Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal vs. Cat S75: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of durability and performance. We pit the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal, a newcomer wielding flagship silicon, against the established Cat S75, a practical and reliable workhorse. This comparison focuses on how these differing approaches translate into real-world benefits for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw power and cutting-edge features like thermal imaging, the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9300+ chipset delivers significantly faster performance. However, the Cat S75 remains a compelling option for those seeking a dependable, long-lasting device with a more conservative price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal Cat S75
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 23, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78, 255, 256 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 032023, February 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 17Available. Released 2023, July
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions174.2 x 83.6 x 19.4 mm (6.86 x 3.29 x 0.76 in)171 x 80 x 11.9 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight450 g (0.99 lb)268 g (9.45 oz)
 -IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~75.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~76.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 900 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.25 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G720 MC12IMG BXM-8-256
OSAndroid 15Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal1TB 16GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 1/2", 0.7µm, 4 infrared lights 50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm Thermal camera by ThermoVue T2, 640x512 px-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, Display Port 1.4, OTG, accessory connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Emergency SOS via satellite (Bullitt Satellite Connect service)
Battery
Charging120W wired, PPS, 40% in 10 min 50W wireless, 35% in 30 min 10W reverse wired Reverse wireless15W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 10600 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-BM1S1B
Price$ 899.80About 600 EUR

Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 9300+)
  • Ultra-fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Integrated thermal imaging camera
  • Reverse wireless charging capability

  • Likely higher price point
  • Potential for increased heat generation under heavy load

Cat S75

  • Proven durability and reliability (Cat brand reputation)
  • More affordable price
  • Simpler, more focused feature set
  • Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)

  • Slower processor (Dimensity 930)
  • Slow 15W wireless charging
  • Lacks advanced features like thermal imaging

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the Armor 28 Ultra Thermal's focus on premium features, it likely incorporates a higher-resolution panel and potentially LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, resulting in smoother visuals and improved power efficiency. The Cat S75, positioned as a more practical device, likely utilizes a standard LCD or AMOLED panel. Bezels are expected to be larger on the Cat S75, reflecting its focus on durability over aesthetics.

Camera Comparison

Camera details beyond the presence of thermal imaging on the Ulefone are absent. However, the Armor 28 Ultra Thermal’s flagship positioning suggests a more advanced camera system with larger sensors and improved image processing. The Cat S75 likely features a more modest camera setup focused on practicality. The thermal imaging capability of the Ulefone is a unique selling point, catering to professionals in fields like building inspection, electrical maintenance, and search & rescue. The absence of OIS information for either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance without further testing.

Performance

The Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal’s Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4nm) represents a substantial leap in performance over the Cat S75’s Dimensity 930 (6nm). The 9300+ features a cutting-edge CPU configuration – 1x3.25 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720 – offering significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 930 in the Cat S75 is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. The Armor 28 Ultra Thermal’s superior chipset will benefit users engaged in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running complex applications. The Cat S75’s Dimensity 930, while capable, is geared towards everyday use.

Battery Life

Battery capacities are not specified. However, the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal’s 120W wired charging (40% in 10 minutes) and 50W wireless charging (35% in 30 minutes) provide a significant advantage over the Cat S75’s 15W wireless charging. The Ulefone also offers 10W reverse wired and wireless charging, adding to its versatility. While the Cat S75 may offer longer overall battery life due to a potentially larger capacity, the Ulefone’s faster charging speeds minimize downtime. The Armor 28 Ultra Thermal’s PPS support ensures optimized charging with compatible chargers.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal if you need a smartphone capable of handling intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or running specialized applications, and if the integrated thermal camera is a key requirement. Buy the Cat S75 if you prioritize a balance of durability, reliability, and affordability, and if your workload consists of standard smartphone tasks and field work where extreme processing power isn't essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the Dimensity 9300+ in the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal handle sustained gaming sessions compared to the Dimensity 930 in the Cat S75?
The Dimensity 9300+'s 4nm process and advanced CPU architecture provide significantly better thermal efficiency than the Dimensity 930's 6nm process. This translates to less throttling during prolonged gaming, resulting in more consistent frame rates and a smoother gaming experience on the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal.
❓ Is the thermal imaging camera on the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal useful for everyday users, or is it primarily for professionals?
While the thermal camera is invaluable for professionals in fields like building inspection and electrical maintenance, it also has practical applications for everyday users. It can be used to identify energy leaks in homes, diagnose overheating electronics, or even locate animals in the dark. However, the value proposition depends on individual needs and use cases.
❓ Given the lack of detailed battery specifications, how much real-world difference can we expect in battery life between the two devices?
While the Cat S75 may have a larger battery capacity, the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Thermal’s more efficient chipset and potentially optimized software could mitigate the capacity difference. However, the Cat S75 will likely offer longer screen-on time for basic tasks. The Ulefone’s faster charging speeds will offset any potential battery life disadvantage for many users.