CAT B15
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“Like eating a Yorkie while driving an 18 wheeler, using the Cat B15 just makes you feel that bit more manly. In fact there are plenty more reasons to like this phone as it looks good by ruggedized standards, comes with the silky smooth Jelly Bean Android OS and has a half decent camera and good battery life. However, its spec is a bit disappointing given its relatively high price tag and the way the battery sometimes pops out when it's dropped onto a hard surface is a bit worrying.”
“The CAT B15 is water, dust and shock proof, but unlike some tough phones it boasts a 4-inch touchscreen and Android Jelly Bean software. It's strong enough to put up with a tough life on a building site, while letting you enjoy apps and games from the Google Play store when you've finished constructing things.”
“The CAT B15 is a niche handset and, as such, is very easy to pin down for a verdict. It's unquestionably one of the best rugged handsets we've looked at and will stand up to the rigours of outdoor usage whatever the weather. The inclusion of Jelly Bean and the versatility of the Google Play store give the B15 scope for customisation, and basic necessities like Bluetooth and GPS are included.”
“For those looking for a sturdy, rugged phone, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Cat B15, as the handset excels at fighting off the elements.However, for those actively looking for a rugged handset with smartphone features, we're not so sure the Cat B15 would be our first choice. While it runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and features all of the usual Google features, the dual-core 1GHz processor and 4in WVGA screen make operating the software often frustrating, with the phone experiencing lag and displaying dull colours due to its low resolution display.”
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
1 rating so far
Do not let them fool you, this phone is not so tough as they claim , it's processor is very slow, it not user friendly, the battery does not last longer than other smart phones, it is definitely not water or even damp or splash proof. I got the new B15 Q in February 2015. I am a farmer and use my...
In Depth
The makers of Caterpillar have crossed over from construction equipment to smartphones with their release of the CAT B15. Like most Caterpillar machines, the CAT B15 is an especially rugged device and comes with IP6 and IP7 certification. This means that the phone is waterproof up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, completely dust-proof and can survive drops of up to 1.8 meters onto concrete. Expert findings support these claims, but they also mention that while the device comes out unscathed when dropped, the battery cover and battery often popped out.
Due to its’ ruggedness, the CAT B15 is much thicker than the average smartphone at 16mm. While the rubber bumpers and aluminum protectors help shield it from drops, they also add to the phone’s width and height. Trusted Reviews calls the phone a “chunky unit,” but also notes that it is not uncomfortable to use for the most part.
The rest of the phone is not nearly as impressive as its survivability. The 4-inch display offers a mediocre resolution of 800×480 pixels and is protected from scratches with a coating of Gorilla Glass. Most reviewers were unimpressed with the screen noting a lack of sharpness and poor viewing angles. It does, however, sport a new feature that many critics enjoyed called wet finger tracking. This allows the phone to still recognize touches and swipes even if liquids splash onto the screen.
Under the tough exterior of the B15 is a 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage and a 2,000 mAh battery. In terms of performance, most critics found that it worked well in day-to-day usage. T3 states, “…This unmodified, unskinned version of Android practically flies as you navigate…” Unfortunately, reviewers did notice some slow down and lag when using more processor intensive operations. Due to the lower specs and display resolution, experts found that battery life was quite good, lasting around 2 days of mixed use and a full work day when utilizing 3G.
Despite the lowered specs and display, reviewers were overall impressed. Cool Smart Phone says, “This is the most feature-rich ‘tough phone’ I’ve ever reviewed.” Clove adds, “The CAT B15…lives up to the promise of a tough handset…It’s definitely the best of the lower end rugged devices.”
What people actually want to know
When was the CAT B15 released?
The CAT B15 was released on May 3, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the CAT B15?
The CAT B15 has a 2,000 mAh battery.
Is the CAT B15 water resistant?
The CAT B15 carries an IP67 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the CAT B15 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the CAT B15 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the CAT B15 have NFC?
No, the CAT B15 does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I download the CAT B15 manual?
You can view and download the CAT B15 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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