The Cat S31 is a robust smartphone designed for users who require durability in tough environments. Announced in September 2017 and released the following month, it is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions. With its rugged construction and long-lasting battery, the Cat S31 is aimed at workers in demanding industries, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs reliability in a mobile device.
The Cat S31 measures 146 x 74.4 x 12.6 mm and weighs 200 grams, making it a compact and solid device. It's designed to meet the MIL-STD-810G military standards that ensure resistance to extreme temperatures, shock and drop resistance, as well as water and dust protection—attributes that are essential for users in challenging work environments. The phone features a robust polycarbonate frame with a ridged texture to enhance grip, ensuring it won’t slip out of your hand during use in wet or cold conditions.
The device boasts a 4.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and decent visibility. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which is known for its scratch resistance and durability. Although the screen might seem relatively small compared to modern standards, its size is suitable for a rugged phone, making it easy to use with just one hand.
Under the hood, the Cat S31 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, which, paired with the Adreno 304 GPU, provides sufficient power for everyday tasks and some light app usage. While it might not be suitable for heavy gaming or resource-intensive applications, it excels in reliability, offering a steady performance for communication, navigation, and simple applications.
The phone includes 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot. While the internal storage might seem limited, the option to expand it gives users the flexibility to store larger sets of data, such as maps, documents, and media files necessary for fieldwork.
Though the camera specifications are quite modest, the Cat S31 provides basic photography functionalities. The back camera is an 8 MP single sensor with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording video at 720p@30fps. The front-facing camera is a 2 MP lens, mainly suited for video calls or simple selfies. For professionals who need to document work in the field, these capabilities should suffice under good lighting conditions.
A significant feature of the Cat S31 is its 4000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. This sizeable battery ensures extended use, enabling the phone to last several days on a single charge under moderate usage. The battery life is a crucial aspect for users operating in environments with limited access to power sources, such as remote or construction areas.
Regarding connectivity, the Cat S31 supports a range of technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE for reliable voice and data communication. It is equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS positioning systems for accurate location services. While it lacks NFC, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, microUSB 2.0 with OTG, and an FM radio enables diverse communication capabilities and data transfer options.
The Cat S31 features a loudspeaker and supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, crucial features for users who require to stay connected through auditory alerts or engage in hands-free communication. The audio quality, while basic, serves well for listening to music, radio, or calls in typical settings.
Running on Android 7.0 Nougat, the Cat S31 offers a user-friendly interface with access to a wide array of applications via Google Play. Despite it being an older version of Android, it's sufficient for running essential apps and services required for communication and field tasks.
The Cat S31's most significant selling point is its rugged nature. It is designed to survive drops from up to 1.8 meters, and it is IP68 rated for complete dust ingress protection and water immersion up to 1.2 meters for up to 35 minutes. The phone is also built to withstand temperature fluctuations between -30°C to 60°C and humidity levels ranging from 95% to 100%.
Since its release, the Cat S31 has been priced at approximately 330 EUR. Its cost is justified by the durability and reliability offered, which are indispensable for its target audience. The phone is readily available through various retailers and online platforms, making it accessible for interested buyers worldwide.
In conclusion, the Cat S31 fulfills a specialized niche for users who operate in demanding environments. It may not compete with high-end smartphones in terms of performance or multimedia features, but its rugged design, long-lasting battery, and reliable operation under harsh conditions make it a valuable tool for workers, adventurers, and anyone in need of a phone that can endure extreme conditions. It stands out as a practical choice for those prioritizing durability and essential functionalities over luxury and entertainment.
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