The CAT S62 Pro is a true example of a powerful phone that can withstand harsh conditions and still not look out of place next to the other cutting-edge smartphones of the day. Since it’s built to last, it’s perfect for construction and industrial workers, firefighters, or anyone who just wants top quality.
In this article, Charles Furrow will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the CAT S62 Pro and let you know whether it will work for your specific industrial needs. Skip to the Cat S62 Pro pricing.
Is the CAT S62 Pro Worth It?
My answer is yes. In most scenarios, the Cat S62 Pro is the best option on the market.
The main selling point of this phone is its thermal camera, which many claim is the best on the market. It features a FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor, which offers a 400% increase in thermal pixels, thus significantly contributing to the quality.
The other features of this phone can’t be ignored: good battery life and durability make this device top of its class. Although it’s a rugged phone, it hides this very well. The manufacturer did its best to create a high-performance machine with an attractive appearance.
As we know, no phone is perfect. While it has some incredible features, the CAT S62 Pro offers an average processor and doesn’t have face detection. With its price tag, some expect slightly better performance from it.
CAT S62 Pros: It has the best-in-class thermal camera, a top-quality build, excellent protection ratings, a gorilla glass 6 display, fantastic battery life, and a modern design.
CAT S62 Pro Cons: It is pricey, and it only has a 12-MP rear camera, no face detection, and no 5G.
Specifications and Tech Details
Most rugged phones are either functional but not stylish or vice versa. The CAT S62 Pro strikes a perfect balance of style and performance rarely seen in this class.
Additionally, this phone is all about its thermal camera. It’s more than just a toy. It can help you detect leaks, electrical shortages, objects, measure body temperature, see in the dark, etc. The sensor performs exceptionally well and offers a higher resolution than other smartphones in this tier.
The CAT S62 Pro features an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and a whopping 128 GB of storage, with the possibility of increasing it further. It’s also water, dust, and vibration resistant and compliant with U.S. military standards that prove its durability.
| Size | 6.24 x 3.02 x 0.47 in (158.5 x 76.7 x 11.9 mm) |
| Weight | 8.75 oz (248 g) |
| Display | 1080 x 2160 pixels |
| Display Type | Full HD |
| Battery | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Durability | IP68 and IP69, Mil-Spec 810H |
| CPU | Octa-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, NFC, Bluetooth, USB Type-C 2.0, GPS |
| 4G | Yes |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Memory | 6 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Operating Temperature | -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Audio | One speaker |
Advanced Information for CAT S62 Pro
Let’s look at the most important features of this rugged smartphone.
Operating Systems and Memory
The smartphone comes with Google Android 10, with the possibility of upgrading to Android 11. The Android operating system is robust, enabling you to run multiple apps and programs simultaneously. Since CAT assumes you’ll use the phone for business purposes, the device comes with pre-installed MobiSystems OfficeSuite and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). Also, you’ll find various productivity tools designed by CAT to help you stay organized.
Android devices can be easily integrated into most ecosystems; they offer flexibility and functionality, so it’s no wonder CAT uses this operating system.
Unlike many other phones that vary in storage size, the CAT S62 Pro is only available in one version. It features 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The storage size is impressive, especially when compared to its competition. If that’s not enough, you can always sacrifice one of the two SIM slots to insert a memory card. That way, you can boost the storage capacity by the size of your chosen microSD card.
Display and Ruggedness
The CAT S62 Pro features a 5.7-inch FHD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of over 400 DPI. If the ambient light sensor is on, the display brightness peaks at 517 cd/m2. While this isn’t the best display available, it’s still better than most competitors. The LCD screen is bright enough to read even in direct sunlight but doesn’t match OLED. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 6 and ships with a protective film.
The Gorilla Glass protects your display from scratching and breaking, but using an additional protective glass covering on any phone is still recommended. Adding this extra layer of defense to your device’s screen is essential, especially if you’re working in harsh conditions.
If you work with your gloves on, this is the phone you need. The display can be used even if you’re wearing gloves or if your fingers are wet.
Data Capture and Compatible Software
The phone features a 12 MP rear camera, a Sony dual-pixel sensor, and an 8 MP front camera. It has an optional NFC, but there isn’t a built-in option for scanning barcodes. Its top-notch thermal camera is another way to capture information, but I’ll discuss that later.
Since it features the Android operating system, this phone is compatible with most apps and programs. Moreover, the model supports Android Enterprise, a management solution that enables you and your colleagues to use Android devices in the workplace. The phone also features a toolbox containing numerous productivity tools CAT designed.
Review of Design and Aesthetic
Most rugged phones are clunky and often sit uncomfortably in your hand. You can tell CAT put much effort into breaking this pattern and creating a powerful yet modern-looking phone. With a 0.47-inch thickness and 8.8-ounce weight, we can’t say the phone is light, but it’s still much sleeker than its competition.
The phone is made from high-quality plastic with an aluminum frame. The back features a rubberized, textured plastic that ensures a tight grip and feels comfortable in your hand.
The orange button on the left side can be set as the PTT (push-to-talk) button, or you can launch specific apps. The phone features physical power and volume buttons, which are easy to use even when wearing thick gloves. Unlike many other phones, the volume buttons are on the bottom, and the power button is on the top, so adjusting the layout may take some time.
The device doesn’t lay flat when placed down because the camera and the thermal sensor are slightly raised. The fingerprint sensor on the back enables quick unlocking. The phone features a three-colored LED notification light to ensure you don’t miss any notifications.
At the bottom, you’ll see the Type-C USB port without the annoying rubber plug usually featured in rugged smartphones. The manufacturer made the port itself completely waterproof, so a rubber plug is completely unnecessary.
This model is available in only one color: Black. Luckily, this tends to be the most popular choice.
Review of the Camera (Front and Back)
As mentioned, the CAT S62 Pro features one rear and one front camera. The rear one is 12 MP, with an f1.8 sensor. The quality of the photos and videos is adequate for a mid-range phone, but it’s not stunning. Considering this isn’t the main imaging feature, the camera is sufficient, especially with good lighting.
The front camera is 8 MP and can record videos at 1080p with 30 fps.
Thermal Camera Review
The fantastic FLIR thermal camera makes this phone stand out from the crowd. The CAT S62 Pro features the latest Lepton 3.5 professional-grade sensor, which offers a 160 x 120 resolution. While this may not sound impressive, remember it’s four times better than the previous version.
The incredibly detailed sensor enables you to locate objects, detect leaks and blockages, measure temperature, and more. Its impressive measurement range is from -4 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit.
The S62 Pro has a dedicated MyFLIR app so you can get the most out of your images. It includes numerous features to make your job easier. For example, you can easily switch between the regular and thermal cameras. You can also measure temperatures in a specific spot or draw a shape to determine the minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. The MyFLIR app also lets you customize the color scheme and lock the temperature scale.
Infrared radiation detection enables you to access a spectrum otherwise invisible to humans, which comes in handy in many lines of work. This phone’s most significant advantage is the top-of-the-class thermal imaging, and it’s close to flawless.
Battery Life and Power Options
The S62 Pro has a non-removable lithium-ion 4000 mAh battery that supports fast charging. According to the manufacturer, the battery can last up to two days on a single charge, but you’ll usually need to charge it every day.
As previously stated, this phone features an LCD screen that isn’t energy-efficient. That drains the battery faster, even if you’re not running demanding apps and programs.
The phone features a USB Type-C 2.0 port on the bottom for charging. The port doesn’t have a protective cover because it’s completely waterproof. Plus, the S62 Pro also has the USB OTG option. That means you can use the phone as a host for other USB devices. One drawback of this phone is that it’s impossible to charge it wirelessly. Since this has become a common feature in many newer smartphones, it could be considered a disadvantage, especially if you’re used to it.
Ruggedness of CAT S62 Pro
When it comes to ruggedness, the CAT S62 Pro proves itself. Firstly, the design: By using a mixture of plastic and aluminum, the manufacturer ensured this smartphone could withstand harsh weather, falls, scratches, and more.
This model possesses IP68 and IP69 certifications. “IP” stands for “Ingress Protection,” an international rating standard that indicates the level of protection and effectiveness of different devices.
IP ratings are expressed with two digits. The first one goes from zero to six and marks the level of intrusion protection; the second digit goes from zero to nine and indicates moisture protection. With that in mind, the CAT S62 Pro earned the highest grades for ruggedness. It’s dust, water, salt, sand, and vibration resistant. Plus, it can survive drops from around 5.9 feet.
This model also has the Mil-Spec 810H certification. That’s a U.S. military standard that tests the limits of numerous devices. Although the tests were designed for military purposes, they were also often applied to commercial devices. This certification guarantees the durability and ruggedness of the CAT S62 Pro.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the phone is to clean. The manufacturer knows that phones get dirty and can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, especially when they have a protective case. Thanks to its rugged design, the S62 Pro doesn’t need a protective case, which means fewer germs and quicker cleaning.
When your phone gets dirty, it’s very simple to clean: Submerge it in water, scrub it, spray it with bleach or your preferred chemical sanitizer spray, and polish it. Its design guarantees you won’t damage it.
Customer Reviews on Cat S62 PRO
As expected, most CAT S62 Pro users praise the thermal camera. But that isn’t the only feature they’ve enjoyed. Let’s look at what different users have to say about this rugged smartphone:
Review by John D.:
“I used to own a CAT S41 and was very pleased with it. Based on my positive experience, I decided to get the CAT S62 Pro and was not disappointed. I must praise the brand for its consistently high-quality products.”
Review by Sarah M.:
“I compared the CAT S62 Pro to other flagship smartphones and found it a heavy device, even without a case. However, the case is unnecessary due to its efficient drop and dust protection. The phone feels good, doesn’t slip, and is easy to wash when it gets dirty.”
Review by David P.:
“The main advantage of this phone is its thermal camera. I’ve only been using it for a short time, but it’s already proven highly efficient. I was able to locate mice in my attic, and I also detected a minor leak. The primary draw of this phone is definitely the thermal imager.”
Review by Emily R.:
“I praise the phone’s speaker for its clarity compared to others I’ve used in the past. While I wish it had wireless charging, I love that it features a Type-C USB port and a fast charging option. Additionally, I’m pleased with the battery life and expandable memory.”
CAT S62 Pro Price
The current price of the CAT S62 Pro is $389.00. This is an incredibly fair price as there is little to compare it to on the current market.
If you want a powerful thermal camera, you’ll need to spend at least $300 for a decent one. The prices are even higher if you want better quality, so adding a thermal camera to your phone can be more expensive than purchasing a new one.
It’s clear CAT was dedicated to creating a phone with a superb thermal camera and a durable design, which meant cutting back on other features. The manufacturer probably had this logic in mind: People interested in thermal sensors and rugged design most likely won’t require the latest specs. That way, they could keep the features that make this phone attractive within a more modest price range.
S62 Pro Accessories and Options
The CAT S62 Pro package includes a screen protector, Type-C USB cable, USB power adapter, and documentation (start guide and warranty).
If you want to upgrade your user experience, you can always purchase an official CAT accessory. For example, you can get the CAT IP65 rugged power bank. This water, dust, and shockproof battery bank ensures you never run out of juice, regardless of where you are. It has a 10,000 mAh capacity, which means you’ll be able to charge your phone multiple times in one outing. It’s compatible with other devices and brands, too.
CAT also offers a leather phone holster. The hand-stitched leather keeps your device in place and protects it from damage. The holster features front and side pockets for documents.
Although unnecessary, a phone case can be a fun and helpful accessory for this phone. You can find numerous designs online and choose the one you like best.
Here’s a list of other accessories for the CAT S62 Pro: chargers, adapters, protective screens, phone holders, selfie sticks, stabilizers, memory cards, smartwatches, headphones, and wireless speakers.
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