Cat S61 Ultimate Rugged Phone Review Specs Price & ProsCons

Introduction to the Cat S61

The Cat S61 is a robust smartphone designed for durability and functionality in challenging environments. Manufactured by Bullitt Group, this device is part of the Cat Phone series, known for its industrial capabilities. The S61 is a successor to the Cat S60, with enhancements in thermal imaging and air quality monitoring. Released in 2018, it promises reliability for professionals who operate in rugged conditions.

Design and Build

The Cat S61 is engineered for extreme conditions, featuring a robust design that aligns with military standards. Its dimensions are 163 x 78 x 13 mm, and it weighs 250 grams, making it slightly heavier than the average smartphone. However, this weight is essential to accommodate its rugged casing and advanced sensor equipment. Constructed with a Gorilla Glass 5 front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, it withstands drops, dust, and water exposure. It supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) configurations in select regions, enhancing connectivity options for users who operate in diverse environments.

Display Characteristics

The Cat S61 sports a 5.2-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, delivering clear and sharp visuals with a pixel density of approximately 424 ppi. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring resistance to scratches and minor impacts. Despite its rugged nature, the device maintains a decent screen-to-body ratio of around 58.6%, offering a balance between durability and screen size.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 chipset, the Cat S61 runs on an Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and an Adreno 508 GPU. This combination provides satisfactory performance for both daily tasks and specialized applications. Originally launched with Android 8.0 (Oreo), it is upgradeable to Android 9.0 (Pie), keeping the software experience up-to-date. The moderate RAM of 4GB coupled with 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSDXC slot) ensures the device handles multitasking and stores essential data efficiently.

Advanced Camera Features

The Cat S61 is equipped with a unique camera system suitable for industrial usage. The primary camera is a 16 MP sensor featuring phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and houses a FLIR thermal camera with a Lepton module, allowing users to capture thermal images and measure temperatures in real-time. These features are invaluable for professionals such as electricians, building inspectors, and mechanics. Additional camera functions include heat palettes, a temperature spot meter, and a dual-LED dual-tone flash. Video capabilities reach up to 4K at 30fps, extending to 1080p at the same frame rate. The selfie camera is an 8 MP unit capable of recording 1080p video, suitable for basic video conferencing and personal photography.

Battery Life and Charging

With a sizable 4500 mAh non-removable battery, the Cat S61 is engineered for longevity in demanding situations. It supports 18W wired charging through Quick Charge 4 technology, moderately reducing downtime. Standby times can reach up to 888 hours on 3G, and talk time can extend up to 35 hours on 3G networks, ensuring the phone remains operational through extended fieldwork without frequent charging.

Connectivity and Network Support

The smartphone supports multiple network bands, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing robust connectivity in various global regions. It offers a respectable LTE Cat12 speed, capable of achieving 600/150 Mbps. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. The inclusion of GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and QZSS ensures accurate positioning, crucial for navigation in remote areas. The device also includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing essential connectivity features.

Sensors and Additional Features

One of the standout features of the Cat S61 is its array of environmental sensors. It includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. Notably, the device incorporates an indoor air quality sensor, capable of detecting volatile organic compounds, aiding users in assessing the environmental conditions of their workspace. This feature exemplifies the device's industrial focus, offering tools that aid in maintaining safety and efficiency in the field.

Pricing and Availability

Initially announced in February 2018 and released in June of the same year, the Cat S61 positioned itself as a high-end device within the niche market of rugged smartphones. Its price tag, approximately 900 EUR, reflects its specialized features and durable design, appealing to those in industries where regular smartphones might fail under harsh conditions. Available mainly in black, the device maintains a professional and functional aesthetic.

Conclusion

The Cat S61 blends rugged design with specialized technology, making it an ideal choice for professionals in demanding environments. Its thermal imaging capabilities, air quality sensor, and robust construction cater to specific industrial needs, setting it apart from typical consumer smartphones. While not the most visually appealing or compact device, its utility, durability, and feature set justify its position in the market for those requiring reliable performance where other devices might not endure.