The Cat-branded S60 was a very interesting phone, even if it wasn't the best phone for most people. This phone was the first and only Android device to have an integrated FLIR thermal camera, but it won't be the only one for long. Now, Cat is following it up with the Cat S61. It has a lot in common with the S60 (as the name implies), but all the specs have gotten a boost—even the thermal camera.

This phone (manufactured by Bullitt Group) looks like a tool more than a piece of consumer technology, but that's okay. At least it looks different than all the other phones coming out right now. There's a flat rubberized back panel, and the top of the device has a bulge where the FLIR module lives. It's IP68-rated, and the die-cast aluminum frame has been tested to meet the MIL Spec 810G standard.

Here's the spec sheet.

  • SoC: Snapdragon 630
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Display: 5.2” FHD bright display, optimized for outdoor use
  • Battery: 4500mAh capacity battery, QC4.0 compatible
  • Camera: 16MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, FLIR Lepton sensor
  • Software: Android Oreo (with upgrade to P)

The FLIR module in this phone appears to be based on the FLIR One Pro, given the temperature range. That means it has a higher resolution Lepton thermal sensor than the S60. The included FLIR app also supports live streaming of thermal images.

Clearly, this phone is not aimed at the average consumer. It's thick, heavy, and has a rather large thermal camera hump. Those who do need a phone like this will be able to buy it in Q2 2018, but it'll cost you. The Cat S61 has an MSRP of €899 / £799 / $999.

PRESS RELEASE