CAT S42: Pros and Cons
CAT announced the launch of the S42 smartphone in 2020. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT6761D SoC, and 3 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v10.0 operating system. The IPS display of this phone has wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction and better contrast and black levels. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Let's explore what sets this device apart.
Table of Contents
- CAT S42 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 S42 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 S42 specifications
Brand | CAT |
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Name | S42 |
Model | S42 |
Release date | 2020 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
Weight | 7.76 oz |
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Dimensions | 6.35 x 3.04 x 0.5 inch |
Colors | black |
SIM type | Nano SIM |
The weight of the CAT S42 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.
System, chipset, performance
OS version | Android OS v10.0 |
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SoC | Mediatek MT6761D |
CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
GPU | PowerVR GE8300 |
The CAT S42 comes with Android OS v10.0 out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs.
Display type, size, resolution
Display type | IPS |
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Screen size | 5.5 inch |
Resolution | 720 x 1440 px |
Multitouch support | yes |
People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.
Memory, storage
RAM | 3 GB |
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Internal storage | 32 GB |
Memory card slot | microSD |
The smartphone has 3 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 you use. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The S42 has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage of the S42 (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
Main camera | 13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus |
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Flash | LED |
Selfie camera | 5 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 S42 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.
Connectivity, network, wireless
GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
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Network coverage | 2G / 3G / 4G |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | v5.0, A2DP |
GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GALILEO |
NFC | yes |
FM radio | yes |
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 CAT phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your S42 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The S42 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh, non-removable |
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The Li-Ion 4200 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 S42 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.
Features, sensors, specials
Sensors | accelerometer, compass, light, proximity |
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Specials | Dual SIM, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The S42 smartphone has an accelerometer. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. 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
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 5G support
- 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.