Sonim XP10 vs Cat S62 Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The Sonim XP10 and Cat S62 Pro represent two established players in the rugged smartphone market. While both are built to withstand harsh conditions, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. The XP10 leverages a newer, more efficient 5G chipset, while the S62 Pro relies on an older, but still capable, Snapdragon 660. This comparison dives deep into these differences to determine which device delivers the best balance of performance, features, and durability.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and 5G connectivity, the Sonim XP10 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480 offers a more modern architecture and wireless charging, despite the S62 Pro's slightly more mature software ecosystem. However, users on a tighter budget or with specific software needs might find the S62 Pro adequate.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP10 Cat S62 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
5G bands2, 5, 14, 25, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, December 022020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, Q1Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions161 x 77.5 x 16.4 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.65 in)158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight320 g (11.29 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
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~439 ppi density)1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.6% screen-to-body ratio)5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 512
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide)12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module)
FeaturesLED flashThermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide)8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (100dB+)Yes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, magnetic connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/mc, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
ChargingWireless charging-
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh, removableLi-Ion 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 530 EUR

Sonim XP10

  • 5G Connectivity for faster data speeds
  • More efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset
  • Wireless Charging for added convenience

  • Potentially less mature software ecosystem
  • Limited detailed specifications available

Cat S62 Pro

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Established software ecosystem
  • Proven rugged design

  • Older Snapdragon 660 chipset
  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • No wireless charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type, resolution, and refresh rate are missing, but both are likely to prioritize durability and visibility in direct sunlight over color accuracy. The lack of LTPO technology in either suggests standard refresh rates. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting the rugged design focus. Without specific nit brightness data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner, but both will likely offer acceptable outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are limited, but the focus on ruggedness suggests neither phone prioritizes photographic excellence. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the absence of any mention of advanced features like OIS on either device suggests basic image capture capabilities. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the S62 Pro is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be geared towards quick capture and reliable results in challenging conditions rather than artistic flair.

Performance

The Sonim XP10’s Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Cat S62 Pro’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 8nm process node inherently provides better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially longer battery life under sustained load. While the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores offer a respectable 2.2 GHz clock speed, the XP10’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz are generally more efficient and deliver better single-core performance. The XP10’s 5G modem is a key advantage for users needing fast mobile data in supported areas. The S62 Pro, lacking 5G, will be limited to 4G LTE speeds. The XP10 will likely handle multitasking and modern applications more smoothly.

Battery Life

Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 480’s superior power efficiency in the XP10 could offset a potentially smaller battery compared to the S62 Pro. The XP10’s inclusion of wireless charging is a significant convenience feature absent on the S62 Pro. Without knowing charging wattage, it’s difficult to estimate 0-100% charge times, but the XP10’s wireless charging offers an alternative, albeit slower, charging method.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sonim XP10 if you need a rugged phone with 5G connectivity for demanding work environments, benefit from wireless charging convenience, and value a more modern chipset for longer software support. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower price point, are comfortable with an older chipset, and require a device that's already well-established within specific enterprise software ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Sonim XP10 receive long-term software and security updates, given Sonim's history?
Sonim typically provides extended software support for its devices, catering to enterprise and industrial customers. While the exact duration isn't guaranteed, the newer Snapdragon 480 chipset should allow for more Android version updates compared to the aging Snapdragon 660 in the S62 Pro.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro still capable of running modern apps and handling everyday tasks smoothly?
The Snapdragon 660 remains a capable chipset for basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and social media. However, it may struggle with demanding applications or heavy multitasking compared to the more modern Snapdragon 480 in the XP10. Expect some slowdowns with graphically intensive games.
❓ Does the Sonim XP10's 5G connectivity require a specific carrier or plan?
Yes, to utilize the Sonim XP10's 5G capabilities, you'll need a 5G-compatible SIM card and a data plan from a carrier that supports 5G in your area. Check with your carrier for coverage details and plan options.