MWC 2023 | CAT S75 launches as a rugged smartphone with cutting-edge satellite connectivity as well as 5G and Wi-Fi

Smartphones with branding from the construction firm Caterpillar are put together by the Bullitt Group these days - which, as it turns out, may be the best thing that has happened to the new CAT S75. Its new licensing situation makes it one of the world's latest satellite-compatible smartphones, along with the new Motorola Defy 2.

Both devices are thus empowered to muscle in on the iPhone 14 Pro series' turf for the first time, with the new MediaTek MT6825 chip for ground-breaking non-terrestrial network (NTN) support.

Furthermore, the S75 shoots right to the forefront of the IP68/69K/MIL-STD-810H-rated smartphone field with a 6.6-inch FHD+ display that refreshes at up to 120Hz. The panel is driven by the same Dimensity 930 processor of the Defy 2, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage.

The 50+8+2MP rear camera device's 5,000mAh battery with arguably snail-paced 15W charging will fail to the rugged smartphone market away by contrast; then again, it does support Qi wireless charging.

The CAT S75 also lags behind with Android 12 out of the box, although there are assurances of its reaching Android 14 by the end of its life. It also, of course, supports the inaugural Bullitt Satellite Messenger system for its new connectivity options.

The advanced messaging service supports "SOS Assist", which connects the user to "professionally-staffed" response centers 24/7 for free - but only on a free trial basis for 12 months. The S75 user may then have to opt for one of Bullitt's paid plans thereafter, which have now been unveiled as starting at €4.99 (~US$5.30) a month for options such as sending "true 2-way" messages via satellite.

The CAT S75 itself can be pre-ordered in the EMEA from now, albeit only through select vendors and carriers, for €599 (~US$632) or £549. It will also be on show for all at MWC 2023 to see from February 26 at Stand B5 in the conference venue's Hall 7

Buy a Motorola Defy (2021) on Amazon