CAT S60 smartphone

Photo: Prosthetic Head via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Cat

CAT S60

June 2016 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The CAT S60 is a highly durable, rugged smartphone released in 2016, notable for being the world's first smartphone with an integrated FLIR thermal imaging camera. It boasts exceptional waterproof capabilities, military-grade durability, and a robust design built to withstand extreme environments.
Display4.7" HD IPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 4
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 617
Main Camera13 MP with FLIR thermal imaging
Battery3800 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $90

💰 CAT S60 Price

The CAT S60 lowest price is $90, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD, capacitive multi-touch, wet finger/glove support
Size4.7 inches
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels (HD)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4
BrightnessSuper bright display (typical 540 nits)

Platform

OSAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow (upgradable)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617
CPUOcta-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPUAdreno 405

Memory

RAM3 GB
Internal Storage32 GB
Card SlotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)

Main Camera

Resolution13 MP, autofocus
FeaturesFLIR thermal camera (Lepton sensor, 80x60 resolution, MSX Technology), dual-LED flash, 1080p video recording at 30fps

Selfie Camera

Resolution5 MP

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Ion
Capacity3800 mAh
ChargingQuick Charge 2.0

Body

Dimensions147.9 x 73.4 x 12.6 mm
Weight223 g
BuildStrengthened die-cast frame, carbon fiber and hard plastic back, stainless steel band
DurabilityMIL-STD 810G compliant (drop-proof to 1.8m), IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 5m for 60 mins with Lockdown Switch)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFCYes
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 2016
StatusReleased June 2016

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique integrated thermal imaging camera
  • Exceptional durability and rugged design (MIL-STD 810G, IP68)
  • Highly waterproof, including underwater photography capability
  • Good battery life for its time
  • Bright display with glove and wet finger support

Cons

  • Outdated Android operating system (Android 6.0)
  • Mid-range processor (Snapdragon 617) for its original price point
  • Relatively bulky and heavy design
  • Lower resolution display compared to contemporary flagships
  • Limited software updates due to age
★ Our Verdict

The CAT S60 earns a solid rating for its pioneering thermal imaging and unparalleled ruggedness, though its core smartphone specifications were mid-range even at launch and are now significantly dated.

The CAT S60 is an excellent choice for professionals or enthusiasts who require a smartphone that can withstand extreme conditions and offers unique thermal imaging capabilities. Its military-grade durability, IP68 waterproofing, and drop resistance make it ideal for construction workers, outdoor adventurers, or anyone working in harsh environments where a standard smartphone wouldn't survive. While its Android 6.0 operating system and Snapdragon 617 processor are now quite old, the S60's primary appeal lies in its specialized features like the FLIR thermal camera, which remains a powerful tool for diagnostics, inspections, and safety. If you prioritize ruggedness and thermal imaging over cutting-edge performance or the latest software, and can find it at a reasonable price, the S60 is still a highly functional and unique device. However, for general smartphone use, newer models offer significantly better performance and software support.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • CAT S60 Smartphone
  • USB Cable
  • Wall Charger
  • Headphones
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card

Standard manufacturer's warranty applies, typically 1-2 years depending on region.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the standout feature of the CAT S60?

The CAT S60 is most known for being the first smartphone to integrate a FLIR thermal imaging camera, allowing users to detect heat signatures and measure temperatures.

How durable is the CAT S60?

It is exceptionally durable, meeting MIL-STD 810G military standards for drop protection (up to 1.8 meters) and boasting an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion up to 5 meters for an hour.

Can the CAT S60 be used underwater?

Yes, the CAT S60 is designed to be waterproof up to 5 meters for 60 minutes, featuring a unique Lockdown Switch that enables underwater photography and video recording.

What operating system does the CAT S60 run?

The CAT S60 originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Is the CAT S60 suitable for everyday use in 2026?

While its ruggedness and thermal camera remain unique, its dated operating system and mid-range processor mean it's less suitable for general everyday use compared to modern smartphones, but still highly functional for its specialized purposes.

What kind of battery life can I expect from the CAT S60?

The CAT S60 is equipped with a non-removable 3800 mAh battery, which provided good battery life for its time, especially considering its specialized features.