The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor Mini 2 and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with vastly different internal hardware. The Mini 2 focuses on extreme compactness and affordability, while the S62 Pro leverages a more powerful, though older, Qualcomm chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a smoother user experience, the Cat S62 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the Ulefone Armor Mini 2’s Mediatek MT6261D. However, the Mini 2’s smaller size and lower price point make it a viable option for those on a tight budget or needing maximum portability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 18 | 2020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 29 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 138 x 62.5 x 16.6 mm (5.43 x 2.46 x 0.65 in) | 158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm (6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 158 g (5.57 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| | IP68/IP69K water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
Flashlight
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | 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 | Scratch-proof glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~20.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6261D | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 512 |
| OS | - | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4MB 4MB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | eMMC | - |
| 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 |
| Single | 0.3 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.4 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | No | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | MP4 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Gray, Camouflage | Black |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 530 EUR |
Ulefone Armor Mini 2
- Extremely compact and portable design
- Significantly lower price point
- Rugged build quality for basic protection
- Very limited processing power
- Poor performance for multitasking or demanding apps
- Likely inferior camera quality
Cat S62 Pro
- Significantly faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Likely superior camera quality and image processing
- Higher price point
- Larger and heavier design
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 660)
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, but given the market positioning, we can infer differences. The Cat S62 Pro, being a higher-tier device, likely features a higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The Ulefone Armor Mini 2, prioritizing cost savings, likely uses a simpler panel. The S62 Pro’s larger size also suggests a potentially brighter display, crucial for outdoor visibility, a key requirement for rugged phones. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both likely operate at the standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Cat S62 Pro, as a more expensive device, likely features a superior camera system with a larger sensor and better image processing capabilities. Rugged phones often prioritize practicality over photographic excellence, but the Snapdragon 660’s image signal processor (ISP) will offer a noticeable advantage in image quality and low-light performance. It’s reasonable to assume the S62 Pro will offer more detailed photos and better dynamic range. The Ulefone Armor Mini 2 will likely feature a basic camera suitable for quick snapshots.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Ulefone Armor Mini 2’s Mediatek MT6261D is a basic chipset designed for feature phones and extremely low-end smartphones. It will struggle with anything beyond basic calling, texting, and light app usage. Conversely, the Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) is an octa-core processor offering a substantial performance boost. The 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver configuration provides a balance of power and efficiency, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to handle more demanding applications. The 14nm process node also contributes to better thermal management compared to the likely larger node size of the MT6261D.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Cat S62 Pro’s more efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset will likely translate to better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Ulefone Armor Mini 2. The Snapdragon 660’s power efficiency will allow for longer usage on a single charge. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the S62 Pro, being a more premium device, may support faster charging technologies, reducing the time required to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor Mini 2 if you need an incredibly compact and affordable rugged phone for basic communication and light tasks, and are willing to sacrifice performance. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and are willing to pay a premium for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660’s processing power and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Armor Mini 2 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
While the Ulefone Armor Mini 2 can likely *run* these apps, expect a sluggish experience. The Mediatek MT6261D chipset lacks the processing power for smooth scrolling and quick loading times within these applications. Basic functionality will be possible, but don't expect a fluid user experience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro still capable of handling modern mobile games?
The Snapdragon 660 is capable of running many modern mobile games, but not necessarily at the highest settings. Expect to play titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Demanding games may require lowering graphics settings to maintain playable performance. The chipset’s thermal management will be key to sustained performance during gaming sessions.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Ulefone Armor Mini 2 compare to the Cat S62 Pro, considering their different price points?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. However, the Cat S62 Pro, benefiting from Cat’s established reputation in rugged devices, likely employs more robust materials and stricter testing procedures. While the Mini 2 offers a degree of ruggedness, the S62 Pro is likely to provide a higher level of protection against extreme conditions.
