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Cyrus CS24 Smartphone Review

Old, but reliable?

The Cyrus CS24 is something peculiar: the smartphone has been on the market since 2016, the company provides security updates, and offers cheap support even after the warranty has expired. Should sustainability-fans rejoice? Find out in the review.
Cyrus CS24

Smartphone and quality German workmanship? Past times come to mind, when Nokia still used to make phones in Bochum, or more recently, the German made Smartphone Gigaset is releasing. The German company Cyrus does not produce its smartphones in Germany, but the development, and first and foremost, the service are based in Aachen. The longevity of the handsets in particular is corresponding to the idea of German workmanship: the manufacturer has been selling the devices for a very long time, periodically providing security patches years after their release, and changes the battery for less than 20 Euros (~$20) when the warranty has ended.

We received the Cyrus CS24 to review. The sturdy smartphone can be bought at this time for about 200 Euros (~$230) at all major retailers. That is an affordable price for a rugged smartphone. Other comparable devices in our database are the CAT S31, Samsungs Galaxy XCover 4, or the Poptel P60.

Cyrus CS24
Processor
Mediatek MT6737T 4 x 1.5 GHz, Cortex-A53
Graphics adapter
Memory
2048 MB 
Display
5.00 inch 16:9, 1280 x 720 pixel 294 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS, glossy: yes
Storage
16 GB eMMC Flash, 16 GB 
, 11.2 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm headphone jack, Card Reader: microSD up to 128 GB, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass
Networking
802.11a/b/g/n (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0, 2G (850/​900/​1800/​1900), 3G (B1/​B2/​B5), 4G (B1/​B3/​B7/​B8/​B20/​B40), Dual SIM, LTE
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 14 x 151 x 79 ( = 0.55 x 5.94 x 3.11 in)
Battery
17.1 Wh, 4500 mAh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Android 7.0 Nougat
Camera
Primary Camera: 13 MPix contrast AF, LED flash, video @720p/​60fps
Secondary Camera: 5 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: speaker on the back, Keyboard: virtual keyboard, charger, USB cable, SIM tool, Android 7, 24 Months Warranty, LTE Cat 4 (150Mbps/​50Mbps); DRM Widevine L3; ExFAT: no; SAR value: 0,55 W/kg (head); IP68 certified, MIL-STD-810G certified, fanless, ruggedized
Weight
220 g ( = 7.76 oz / 0.49 pounds), Power Supply: 64 g ( = 2.26 oz / 0.14 pounds)
Price
229 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case – Rubberized and Waterproof

A rubberized, quite classic outdoor case surrounds the components of the CS24. The textured surface provides a secure grip. The maker guarantees it to be water- and dustproof, as well as shatter resistant when dropped from a height of 1.50 m (~5 ft). We thoroughly tested all aspects and could not find any problems when submerging it in water or dropping it from the edge of a table. However, the rubber flaps have to be tightly closed for tightness. For the same reason the battery is non-removable.

Strong pressure from our fingers does not bother the device, and neither can we twist it with bare hands. We did not notice any cracking noises either.

Size Comparison

167 mm / 6.57 in 78 mm / 3.07 in 13.8 mm / 0.543 in 248 g0.547 lbs151 mm / 5.94 in 79 mm / 3.11 in 14 mm / 0.551 in 220 g0.485 lbs146 mm / 5.75 in 74.4 mm / 2.93 in 12.6 mm / 0.4961 in 200 g0.4409 lbs146.2 mm / 5.76 in 73.3 mm / 2.89 in 9.7 mm / 0.3819 in 172 g0.3792 lbs148 mm / 5.83 in 105 mm / 4.13 in 1 mm / 0.03937 in 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Configuration – Common in its Class

2 GB of RAM and a storage of 16 GB are common in this category; comparable devices offer the same amounts. However, the more recent Poptel P60's 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage are substantially above the average of the devices in our comparison.

Software – Cyrus CS24 with Android 7

The installed software is Android 7. Unfortunately, Cyrus does not offer a more recent version at the moment. At least the security patches of November 5 are a bit more recent. Cyrus has not made any changes to the operating system and does not install any additional software, so buyers can choose what to install on their smartphones.

Cyrus CS24 Software
Cyrus CS24 Software
Cyrus CS24 Software

Communication and GPS – Inaccurate GPS

With LTE Cat. 4 and the most necessary frequency bands, the Cyrus CS24 is not meant for world travelers, but within Europe mobile internet should be available on the device. In addition, there is 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi. Although the faster ac standard is not supported, it is at least possible to connect to the less used 5 GHz network. In our Wi-Fi test with the reference router Linksys EA8500, the Cyrus CS24 scores rather stable data transfer rates in comparison.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Poptel P60
Mali-G71 MP2, Helio P23 MT6763V, 128 GB eMMC Flash
67.6 (17min - 90max) MBit/s +25%
Cyrus CS24
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6737T, 16 GB eMMC Flash
54.2 (52min - 57max) MBit/s
CAT S31
Adreno 304, 210 MSM8909, 16 GB eMMC Flash
39.3 MBit/s -27%
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Mali-T720, Exynos 7570, 16 GB eMMC Flash
37.9 MBit/s -30%
iperf3 receive AX12
Cyrus CS24
Mali-T720 MP2, MT6737T, 16 GB eMMC Flash
60 (55min - 60max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Mali-T720, Exynos 7570, 16 GB eMMC Flash
49.2 MBit/s -18%
CAT S31
Adreno 304, 210 MSM8909, 16 GB eMMC Flash
41.6 MBit/s -31%
Poptel P60
Mali-G71 MP2, Helio P23 MT6763V, 128 GB eMMC Flash
40.4 (10min - 55max) MBit/s -33%
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Cyrus CS24; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø58.3 (55-60)
Cyrus CS24; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø54.3 (52-57)
GPS test indoors
GPS test indoors
GPS test outside
GPS test outside

Localisation is not possible indoors, but outside we are located quickly, although an accuracy of 7 meters (~23 ft) is not too accurate. 

In terms of GPS, we expect a little bit more from an outdoor smartphone than the Cyrus CS24 can offer: Some segments are rather a rough indication of where we went, than serious tracking of our route. Too bad.

GPS Cyrus CS24 – overview
GPS Cyrus CS24 – overview
GPS Cyrus CS24 – traffic circle
GPS Cyrus CS24 – traffic circle
GPS Cyrus CS24 – bridge
GPS Cyrus CS24 – bridge
GPS Garmin Edge 520 – overview
GPS Garmin Edge 520 – overview
GPS Garmin Edge 520 – roundabout
GPS Garmin Edge 520 – roundabout
GPS Garmin Edge 520 – bridge
GPS Garmin Edge 520 – bridge

Telephony and Call Quality – Adequate

The phone app used is Google’s standard application.

The Cyrus CS24’s call volume is loud enough at its maximum setting. Our call counterpart does not sound entirely clear, and there is some obvious background noise. The overall sound quality though, is decent enough. The microphone functions properly,although loud voices distort quickly.

Cameras – Cyrus Smartphone with Mediocre Cameras

Front-facing camera sample photo
Front-facing camera sample photo

The camera configuration is quite simple: One 13-megapixel shooter in the back and one 5-megapixel lens in the front. The front-facing camera offers tolerable color reproduction, but the details quickly blur into pixel pulp.

The main camera presents itself in a rather inaccurate fashion, since background details appear blurry. While the color reproduction is decent, details tend to disappear in low light situations.

Videos can be recorded in up to 720p at 60 FPS. The brightness adjustment happens in clearly visible steps.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3
orginal image
click to load images

The main camera shows a rather warm color reproduction in fixed light conditions, details appear partially blurred. 

Test chart capture
Test chart capture
Test chart (details)
Test chart (details)
ColorChecker colors; reference color in the bottom half of each square.
ColorChecker colors; reference color in the bottom half of each square.

Accessories and Warranty – German Service

Only the bare necessities are in the box: A charger, a USB cable and a SIM tool, as well as a display cleaning kit.

The service of Cyrus is well worth mentioning: The Manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty, and beyond that, you can have the battery replaced for just under 20 Euros (~$23) once the warranty has expired. All service inquiries and repairs will be dealt with directly at Cyrus in Germany too. The manufacturer guarantees the device to be waterproof when treated appropriately.

Input Devices and Handling – Programmable Button for Apps

The Cyrus CS24 has a touchscreen that functions reliably and works well even in the corners. You can only feel a delay in operation, when using demanding apps. On the right side are the volume rocker and the standby button. They feel very sturdy and operate properly.

The left side houses a button that can be programmed to launch various apps.

Keyboard in portrait mode
Keyboard in portrait mode
Keyboard in landscape mode
Keyboard in landscape mode

Display – Average Brightness and a Very Blue Tint

Subpixel capture
Subpixel capture

At 451 cd/m², the screen is reasonably bright. The CAT S31 takes the lead position here, as its display is significantly brighter, and thus way more versatile outdoors. The CS24 offers only an averagely even distribution of brightness. The upper area of the screen in portrait mode in particular is distinctively dimmer. The resolution of 1280x720 is OK.

414
cd/m²
469
cd/m²
477
cd/m²
445
cd/m²
468
cd/m²
480
cd/m²
419
cd/m²
428
cd/m²
463
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 480 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 451.4 cd/m² Minimum: 27.14 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 468 cd/m²
Contrast: 1614:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 8.27 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 9.7 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
89.9% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.231
Cyrus CS24
IPS, 1280x720, 5"
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
IPS, 1280x720, 5"
CAT S31
IPS, 1280x720, 4.7"
Poptel P60
LCD IPS, 2160x1080, 5.7"
Screen
-14%
28%
15%
Brightness middle
468
445
-5%
784
68%
401
-14%
Brightness
451
437
-3%
750
66%
387
-14%
Brightness Distribution
86
88
2%
92
7%
92
7%
Black Level *
0.29
0.67
-131%
0.45
-55%
0.14
52%
Contrast
1614
664
-59%
1742
8%
2864
77%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
8.27
6.5
21%
4.28
48%
7.5
9%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
16.34
10.6
35%
8.75
46%
16.1
1%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
9.7
7.2
26%
6.1
37%
9.6
1%
Gamma
2.231 99%
2.53 87%
2.49 88%
1.99 111%
CCT
9504 68%
8274 79%
7175 91%
8242 79%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

Our tests with the software CalMAN and the spectrophotometer reveal a severe blue cast. In terms of color and grey scale accuracy, the Cyrus CS24 lands the last place in our comparison. But unless it is important for you to know what a photo will look like when printed out, or to otherwise judge the colors on the display, it is not that important in everyday life.

CalMAN grayscale
CalMAN grayscale
CalMAN color accuracy
CalMAN color accuracy
CalMAN color space
CalMAN color space
CalMAN saturation
CalMAN saturation

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
25 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 9 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 55 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
47 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 24 ms rise
↘ 23 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 79 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms).

Outdoors the brightness is enough to read the display on cloudy days. On days with lots of sunshine, however, you should find a shady corner. Viewing from an angle shows slight shifting in color.

Viewing angles
Viewing angles
Outdoors
Outdoors

Performance – Enough Power

The SoC employed is the Mediatek MT6737T. Although it is a bit older, it still delivers enough performance for simple everyday tasks of the smartphone. In our comparison the Poptel P60 is significantly ahead, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 is almost on par with the Cyrus CS24, and the CAT S31 comes in last.

Overall, simple apps can be executed effortlessly on the Cyrus CS24, and navigation through the menus works without stuttering. Benchmarks take a while longer and modern graphical interfaces are not supported by the GPU, but all-in-all, it is possible to work decently with the CS24 on a modest level.

Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
648 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
629 Points -3%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
437 Points -33%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
789 Points +22%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (648 - 682, n=6)
668 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (844 - 9574, n=84, last 2 years)
5555 Points +757%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
1807 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
1855 Points +3%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
1135 Points -37%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
3732 Points +107%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (1807 - 1932, n=6)
1869 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2630 - 34246, n=84, last 2 years)
15472 Points +756%
Compute RenderScript Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
1077 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
3041 Points +182%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (1077 - 1241, n=5)
1174 Points +9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5192 - 28121, n=60, last 2 years)
12476 Points +1058%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
4404 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
4508 Points +2%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
3080 Points -30%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
6036 Points +37%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (2759 - 4607, n=7)
4041 Points -8%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
3253 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
3446 Points +6%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
2300 Points -29%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
4778 Points +47%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (2249 - 3487, n=8)
3163 Points -3%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
6655 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
4661 Points -30%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
5291 Points -20%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
10956 Points +65%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (5731 - 6858, n=9)
6593 Points -1%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
6014 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
3985 Points -34%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
5042 Points -16%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
1152 Points -81%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (5380 - 6184, n=9)
5980 Points -1%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
10617 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
11459 Points +8%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
6396 Points -40%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
10234 Points -4%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (7424 - 11393, n=9)
10350 Points -3%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
285 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
193 Points -32%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
654 Points +129%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (258 - 285, n=9)
277 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (812 - 7285, n=26, last 2 years)
4204 Points +1375%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
238 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
157 Points -34%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
587 Points +147%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (217 - 262, n=9)
232 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (756 - 9451, n=26, last 2 years)
4740 Points +1892%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
924 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
955 Points +3%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
1365 Points +48%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (762 - 973, n=9)
918 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4349, n=26, last 2 years)
3303 Points +257%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
273 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
187 Points -32%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
690 Points +153%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (242 - 273, n=8)
261 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (883 - 23024, n=73, last 2 years)
11109 Points +3969%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
227 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
162 Points -29%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
599 Points +164%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (199 - 227, n=8)
217 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (840 - 45492, n=73, last 2 years)
19708 Points +8582%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
942 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
1002 Points +6%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
1476 Points +57%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (767 - 988, n=8)
897 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=73, last 2 years)
5001 Points +431%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
184 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
107 Points -42%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
0 Points -100%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
439 Points +139%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (169 - 186, n=9)
178.4 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 17553, n=71, last 2 years)
3075 Points +1571%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
150 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
85 Points -43%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
0 Points -100%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
386 Points +157%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (138 - 151, n=9)
145.1 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 29890, n=71, last 2 years)
3259 Points +2073%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
918 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
952 Points +4%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
560 Points -39%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
1374 Points +50%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (814 - 985, n=9)
927 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 7180, n=71, last 2 years)
3280 Points +257%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
170 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
109 Points -36%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
457 Points +169%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (162 - 171, n=7)
165.9 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 22303, n=160, last 2 years)
7934 Points +4567%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
138 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
87 Points -37%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
382 Points +177%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (131 - 138, n=7)
134.3 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33560, n=160, last 2 years)
11805 Points +8454%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
939 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
944 Points +1%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
1455 Points +55%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (824 - 984, n=7)
947 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (877 - 10259, n=160, last 2 years)
4663 Points +397%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
20 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
11 fps -45%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
9.8 fps -51%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
22 fps +10%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (9.7 - 20, n=9)
16.2 fps -19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (23 - 166, n=172, last 2 years)
86.8 fps +334%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
11 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
6.8 fps -38%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
5.6 fps -49%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
21 fps +91%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (9.8 - 11, n=9)
10.9 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=172, last 2 years)
289 fps +2527%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
8.9 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
5.4 fps -39%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
4.3 fps -52%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
10 fps +12%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (4 - 8.9, n=9)
7.13 fps -20%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 166, n=172, last 2 years)
76.3 fps +757%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
4.1 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
2.6 fps -37%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
1.9 fps -54%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
10 fps +144%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (3.9 - 4.1, n=9)
4.04 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (12 - 482, n=172, last 2 years)
170.1 fps +4049%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
3.5 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
3.9 fps +11%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
6.3 fps +80%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (2.6 - 6.3, n=9)
4.67 fps +33%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 166, n=172, last 2 years)
66.6 fps +1803%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
2.6 fps
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
1.6 fps -38%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
6.6 fps +154%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (2.5 - 2.6, n=9)
2.57 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (8.3 - 341, n=172, last 2 years)
120.8 fps +4546%
AnTuTu v7 - Total Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
41484 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
83745 Points +102%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (41484 - 45193, n=4)
43737 Points +5%
AnTuTu v6 - Total Score (sort by value)
Cyrus CS24
Mediatek MT6737T, Mali-T720 MP2, 2048
36883 Points
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
35379 Points -4%
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
24865 Points -33%
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
64189 Points +74%
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (35747 - 40981, n=9)
38233 Points +4%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
706 Points
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
1 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
384 Points
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (177 - 845, n=8)
548 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (1196 - 11976, n=154, last 2 years)
6363 Points
System (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
1396 Points
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
899 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
2465 Points
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (562 - 1498, n=8)
1230 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (2368 - 16475, n=154, last 2 years)
10203 Points
Memory (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
1066 Points
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
328 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
1136 Points
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (402 - 1288, n=8)
773 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (962 - 12716, n=154, last 2 years)
6843 Points
Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
253 Points
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
256 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
866 Points
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (383 - 386, n=8)
385 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (1017 - 58651, n=154, last 2 years)
17343 Points
Web (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Samsung Exynos 7570 Quad, Mali-T720, 2048
661 Points
CAT S31
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909, Adreno 304, 2048
10 Points
Poptel P60
Mediatek Helio P23 MT6763V, Mali-G71 MP2, 6144
10 Points
Average Mediatek MT6737T
  (10 - 787, n=8)
457 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (841 - 2145, n=154, last 2 years)
1569 Points

When browsing the web, the smartphone is average within its class. Usually you do not have to wait too long for images to load.

JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Poptel P60 (Chrome 71)
22.1 Points +16%
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 (Chrome 58)
20.99 Points +10%
Average Mediatek MT6737T (17.4 - 22, n=9)
19.4 Points +2%
Cyrus CS24 (Chrome 72)
19.06 Points
CAT S31
12.44 Points -35%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 100368, n=206, last 2 years)
37883 Points +1020%
Poptel P60 (Chrome 71)
3998 Points +18%
Cyrus CS24 (Chrome 72)
3381 Points
Average Mediatek MT6737T (2684 - 3483, n=9)
3200 Points -5%
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 (Chrome 58)
3133 Points -7%
CAT S31
2010 Points -41%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
CAT S31
17828 ms * -34%
Cyrus CS24 (Chrome 72)
13300 ms *
Poptel P60 (Chrome 71)
13077 ms * +2%
Average Mediatek MT6737T (10544 - 13300, n=9)
12142 ms * +9%
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 (Chrome 58)
11130 ms * +16%
Average of class Smartphone (277 - 28190, n=164, last 2 years)
1544 ms * +88%

* ... smaller is better

In terms of memory access however, the Cyrus CS24 finds itself in the last place. At least when it comes to accessing the internal storage and the microSD card, which in this case is our reference card, the Toshiba Exceria Pro M501. The read access to the system memory though, is a little bit faster than the CAT S31. Nevertheless, this is no reason to boast, as the values range at a low level.

Cyrus CS24Samsung Galaxy XCover 4CAT S31Poptel P60Average 16 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
110%
105%
259%
61%
3387%
Sequential Read 256KB
136.6
181.6
33%
71.1
-48%
288.2
111%
164.5 ?(9.66 - 294, n=256)
20%
Sequential Write 256KB
39.3
73.6
87%
62.1
58%
188.8
380%
Random Read 4KB
14.9
21.8
46%
14.28
-4%
69.7
368%
Random Write 4KB
4.4
11.9
170%
14.81
237%
15.18
245%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
29.8 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
69 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M401)
132%
81.8
174%
80 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
168%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
19.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
55.7 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M401)
190%
59.5
210%
72.8 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
279%

Games – Gaming is OK

The mobile game "Arena of Valor" runs smoothly even in high settings, using the display’s native resolution. We use "Temple Run 2", to test if the touchscreen and orientation sensor react quickly enough. We have no complaints here.

Temple Run 2
Temple Run 2
Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor

Emissions – Barely any Heat

Temperature

When idling, the rugged smartphone barely heats up at all. After prolonged periods of load, it warms up to a respectable maximum value of 39.7 °C (~103 °F), which feels just slightly warm.

Max. Load
 38.5 °C
101 F
35.1 °C
95 F
35 °C
95 F
 
 38.5 °C
101 F
35.4 °C
96 F
35.6 °C
96 F
 
 37.4 °C
99 F
35.4 °C
96 F
34.3 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 38.5 °C = 101 F
Average: 36.1 °C = 97 F
32.9 °C
91 F
35 °C
95 F
39.7 °C
103 F
31.9 °C
89 F
35.1 °C
95 F
38.6 °C
101 F
32.7 °C
91 F
35.6 °C
96 F
38.3 °C
101 F
Maximum: 39.7 °C = 103 F
Average: 35.5 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  43.2 °C = 110 F | Room Temperature 21.9 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 36.1 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 32.8 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.5 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 35.1 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 63.7 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.7 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.6 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 32.8 °C / 91 F.
Heatmap rear
Heatmap rear
Heatmap front
Heatmap front

Speakers

Speaker test pink noise
Speaker test pink noise

The speaker on the back of the device produces overly prominent highs. If you occasionally want to enjoy a piece of music, at least you get a relatively loud speaker without noise.

Pairing an external speaker via Bluetooth was effortless. The 3.5 mm headphone jack is located behind a rather small flap and is recessed quite far into the case, so we had difficulties plugging in larger 3.5 mm plugs. Here the sound appeared to be quite thin as well.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2042.343.72547.146.43129.630.6403232.85031.732.66325.427.78024.223.510023.525.212524.624.216022.722.120021.82425021.734.231523.443.740019.75250025.159.463025.765.980021.672100018.174.4125014.973.4160016.870.4200015.969.6250016.271315017.369.4400015.666.8500018.964.7630017.269.4800017.674.5100001772.51250015.665.91600015.851.7SPL67.431.282.6N20.71.552.6median 18.9median 65.9median 67.6Delta3.7171531.634.125.433.425.332.332.927.633.628.131.634.428.430.12736.520.833.42241.221.347.620.852.121.255.219.457.419.560.317.765.417.968.617.87017.370.617.47216.771.317.269.718.27117.972.417.666.317.761.417.857.917.95818.149.218.246.63080.41.347.4median 17.9median 60.31.411hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseCyrus CS24Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Cyrus CS24 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 67.6% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(-) | nearly no mids - on average 67.6% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(-) | nearly no highs - on average 67.6% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (130.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 98% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 0% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 99% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 0% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 15.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.4% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.3% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 52% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 40% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 70% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 24% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life – Cyrus Smartphone with Long Mileage

Power Consumption

The Cyrus CS24’s power consumption values are usual for this SoC. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 4 can, especially during idle, score some more points with better consumption values.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.2 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.7 / 1.9 / 2.5 Watt
Load midlight 4.9 / 6.2 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Cyrus CS24
4500 mAh
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
2800 mAh
CAT S31
4000 mAh
Poptel P60
5000 mAh
Average Mediatek MT6737T
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
16%
13%
12%
1%
-12%
Idle Minimum *
0.7
0.56
20%
0.73
-4%
0.81
-16%
0.811 ?(0.5 - 1.5, n=8)
-16%
Idle Average *
1.9
1.57
17%
2.21
-16%
2.14
-13%
1.771 ?(1.12 - 2.6, n=8)
7%
Idle Maximum *
2.5
1.68
33%
2.25
10%
2.16
14%
2.09 ?(1.25 - 3.8, n=8)
16%
Load Average *
4.9
4.6
6%
2.99
39%
3.02
38%
5.12 ?(2.89 - 7.5, n=8)
-4%
Load Maximum *
6.2
5.92
5%
4.12
34%
4.01
35%
6.06 ?(4.33 - 8, n=8)
2%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The Cyrus CS24 has a non-removable battery with a capacity of 4500 mAh. As mentioned earlier, the manufacturer offers cheap battery replacements after warranty end date. The Cyrus smartphone manages to stay on for over 18 hours in our Wi-Fi test, which is comparable to similar devices. Due to its substantially smaller battery, the Galaxy XCover 4 finds itself at the bottom of our comparison.

With exactly 18:43 hours of mileage, there should still be some juice left after a couple days of moderate usage. You can fully charge the phone in just under 3 hours with the included charger.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
18h 43min
Cyrus CS24
4500 mAh
Samsung Galaxy XCover 4
2800 mAh
CAT S31
4000 mAh
Poptel P60
5000 mAh
Battery Runtime
-41%
-4%
8%
WiFi v1.3
1123
668
-41%
1074
-4%
1214
8%
Reader / Idle
1388
H.264
681
Load
205

Pros

+ good service offerings
+ sturdy case
+ respectable Wi-Fi transmission rates
+ long battery life

Cons

- inaccurate GPS
- blue cast to the display
- slow storage
- camera pictures lack detail

Verdict – Simple with Good Service

Review of the Cyrus CS24. Review unit courtesy of Cyrus Germany.
Review of the Cyrus CS24. Review unit courtesy of Cyrus Germany.

The Cyrus CS24 is on par with most competitors in its price range. Neither should high performance be expected, nor is the display very color accurate, and the camera cannot convince us entirely either. Everything is at an acceptable level, but the phone has very little that stands out. On top of this there is the rather old version of Android, which at least somewhat periodically receives recent security updates, and the tinny speaker.

Anyone with modest demands can, thanks to its large battery, work with the Cyrus CS24 for quite a long time. The CS24 is durable too, as well as water- and dustproof.

The Cyrus CS24 is a simple, rugged smartphone with a service promise.

More modern smartphones such as the Poptel P60 on the other hand, show what is possible for rugged smartphones in this price range by now. With a higher resolution display, more performance and more recent software, this is by no means underwhelming. Nevertheless, it should not be dismissed that you buy the Cyrus smartphone bundled with the German-speaking customer service, and the relatively straightforward handling of repairs. Anyone looking for an unassuming rugged device with “peace of mind” service, can indeed take a look at the Cyrus CS24.

Cyrus CS24 - 03/08/2019 v6 (old)
Florian Schmitt

Chassis
81%
Keyboard
62 / 75 → 82%
Pointing Device
82%
Connectivity
35 / 60 → 59%
Weight
88%
Battery
100%
Display
80%
Games Performance
11 / 63 → 18%
Application Performance
36 / 70 → 51%
Temperature
90%
Noise
100%
Audio
55 / 91 → 60%
Camera
55%
Average
67%
77%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

Price comparison

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Florian Schmitt, 2019-03-14 (Update: 2019-03-18)