In our test, the CAT S41 shows itself as a robust outdoor smartphone with a relatively good system performance. The Android system runs smoothly and the performance is sufficient for apps that demand more than WhatsApp and the Internet browser.

robust case with IP68 and MIL SPEC 810G; dualSIM and microSD can be used simultaneously; good system performance; solid camera quality

GPS slightly inaccurate

The Cat S41 is built like a tank, but its price leaves a gap in its armor.

Super durable; Simple; uncluttered software; Excellent battery life

Poor camera; Subpar performance in price tier; No fingerprint sensor; No Android 8.0 Oreo

Most smartphones we review here are generally consumer grade everyday use type devices. The CAT S41 is most certainly not an everyday device and not meant for your everyday user. The iPhone and Note8 are great consumer grade phones meant for use in normal everyday environments.

Design is actually aesthetically appealing; No need for a case; the phone is the case; Camera is actually decent; Lightweight despite its bulk; Rugged and IP68 certified; Massive 5,000 mAh battery; Display is surprisingly vibrant and nice; Programmable side button is slick

Physical nav buttons; Android 7.0 no 8.0; I would have liked a 5.5" screen; Volume rocker and power could stand to be placed lower

As our mobile devices move towards thinner and more elegant form factors, we lose track of a lot of the aspects the really matter in a phone. Battery life. Durability. These have been falling by the wayside since the days of the flip phone.

Extremely rugged Long-lasting battery Programable PTT button Wide array of ports IP68 dust and water resistance

Sub-par performance Terrible cameras

Extremely durable; Bright display; Long-lasting battery doubles as an external pack

Terrible camera; Underwhelming performance; A little pricey; No fingerprint sensor

Solid enough not to warp chassis when sitting with it in back pocket. Water exposure hasn't hurt it. OS seems fine and a couple drops (one to dirt and one to concrete) haven't scarred it. Love the real buttons vice touch screen buttons. Camera is good enough for me. Battery is awesome.

I have had the phone for only 4 months, the last three weeks I have been to two AT&T stores and they said the phone was broken.I am trying to deal with the manufacturer and they are just giving me the run around.

This has to be the best phone I have ever owned! The battery lasts for ever, the sound is very loud, I can hear people talk even in noisy areas, the screen adjusts to the amount of light needed.

More than a year after we reviewed the Cat S60 , a rugged smartphone equipped with an infrared FLIR camera, we're checking out the S41, another device from the Bullitt group which licenses the Cat brand (along with Range Rover and Kodak) and has been gradually growing its clout in the small but...

Conservative design; unlike some rivals; Recognizable brand; Can be used as an emergency charger; Stock Android

No biometric security; More expensive than the competition

The S41 is the latest uber-rugged smartphone from building-site veteran CAT. It's a rugged handset with all the trimmings of a modern smartphone, aimed at DIY enthusiasts, white-van folks and people who regularly find themselves in hazardous environments.

Seriously rugged; Excellent battery life; Decent DIY tools; Programmable key is useful

No confirmed Oreo update; Some hardware compromises