited app usage in rugged environments.