Ulefone Armor X31 Pro vs. Cat S62 Pro: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro and the Cat S62 Pro aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with different internal philosophies. The X31 Pro leverages a newer, more efficient chipset, while the S62 Pro relies on Qualcomm’s established Snapdragon 660. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best blend of performance, battery life, and ruggedness.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and modern performance, the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a significant efficiency advantage over the Cat S62 Pro’s older Snapdragon 660, translating to exceptional 81:30h battery endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X31 Pro Cat S62 Pro
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, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, December 212020, June 28. Released 2020, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, January 01Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions173.8 x 82 x 13.7 mm (6.84 x 3.23 x 0.54 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
Weight306 g (10.79 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 5, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio)5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~69.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 512
OSAndroid 14Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF FLIR thermal camera (Lepton 3.5 module)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaThermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, LED flash
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 25 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared lights 2 MP (macro)-
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1.0µm8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired-
TypeLi-Po 6050 mAhLi-Ion 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Black/Orange, Black/GreenBlack
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 530 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery81:30h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone Armor X31 Pro

  • Superior battery life (81:30h endurance)
  • More efficient and modern Dimensity 6300 chipset
  • Potentially improved display technology

  • Charging speed is relatively slow (18W)
  • Brand recognition is lower than Cat

Cat S62 Pro

  • Established brand reputation in the rugged phone market
  • Potentially better software support (depending on Cat’s update policy)
  • Familiar Qualcomm Snapdragon platform

  • Less efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset
  • Likely shorter battery life
  • Older manufacturing process (14nm)

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. The Ulefone, being a newer device, may benefit from advancements in display technology, potentially offering improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both likely operate at a standard 60Hz.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones prioritize practicality over photographic excellence. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes it hard to assess image quality. It’s reasonable to assume the Ulefone, being newer, may incorporate improved image processing algorithms, but this remains speculative without further data. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) represents a significant leap in efficiency compared to the Cat S62 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 6nm process allows for higher transistor density and lower power consumption, resulting in better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.4 GHz) offer a performance advantage over the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 Gold cores (4x2.2 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking for the Ulefone.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro boasts an impressive 81:30h endurance, a testament to the efficiency of the Dimensity 6300 chipset. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the endurance figure clearly demonstrates superior power management. The Cat S62 Pro’s battery life is not provided, but given the older, less efficient Snapdragon 660, it’s likely to fall significantly short of the Ulefone. The Ulefone’s 18W charging, while not exceptionally fast, is adequate for topping up the battery overnight.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro if you need a phone that can withstand demanding workdays *and* offer a modern processor for smoother multitasking and app performance. It’s ideal for users who frequently rely on their phone for navigation, communication, and data-intensive tasks in challenging environments. Buy the Cat S62 Pro if you prioritize a brand with a long-standing reputation in the rugged phone space and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset in exchange for potentially better software support and a familiar user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro capable of handling demanding applications like CAD software or complex spreadsheets?
While the Dimensity 6300 isn't a flagship processor, its Cortex-A76 cores and efficient architecture are well-suited for moderately demanding tasks. It should handle CAD software and spreadsheets without significant lag, but extremely complex projects might experience some slowdown. It’s a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 660 in the Cat S62 Pro for these types of workloads.
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro support software updates and security patches for an extended period, given it's a less established brand?
This is a valid concern. Ulefone’s software update track record is less consistent than Cat’s. While they typically provide initial updates, long-term support can be unpredictable. Users should research Ulefone’s current update policy for the X31 Pro specifically before purchasing, and understand there's a higher risk of discontinued support compared to a brand like Cat.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro compare to the Cat S62 Pro, considering Cat's specialization in this area?
Cat phones have a long history of building extremely durable devices for professional use. While the Ulefone X31 Pro is also ruggedized, Cat likely has an edge in terms of drop-test certification and overall build quality. However, both phones should be able to withstand the rigors of a typical worksite, and the X31 Pro’s modern chipset may offer better reliability over the long term due to reduced thermal stress.