Cat Phones is known to make some pretty rugged smartphones, the kind of phone you don’t have to worry about on the jobsite – even without a case. Licensed by the construction equipment giant, Caterpillar, the phones are made by the UK-based Bullitt Group. The company recently announced the release of their new flagship smartphone model, the CAT S62 Pro.
The CAT S62 Pro Overview
Being their flagship model, the CAT S62 Pro is not only their most expensive phone, but also their most feature packed. Retailing for roughly $649 on Amazon(or $599 for government employees, hospital employees, medical providers, military, nurses, and first responders with a valid ID through the Cat Phones website), the highlight of the S62 Pro is the onboard FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera.
The S62 Pro replaces the previous flagship, the S61, which, in addition to a FLIR thermal imaging camera, also included a laser measure, Humidity sensor, and a VOC sensor. All useful features for the construction industry, but features that also increased cost and limited the functionality of the thermal imager. At release, the S61 carried a price tag of $999, significantly higher than that of the S62 Pro and the S62’s thermal imaging camera is much more advanced.
The phone is able to be used on either the AT&T or T-Mobile networks.
Ruggedness
As mentioned above, Cat phones are known for their ruggedness and this model is no exception. The S62 Pro is impervious to dust, waterproof in up to 5 feet of water for 35 minutes, and drop proof from all angles up to 6 feet. It carries with it an IP68 and IP69 rating and has also achieved a MIL SPEC 810H military spec rating, which mean it’s tough enough to handle extreme shifts in temperature, salt mist conditions, and thermal shock.
The screen is comprised of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, which is recessed slightly beneath the outer edge of the device. Being that the phone is already waterproof, it can be scrubbed in a sink with soap and water to disinfect it – or to wash that mud off it from the long day at the jobsite.
Thermal Imaging Camera
CAT S62 Pro MSX Overlay on Thermal Imaging
The ruggedness is nice, but let’s be honest, the real reason that you would consider buying this model is for the thermal imaging camera. Thermal imaging in the construction and facility maintenance sectors is extremely valuable for both quality control and repair investigation alike. The thermal imagine camera that’s integrated with the S62 Pro packs a nice punch, too, as it’s powered by one of the market leaders in the technology: FLIR.
The phone’s integrated thermal camera is powered by a Lepton 3.5 professional-grade sensor, features a measurable temperature range of -4F to 752F, and allows the user a variety of different ways to customize their view. The device can use both the integrated photo camera and the thermal camera to enhance the visibility of the actual object, making it easier to determine exactly what you’re looking at.
One of my favorite features is the MSX overlay option (pictured), which allows you to actually read text while viewing temperature data. The phone also allows screenshots to be taken of your view and for the temperature data to be manipulated after the fact – meaning changing colors, pinpointing specific spots to get a temperature reading on, or changing the view mode.
In my testing, I’ve found the thermal camera to be intuitive, responsive, and valuable on the jobsite.
Performance
Both the ruggedness of the phone and the performance of the thermal imaging camera are as advertised, I’ve found them to be reliable and very capable.
As for normal phone functionality, there are some high and low points. The phone’s internal storage is sizable at 128GB and, even though about 24GB is used for the system itself and pre-installed apps, the remaining 104GB should be more than plenty to handle all of the other apps you’d like to install. For additional memory, you can also install an external SD card.
I was also much happier with several features on this model versus the CAT S42 model that I recently reviewed. Although the S42 is a much more affordable device, the S62’s sound quality, responsiveness, and overall feel were a huge improvement. The S62 also features a USB-C charging port without the rubberized flap that always gets in the way, but does not offer wireless charging.
The photo and video camera are both solid performers, although won’t match the capabilities of the latest and greatest Android or Apple product. It does have 4K video recording capabilities and both a front and rear camera, which is to be expected these days.
The back of the phone also features a fingerprint sensor for security.
Surprisingly, however, the battery on the S62 is a bit smaller than the S42, even with the additional features and processing power, offering a 4,000mAh battery versus the S42’s 4,200mAh battery. Even so, the company states that the phone can last up to 2 full days with real world use, which would depend on the amount of time spent using that fantastic thermal camera.
Value
At nearly $650 retail, the CAT S62 Pro is certainly not an inexpensive device, especially for a company looking to roll this out to their workforce. The purchase price does not tell the entire story, however. If the alternative is to purchase a different work phone, but also equip it with an external thermal imaging camera, the value becomes much clearer.
The FLIR ONE Pro, an external thermal camera smartphone attachment that shares many of the same features as that of the S62 Pro, retails for around $400 by itself (Amazon link). FLIR does offer less expensive options, but do not offer nearly the functionality. Add to that the lack of need to purchase a protective case and screen protector and the value gets greater.
But, that all hinges on the fact that you actually need your workforce to have a thermal imaging camera. If upfront cost is the main driver, there are many less expensive rugged or non-rugged enterprise ready phones available on the market for much less.
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.