CAT

CAT S40: Pros and Cons

Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909
Adreno 304
1 GB / 16 GB
4.7 inch (540 x 960 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

CAT announced the launch of the S40 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 4.7 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) operating system. This phone uses a high resolution 540 x 960 px, 4.7 inch IPS display. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the CAT S40 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

CAT S40 / 1

CAT S40 specifications

BrandCAT
NameS40
ModelS40
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.53 oz
Dimensions5.7 x 2.92 x 0.49 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the CAT S40 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

CAT S40 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v5.1 (Lollipop)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909
CPUQuad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7
GPUAdreno 304

The CAT S40 comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

CAT S40 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size4.7 inch
Resolution540 x 960 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. Smaller smartphones are generally more compact and easier to handle. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

CAT S40 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the S40 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

CAT S40 / 4

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera2 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The S40 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).

CAT S40 / 5

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radiono
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The CAT S40 supports 4G/LTE networks. This CAT phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your S40 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. 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 you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 3000 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 S40 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4, Drop-proof to 1.8 meters, Water and dust-proof

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant. It reduces the likelihood of everyday scratches and abrasions.

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
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient memory
  • 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
Add CAT S40 to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley 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.
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