CAT provided us with a review sample for our writer to test, which they returned after their thorough evaluation. Read on for their full thoughts.

While the durability of displays has improved over the years, your average “glass sandwich” smartphone, with glass on both sides bonded together by a frame, is still very susceptible to damage. That’s where specialist rugged phones come in, and the CAT S42 is the latest model to bear the CAT construction equipment brand (produced by the Bullitt Group), and it’s built to target the same audience with a similar product ethos.

The CAT S42 is undoubtedly sturdy, with a sturdy plastic frame and back that not only give this Android 10 phone a better grip but also considerable protection against drops and everyday wear and tear. At $300, it’s one of the more budget-friendly rugged phones on the market, but the trade-off is sluggish performance, a low-resolution display, and a mediocre camera. Still, that balance between durability, price, and power might leave users in certain professions short on power.

One look at the CAT S42 and it’s clear that this is a tough phone. At half an inch thin, it’s sturdier than any smartphone I’ve used in years, and there’s a lot of unnecessary bezel and bulk for a phone with a relatively small 5.5-inch display. That’s intentional, of course: the grippy plastic casing that comprises the back and frame is designed to absorb drops, and tolerate dents and scratches with ease.