Cat S42 H+
How long will it last?
Our estimateSupported until April 2024 · Buy-by April 2022
Apple doesn't publish an end date, but iPhones have a consistent ~3-year update track record — on that basis the S42 H+ should be supported until around April 2024. Buying it today still gets you about -2.2 years of safe use, and Apple's written legal minimum is 5 years (verified June 2026).
Source: source · last verified 2026-06-18 · how we compute this
Our verdict
An affordable rugged phone with antimicrobial 'Germ Defense' coating, aimed at frontline work rather than spec sheets.
Pros
- IP68/IP69 and MIL-STD-810H toughness at a low price
- Antimicrobial silver-ion coating on external surfaces (ISO 22196)
- Large 4200mAh battery for the size with a rugged build
Cons
- Weak Helio A20 with just 3GB RAM and 32GB storage
- Software support is estimated to have ended around 2024
Full specifications
Display
💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).
| Screen | 5.5-inch IPS LCD, HD+, Gorilla Glass 5 |
Performance
💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio A20 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB |
Cameras
💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.
| main | 13MP |
| front | 5MP |
Battery & charging
💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.
| Battery | 4,200 mAh |
| Charging | Wired (USB-C); fast car charger bundled |
Build
💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77.2 x 12.7 mm |
| Weight | 220 g |
| Materials | Rugged frame with silver-ion antimicrobial coating on external parts (ISO 22196) |
| Water resistance | IP68/IP69 (MIL-STD-810H) |
Software & connectivity
💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.
| Software | Android 10 (upgradable to Android 11) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, NFC, GPS, microSD, dual SIM |
| Update policy | ~2 years of updates (our estimate from Cat's track record — written minimum is 5 years) |
Better-value alternatives
Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Germ Defense' on the Cat S42 H+?
All external components are blended with a silver-ion antimicrobial additive (tested to ISO 22196) to inhibit bacterial growth on surfaces, aimed at hygiene-sensitive work.
How rugged is the Cat S42 H+?
It is rated IP68 and IP69, passes MIL-STD-810H, survives 1.5m immersion for 35 minutes and 1.8m drops onto steel.
Is the Cat S42 H+ still supported?
It shipped on Android 10 with an upgrade to Android 11; security support is estimated to have ended around 2024, so it is now out of date.
Compare it
Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-18.