Mobilawy

Cat S31 Uncovering Its Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2017, October
Camera
8MP
Battery
4000mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 210
Screen
4.7"
Storage
16GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 7.0

Overview of Cat S31

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.

Design and Build

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.

Display

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.

Performance

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.

Memory and Storage

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.

Camera

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.

Battery Life

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.

Connectivity

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.

Audio and Sound

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.

Operating System and User Interface

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.

Rugged Features

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%.

Pricing and Availability

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.

Conclusion

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.

Key Features of Cat S31

  • Supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks
  • Rugged design with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
  • Dual SIM capabilities (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
  • Compact 4.7-inch display with 720 x 1280 resolution
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 chipset
  • Includes 16GB internal storage with 2GB RAM
  • Expandable storage via microSDXC card slot
  • 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash
  • Dedicated 2 MP selfie camera
  • Large 4000 mAh non-removable battery
  • Equipped with standard 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Features FM radio and microUSB 2.0, OTG support

Disadvantages of Cat S31

  • The device is quite heavy at 200 g, which might be uncomfortable for prolonged usage.
  • Uses an outdated Android version (Android 7.0 Nougat), limiting access to the latest applications and security features.
  • Equipped with a low-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor, which may not handle modern applications smoothly.
  • Low internal storage of 16GB, which could be limiting for users with a preference for storing many apps or media files.
  • The RAM is only 2GB, which might not be sufficient for multitasking or running demanding applications.
  • The main camera resolution of 8 MP and selfie camera of 2 MP provide basic photography capabilities that may not satisfy those seeking high-quality images.
  • Lacks modern connectivity options like NFC, which limits contactless payment methods and file transfer capabilities.
  • The display features a TFT panel which provides lower display quality compared to more advanced screen technologies like IPS or AMOLED.
  • Screen-to-body ratio is quite low at (~56.1%), resulting in a smaller display area relative to the phone size.
  • The device is relatively expensive for its specifications, priced at about 330 EUR.
  • Includes a microUSB port instead of the newer USB-C standard, which may affect charging and data transfer speeds.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2017, September
Status Available. Released 2017, October
Body
Dimensions 146 x 74.4 x 12.6 mm (5.75 x 2.93 x 0.50 in)
Weight 200 g (7.05 oz)
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type TFT
Size 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm)
CPU Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7
GPU Adreno 304
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 8 MP, AF
Features LED flash
Video 720p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 2 MP
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC No
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors Black
Price About 330 EUR

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