CAT S31 (2017)
The manufacturer offers this phone with a 4.7 inch IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 SoC, and 2 GB of RAM.
Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- CAT S31 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the CAT S31 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
CAT S31 specifications
| Brand | CAT |
|---|---|
| Name | S31 |
| Model | S31 |
| Release date | 2017 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Weight | 7.05 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.75 x 2.93 x 0.5 inch |
| Colors | black |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of CAT S31 is about 7.05 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | Adreno 304 |
The CAT S31 comes with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | IPS |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.7 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 4.7 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 2 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services we use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The S31 has only 16 GB. We can expand the internal storage (16 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 2 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The S31 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.1, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | no |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, USB host |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The S31 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of S31 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The S31 smartphone has an accelerometer. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. IP68 rated smartphones often have extra structure or seals. These protect against water and dust. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this CAT phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
- IP68 certified protection
- Corning Gorilla Glass shield
Cons
- limited-size screen
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
Updated: June 1, 2024
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.