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IFA 2017 | CAT unveils two new ruggedized smartphones

Image: CAT
Image: CAT
The CAT S31 and S41 are the latest ruggedized smartphones from the manufacturer. Both devices are IP68 and MIL-SPEG-810 G certified and run Android Nougat.

Smartphones have become more and more durable over the past few years. New iterations of Corning’s scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass are appearing on more phones. Waterproofing is now an expected feature of flagships and is starting to trickle down into the mid-range segment. However, some users demand a lot more out of their mobile devices. That’s where ruggedized smartphones come into play. There are a few manufacturers that specialize in ultra-durable devices, and CAT is among the key players in this segment. Yesterday at IFA 2017, CAT announced two new smartphones, the S31 and S41.

On paper, there’s nothing terribly spectacular about either phone:

DeviceCAT S31CAT S41
Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad-core CPU @ 1.3 GHz

MediaTek Octa-core CPU @ 2.3 GHz
RAM2 GB3 GB
Storage (ROM)16 GB (expandable via microSD)32 GB (expandable via microSD)
Battery Size4,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Display4.7-inch 1280x720 5-inch 1920x1080 "Super bright" panel
Cameras8 MP rear, 2 MP front13 MP rear (PDAF), 8 MP front
SoftwareAndroid NougatAndroid Nougat

Keep in mind, however, that these devices aren’t meant to compete with the latest flagship phones. They’re meant more to be workhorses that can stand up to the harshest environments. To that end, both the CAT S31 and S41 are MIL-SPEG-810G certified, meaning that either phone can withstand extreme conditions (such as areas with extreme heat, humidity, radiation, pressure, and more). The phones are also bear IP68 dust- and waterproof certifications and can survive drops up to 1.8 meters (~6 feet) onto concrete.

The S41 is available now for an MSRP of €449 (~US$533), while the S31 will be coming “later this year” for an MSRP of €329 (~US$390).

The CAT S41. (Image: CAT)
The CAT S41. (Image: CAT)

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Sam Medley, 2017-09- 2 (Update: 2017-09- 2)