Smartphones aren’t going anywhere – the convenience of Google Maps and Uber Eats is far too great. Still, smartphones are the ever-present interface of social media, gambling, shopping, porn, and gaming addiction. If you’re like me, you may be searching for a simpler alternative. For me, the CAT B40 is that alternative.
How I found the CAT B40
I was initially searching for a standard dumb phone, like the old Nokia 8210. All I wanted was the ability to make calls and receive SMS’. Crucially, I wanted to be able to charge with USB-C, as all of my other devices (from cameras to torches) charge via USB-C. All the dumb phones I could find for Australia’s mobile networks used micro-USB.
Eventually, I stumbled upon the similarly named Aspera R40. I wasn’t searching for a durable phone (any dumb phone is going to be more durable than 6.7 inches of glass) but as soon as I saw it, it made so much more sense! This reminded that CAT also made rugged phones, and soon enough, I found the CAT B40.
A durable phone for any situation
Think about it: Leave your work smartphone in the office, forward calls to your personal CAT B40, and go camping Friday arvo! Now when you fall into a creek, or tumble off your mountain bike, you’re not going to be picking iPhone glass out-ya arse. If you’re going to have a second phone, it may as well military-grade tough!
The CAT B40 can be pressured sprayed or submerged up-to 1.2m deep for 30 minutes with no issues! It can sustain a 1.8m drop (or throw, from my experience), operates in desert heat and sub-freezing temperatures, and has even been blended with a silver ion-based antimicrobial additive so you can use it on the dunny.
Unlike iPhones, the B40 has an FM radio – extremely important for announcements in emergencies where 4G is inaccessible.
Features, pros and cons
Key Features
- 100 lumen torch.
- FM Radio (internal aerial – earphones not required) + Voice recorder.
- Basic games (Doodle Jump, Crossy Road, etc).
- Camera (Very, very basic 2MP).
- Contacts, calculator, clock and alarm.
- Cat Apps (World Clock, Stopwatch, Unit Conversion, Audio/Video Media Player).
Pros
In addition to the above features, here are the main pros, for me:
- Seriously is tough. Comfortable grip.
- Tactile, backlit keyboard is satisfying to use.
- Battery lasts for days.
- It’s cheap and you won’t need to replace it for years!
Cons
A thing’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. Obviously, this phone sucks to type on, doesn’t have Netflix or Facebook, won’t take ultra-wide or telephoto photos. But even with reasonable expectations, there are some disappointments:
- No Nokia Snake.
- Crap camera with no flash.
- No vibrate mode (only silent and ring).
- No auto-adjust screen brightness.
Remember
For most people, it’s near impossible to go back to a time before smartphones. I still have an Android that I keep turned off in my bag, in case I need it – and I often do. Here’s some things we now take for granted:
- Google Maps / GPS.
- NFC Payments.
- QR Code Scanners.
- Google Translate.
- Uber Rideshare & Uber Eats.
- Google Authenticator / MFA.
- Gifs, Emojis, QWERTY Keyboards, and voice messaging.
Summary
If you want a phone for receiving SMS’ and making calls, that will last for days and just won’t break, then the CAT B40 is a great pick. I have no regret buying this affordable phone.
Where to buy in Australia & New Zealand
In Australia, CAT has partnered with distributors Mobile Citi and Catch. Unfortunately, they appear to be out of stock with no plans to order more. I had to have mine shipped from PB Tech over in Rotorua, but it arrived in just a few days.
Specifications and manual
- IP 68 (1.2m for 35 minutes) and IP69 (pressure spray)
- MIL-STD 810H – Drop test 1.8m
- Operates -25 to +55° C
- Antibacterial case: bleach, alcohol and soap and water compatible.
- 1800mAh battery. Charger not supplied.
- USB-C 2.0 (data transfer, charging + 4G tether)
- 1.5 hrs charge. 11 hours talk. 30 days stand-by.
- 2MP rear camera (no flash)
- 100+ Lumen torch
- 4G LTE 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 (Australian bands)
- Dual SIM and dedicated microSD (up to 32GB)
- Bluetooth 5.0 (no Wi-Fi)
- 3.5mm jack
- Earpiece mono front and rear speakers
- 64/128MB RAM/ROM
- 145 x 62 x 18mm x 157g