Comparison Nokia 800 Tough 4 GB vs CATerpillar B35 4 GB

The clock frequency of the CPU that the device is equipped with. For multi-core processors, which are standard in modern smartphones, the frequency of each individual core is implied; and if the processor has cores with different frequencies (see "Number of cores") — usually, the maximum indicator is given.

In general, high performance smartphones have high frequency of the processor. However, note that this parameter itself is not directly related to the capabilities of the CPU: many other features of the chip affect the actual performance, and often a low cost solution with a higher clock speed turns out to be less performant than an expensive one, and at the same time, presumably, more "slow" processor. In addition, the overall performance of the system directly depends on a whole set of other factors — primarily the amount of RAM. Therefore, when evaluating a smartphone, it is worth focus not so much on the frequency of the processor, but on the general specs of the system and visual indicators like the results in tests (see below).

The largest volume of memory card with which the phone supports. For more information about the cards themselves, see "Memory Card Slot"; here we note that capacious cards often use advanced technologies that are not supported by all devices, and sometimes phones simply do not have enough power to process large amounts of data. Therefore, for the convenience of choosing in our catalog, the maximum supported volume is indicated.

In fact, there are cases when some devices may exceed the claimed characteristics. However, it is worth focusing on official data, because, if officially supported volume is exceeded, normal operation of the card is not guaranteed.

The presence of a flash on the main camera of the phone.

Flash is a lamp for illuminating the photographed scene, it significantly expands the possibilities of shooting. In particular, it allows you to shoot in low light and against bright light. In addition, the flash can usually also be used as a flashlight(see "Options"), which eliminates the need to install two light sources in the phone.

The type of SIM card used in the mobile phone. The term SIM here means all types of cards for identification in mobile networks, including 3G networks, CDMA, etc. (although formally such cards may have other names). The type of such a card is primarily described by its form factor. Here are the most common options:

— micro SIM. The largest type of sim cards widely used in modern devices: its' size is 15x12 mm. It was introduced back in 2010, nowadays it is being replaced by more compact and advanced nano-SIM and eSIM. Keep in mind that a microSIM card can be made by simply cutting a larger mini-SIM to the dimensions mentioned above. However this is associated with a certain risk and requires accuracy, so it is better to contact your mobile carrier to replace the SIM card with a suitable one.

— Nano-SIM. The smallest form factor of classic (replaceable) SIM-cards is 12x9 mm. In such cards the frames are cut off almost to the very chip. This standard appeared back in 2012, but it is still extremely common. Like microSIM, a card for a slot of this format can be made by cutting a larger SIM card, but this requires extreme accuracy and is not recommended.

— e-SIM. This type of SIM card is an electronic module that is built directly into the device and cannot be replaced. To authorize in the network of a mobile carrier, you need to make the appropriate settings in the eSIM. Those m...odules are able to save several sets of settings at once, which makes it easy to switch between different carriers — no need to bother with the physical replacement of the SIM card, just change the profile in the settings. Another advantage of such modules is compactness. However, before buying a phone with an eSIM, you should clarify whether this technology is supported by your mobile carrier — even nowadays, not every network is compatible with such modules.

— nano+eSIM. An option found in smartphones with two SIM cards. The built-in eSIM module in such a device is complemented by a slot for a replaceable nanoSIM card. The features of each of these card types are detailed above. It is convenient to keep the main phone number (s) on eSIM, and use replacement cards for temporary numbers. Such scenario may come in handy if you travel abroad a lot — you can install cards from local carriers in the traditional nanoSIM slot.

Wired connectors provided in the phone design.

This section usually specifies the type of universal connector (most often USB-C) and the presence of a mini-jack (3.5 mm) socket (some devices are without this socket). Additionally, this section may indicate the USB-C port interface up to the high-speed third version (USB-C v 3), the location of the 3.5 mm connector (headphone output), and the presence of additional ports for more specific purposes.

Universal connectors are used primarily for battery charging, connecting various accessories to the phone, and connecting the phone itself to a computer via cable; the 3.5 mm port is mainly intended for headphones and other audio accessories, although other usage formats are possible. Here is a more detailed description of different types of connectors:

— USB-C. A kind of successor to microUSB, increasingly used in mobile devices. USB-C differs from its predecessor primarily by slightly larger size and convenient reversible design: thanks to this, it doesn't matter which way you insert the plug. In addition, this interface allows for more advanced functions than microUSB – in particular, some fast charging technologies were initially created specifically for USB-C. It is also worth noting that the characteristics may specify the USB standard supported by this type of...connector. Nowadays, the following options are found:

• USB-C 5Gbps. Standard, previously known as USB 3.0 and USB 3.2 gen1. Provides data transfer speeds up to 4.8 Gbps.
• USB-C 10Gbps. Modern name for the standard previously called USB 3.1, then USB 3.2 gen2. The connection speed through this interface can reach 10 Gbps.
• USB-C 20Gbps. Standard (formerly known as USB 3.2), providing twice the speed of USB-C 10Gbps – that is, up to 20 Gbps.

— DisplayPort Alt Mode. A feature that allows video signal transmission through the USB-C port. This means that a smartphone can be connected to an external display (monitor, TV, etc.) directly through a USB-C cable, without the need for additional adapters or converters. DisplayPort Alt Mode requires support both on the smartphone and the connected device (monitor, TV), and a suitable USB-C cable capable of transmitting video.

— microUSB. A universal connector that was extremely widely used in portable devices at one time (with the exception of Apple technology). It is less convenient and technically advanced than USB-C, so it is gradually losing popularity; nevertheless, many devices with microUSB are still available for sale.

— Lightning. A proprietary connector by Apple, used exclusively in iPhones among smartphones. It has a reversible design, allowing the plug to be connected either side up. In modern iPhones, it is used both as a universal connector and for headphones connection (in 2016, Apple removed the 3.5 mm audio output from these devices).

— Proprietary connector. Some universal connector that does not fall into the described types above. Such equipment is extremely rare nowadays—standard interfaces are more convenient and universal, as they allow the use of not only "native" accessories but also solutions from third-party manufacturers.

— Magnetic connector. A connector where a permanent magnet is used to hold the cable instead of the standard "plug-socket" system. Such devices are primarily used in water-protected devices (see "Water Resistance"), and most often for battery charging and in addition to standard universal connectors (usually microUSB or USB-C). The main convenience of a magnetic connector is that water protection does not require plugs. Thus, firstly, connecting and disconnecting the charger is simplified, and secondly, wear on the plugs of standard ports is minimized—they do not need to be opened and closed every time for charging. However, a magnetic connector only fits a special "native" cable; however, in case of loss or breakage of this cable, there may be a provision for charging in the usual way through a traditional universal connector.

— Mini-jack (3.5 mm). A connector mainly used for connecting wired headphones and other audio devices (e.g., portable speakers). Such a connection is extremely popular among audio accessories (not only of mobile purpose); thus, finding headphones, a headset, or speakers for this connector is usually not a problem. Additionally, the 3.5 mm socket may be used for more specific tasks, such as connecting a card reader or exchanging data with wearable fitness sensors and other specific equipment. However, these possibilities are rarely used and require the installation of special applications, whereas headphone connection is the primary function of such a connector, available by default. Therefore, the mini-jack connector is often referred to as a "headphone output."

— Location of the headphone output. The described 3.5 mm output in modern phones can be located on the top, bottom, or side edge of the device. However, the latter option is generally less convenient than the first two and is therefore rare. The choice on this indicator primarily depends on how exactly you plan to carry the phone and from which side it will be most convenient to connect headphones; for different situations, optimal options will also differ.

Navigational features provided by a device, usually a smartphone.

It is almost mandatory for a modern smartphone to have a GPS module and a digital compass. In addition, aGPS is often provided to speed up work, and Dual GPS to improve accuracy. Here is a more detailed description of these features:

— aGPS. An auxiliary feature that allows you to speed up the start of the main GPS receiver. To work for its main purpose, such a receiver must update data on the location of navigation satellites; Obtaining this data in the classical way, directly from the satellites themselves, can take quite a long time (up to several minutes). This is especially true for the so-called "cold start" — when the receiver starts up after a long break in operation, and the data stored in it has become completely outdated. aGPS (Assisted GPS) allows you to receive up-to-date service information from mobile network — from the nearest base station (this feature is supported by most mobile networks nowadays). This can greatly speed up the startup process.

— GPS module. Navigation module that allows you to determine the current coordinates of the device through the GPS satellite navigation system. GPS is the oldest and most common of these systems. The standard accuracy of modern receivers of this standard is about 6 – 8 m, and with the use of special technologies — several decimetres. As for the GPS-mod...ules in phones, they only provide the current location; How this data is used may vary depending on the operating system and installed applications. Among the most common options are map navigation (including track recording), geotagging photos and posts on social networks, searching for various objects nearby (attractions, transport stops, shops, hotels, cafes / restaurants, emergency services, etc.) , displaying the user's location (for example, to a taxi or delivery service), etc.
Notes to this paragraph may indicate additional systems supported by satellite receivers — for example, the European Galileo system. The exception is the Russian GLONASS, compatibility with which is specified separately (see below).

— Dual GPS. Additional feature found in modern GPS receivers (see above). Such receivers do not operate at one frequency, like traditional modules, but at two ("L1 + L5") — thus receiving two signal packets at once and comparing them with each other. This type of work significantly improves positioning accuracy — in some cases up to 10 – 20 cm. In addition, Dual GPS allows you to correctly process signals reflected from tall buildings — this increases efficiency in dense urban areas. However, it is worth noting that it is not always possible to use all the advantages of this feature. Full support for L5 is available only in the European Galileo system; in GPS (as of 2020), only about half of the satellites carry out such broadcasting, and in GLONASS it is not expected before 2030. In addition, compatibility may be limited by the capabilities of the smartphone: for example, in some models, Dual GPS mode becomes available only after a firmware update.

— GLONASS. Ability to use the GLONASS satellite navigation system. It is a Russian alternative to the American GPS, also providing global coverage. In standard mode, it almost does not differ in accuracy from GPS (about 5 – 10 m), but in special modes it is noticeably inferior (2.8 m versus 30 cm). Therefore, in modern smartphones, GLONASS is practically not used as the main navigation system — usually compatibility with it is provided as an additional feature of the GPS module. The ability to receive signals from two satellite systems at once has a positive effect on the quality of navigation, especially in dense urban areas, indoors and in mountainous areas: the number of dead zones decreases, the satellite search time decreases, and positioning accuracy improves.

— Galileo. European satellite navigation system, created as an alternative to the American GPS. Note that it is under the control of civilian departments, not the military. With a full fleet of 24 active satellites, the system gives an accuracy of up to 1 m in public mode and up to 20 cm with the GHA service. Working in conjunction with GPS, the Galileo system provides a more accurate position measurement, especially in densely populated areas.

— Digital compass. An electronic analogue of a conventional compass: a module that allows you to determine the direction to the cardinal points. Usually, it uses the same principle of operation, and the design is based on a miniature magnetic sensor. Along with the GPS module, it is an almost mandatory feature for modern smartphones. However digital compasses for the most of them are not accurate — but this drawback is not critical, since in the case of a smartphone, such accuracy is extremely rarely required.

The capacity of the battery that the mobile phone is equipped with.

Theoretically, the high capacity of the battery allows the device to work longer on one charge. However, actual battery life time will also depend on the power consumption of the gadget — and it is determined by the hardware specs, the operating system, special solutions provided in the design, etc. So in fact, phones with capacious batteries in general have "long battery life”, however, the actual battery life can differ markedly even for two models with similar specifisations. Therefore, for an accurate assessment, it is better to focus not on the battery capacity, but on the operating time in different modes directly claimed by the manufacturer (see below).

The presence of water protection of the device; also in this paragraph, the specific level of such protection according to the IP standard is usually specified — for example, models with indicators IP67, IP68 and IP69 are classified as waterproof. The last two levels IP68/IP69K often coexist - devices with the “69th” protection rank are a priori protected according to the “68th” requirements.

The two digits in the IP designation indicate the levels of protection against adverse factors. At the same time, water protection is directly indicated by the last digit, but the first characterizes the level of resistance to dust and other contaminants. In modern mobile phones, you can find the following levels of protection:

5 — dust resistance (dust can get inside in small quantities that do not affect the operation of the device);
6 — dust protection (dust does not penetrate inside at all).

Lower levels of protection in mobile phones are not indicated (such device will no longer be dustproof, and there is no need to specify its specs). However, there are models that have an X instead of first digit — for example, IPX7. This means that this device has not been certified for dustproofing, although in fact the level of such protection can be quite high. So, in our example, moisture resistance of 7 means the poss...ibility of complete immersion in water, which means that such a case is closed very tightly from dust too.

As for moisture resistance, here the options:

— 2. The minimum level specified for mobile phones is protection from drops and splashes at an angle of up to 15° from the operating position of the device (usually screen up). Allows you to withstand moderate rain without strong winds.
— 3. Protection against drops at an angle up to 60° (medium rain with strong wind against the screen position).
— 4. Protection against splashes from any direction (rain with strong wind regardless of the position).
— 5. Protection against water jets from any direction (showers, storms).
— 6. Protection against wave impacts and strong water jets.
— 7. The minimum level that should be considered real water resistance. Allows you to endure short-term (up to half an hour) immersion under water to a depth of 1 m.
— 8. Possibility of long-term (30 minutes or more) immersion to a depth of more than 1 m, with continuous work in the immersed state. Specific depth and time limits may vary.
— 9. Protection against high temperature water jets (possibility of intensive washing with hot water under high pressure).

In general, a higher level of protection, on the one hand, provides an additional guarantee in case of adverse situations, on the other hand, it affects at least the price, and often also the dimensions and weight of the device. Also note that a waterproof phones can also be made shockproof (see below) — this is not necessary, but it is often found in models designed for use in extreme conditions.

Special shock protection provided in the design of the phone.

The specific level of such protection may vary, but at a minimum it allows you to endure falls onto a hard surface from a height of about 1 - 1.2 m without consequences. Many models also have more respectable indicators; These details should be clarified separately. Keep in mind that we are usually talking about the body; the screen may have other impact resistance characteristics, these depend primarily on the coating (see “Main display”). And if you need maximum durability, it’s best to complement the screen with a special protective accessory.

In any case, shockproof devices are designed mainly for users who often have to be in extreme conditions: climbers, military personnel, rescuers, etc. In light of this, such models are usually also made waterproof (see above).

There are also models with MIL-STD-810 protection standard. Initially, MIL-STD-810 is a set of specifications that establishes certain levels of protection for electrical equipment from environmental factors. The standard was developed to test military equipment for the US Army to ensure that it remains operational under a variety of adverse conditions. It imposes quite stringent requirements on the test subjects: the level of resistance of the product to impacts during falls and shakes is checked, vibration tests are carrie...d out, the operation of the device is tested in a wide temperature range, in the rain, in fog, under the influence of sand, dust, etc. However, the MIL-STD-810 label in “civilian” products does not always mean the highest degree of protection. This is due to the lack of strict regulation of testing. Thus, the most cunning vendors test the gadgets being tested according to literally one or two points of the program from an extensive list and often deliberately do not disclose which tests were passed. Accordingly, the specific features of such protection remain reliably unknown. The standard has been in force since 1962. Each new version of it is indicated by a letter of the Latin alphabet at the end. The further the letter in the alphabet, the more modern the version of the certificate. Since 2008, the MIL-STD-810G specification has been in force everywhere, and in 2019 a new edition of the MIL-STD-810H standard was approved.