CAT Active Urban Rugged Phone Case - Updated Colours Review

CAT Active Urban Rugged Phone Case

Hiya guys and girls, I have an update and a couple of smart phone cases to show you today. These CAT Urban Active range cases are perfect for those with outdoor jobs or just a bit klutsy like me.

Most of you have heard of Caterpillar which is now a household name. It was founded in 1925 with the first crawler type tractor and the formation of Daniel Best's Caterpillar Tractor Company. The CAT brand is now the cornerstone of the Caterpillar portfolio; representing products and services all over the world.

CAT Urban Active Rugged phone case

Back in May I reviewed the gorgeous black Urban Active CAT case, which I absolutely loved and it really is a tough case too.

My only niggle was the lack of choice of colours...well in July this year CAT launched some more colours to this range and I was kindly sent 2 more to show you guys. Yellow and White.

Many of us change our covers as fast as our clothes these days so we can coordinate...or is that just me then... ;-)
 

Checkout the new colours and see just how tough these cases are!

More here

As I mentioned in my previous review I'm really torn when it comes to my phone cases as I love my girly bling; but then I can be a bit of a klutz and need that extra protection for my phone; especially when out taking my wildlife photos; in all weathers, so its so nice when a company can combine feminine and ruggedness...you can have both now girls.

If you have read my previous review of the
Black Active Urban Rugged phone case
Then you can just flick through the new images of the case colours; the info is roughly the same. This review is if you haven't read my previous review and I will briefly go over the information I posted last time with NEW images of the 2 new colours yellow and white.

Packaging

Packaging

Like before I was really impressed with the packaging. I generally just skim over a products packaging but this is definitely worth another mention. They each arrive in a large plastic box with a transparent window to see the case and the standard CAT colours black and yellow and of course the CAT logo. 

I did love the yellow handle on the top; obviously for retailers but I liked it anyway. You could always give it as a gift and hang it somewhere for someone to find it.

On the front of the case is a hole so you can actually feel the highly textured case. It really does have to be felt as visually you assume its going to feel soft and rubbery. But it doesn't it actually feels like a harder armored plastic.

Description

These cases are so light and comfortable in your hand. The back is highly textured for grip using this modern slatted design. You would expect squidgy bendy rubber and infact its made exclusively from SAIF an active material with unique shock and impact absorption properties. It actually feels hard and firm to the touch with a rigidity that doesn't initially feel its going to bounce....but it really does...I know!

This case will protect your phone from drops of up to 1.8m preventing that dreaded cracked screen.

I have to say Ive never been a fan of yellow but this is the CAT brand yellow and it really works and I love it, especially on my black S4.

The whole of the case is made of SAIF and its beautifully made and feels excellent quality too.

All four corners have extra squared nodules to protect from bumps and scrapes. Its these that your phone will probably land on if dropped.
Legend has it that if dropped a cat will always land on its feet. 

The cases have strips of anodized metal screwed on tightly to the sides to support the whole case. The different colours means you get coordinated coloured metal sides. All the colours have silver metal strips except the CAT yellow which has the black which I really I love.

 Plus different coloured logos too.

 All 4 sides in all 3 colours.
See how the colours really changes the cases look.


 CAT have thought of everything in that they have added extra rubber buttons over your phones own for extra protection from dust and moisture.

Measurements

14.5cm x 8cm (5.75 x 3.1 inches).

The case makes my S4 smartphone looks so neat despite having such a tough case surrounding it, its very minimalistic from the front. What do you think?

Use

I never get bored with trying new cases for my S4 and Im on a mission to find the toughest case I can. Living in the middle of nowhere and spending alot of time outside, my phone needs extra protection. I used my black CAT case for nearly two months and have really grown to love it; my only grudge was the colour I wanted something more feminine and blingy as well as tough and rugged.

I now have a brighter colour and toughy case...YAY... thank you CAT!
Since using the black CAT case I have had a few "heart-in-mouth" phone drops and I have to say this case has saved the day on a number of occasions now.  Those corner bumps are usually where the phone lands causing it to bounce slightly; yet this material doesn't feel the bouncey type...but bounce, it does!

Fitting

These cases are extremely rigid with the metal sides for even more support; they are not the easiest cases to get on. If it had been softer rubber it would have been easier to squeeze in; but then it would not have the rigidity this case is famous for. You just have to take a bit more care as once they are on they are on.

The sides have an extra lip which extends 3-4mm over the front screen of your phone to really encapsulate it. It snaps in firmly and immediately your phone feels extremely well supported and secure. Believe me your phone isn't going anywhere its held tightly inside with no movement at all. 

Laid flat down on the screen, the raised edges will keep your phones screen off the ground or surface a few millimeters.

 These images were taken from my previous review

I really love the depth of protection surrounding the camera and lens if you lay it on its back. Keeping any surface completely away from the lens. 

This has been a huge bug bear for me over my Samsung Galaxy S4 design; due to the fact of them producing the camera lens that is raised up. So its the first thing that touches any surface you lay the phone on getting easily scratched or damaged. 

Samsung what were you thinking...really!!!  

Not with this case though, the lens is completely surrounded by a 3-4mm depth of the case which is also cleverly tapered so not to effect the flash in anyway.

Another Samsung Galaxy S4 design fault is the speaker...the only mono speaker "On the back of the case"....stop me when you see the problem...!

But again CAT have cleverly protected the speaker with its depth of the case.

The volume button makes a lovely addition as its more pronounced than my S4's own volume button making it easier to use. See the difference between the white and yellow really change the look of the phone.

 The on/off button is also more pronounced so even if your hands are wet or cold its easy to use the buttons.

 The earphone socket and sensors are also well protected.

As is the charging port.

Drop test

If you have read my previous review then you will know already I didn't drop my phone and CAT case on concrete from 1.8 m...and...nooo...Im STILL not going to do it...sorry NOPE...you will have to rely my word and CAT's own videos for those tests lol ;-)

Stated from my last review

I have actually dropped it twice off my bed (by accident) onto a hard wooden floor. It bounced off as my dog jumped on and I watched in horror and slow motion as my gadget baby S4 rocketed into the air and landed...and then...bounced...on the floor...yes it bounced something I really didn't think this rigid material would do. 

A few days later I managed to catch the charging cord and whip it across the floor and again it bounced and NO DAMAGE....It didn't do much for my heart though...sheesh, but this gorgeous CAT case has proved itself to me...Im really impressed as I feel it would have definitely been damaged as the back and sides of the standard S4 case is flimsy PLASTIC...don't get me started on that!

 Thank you CAT for ruggedising my phone!

TIP; If you want to change your case regularly like with your clothes, special occasions etc; they can be difficult to get off. You need to take your time so not to damage the phone. 

This is however perfect for those of you that just want one durable case and want it to last. It stays on secure and firmly.

Same strength different colour; something for everyone...even for the girlies now!

Opinion

I was already happy with my black CAT Urban Active case and have been using this case when I know Im going to be outside alot and my phone needs that extra protection. But I have been swapping it back to a more feminine blinged-out case when going out.
But now CAT have launched these more colorful cases I have been using my gorgeous Yellow CAT case since it arrived YAY; a brighter colour and I love it. I'm not too much of a white case person being out in the country as I'm scared of getting it too dirty, great for special occasions however. Ideal for those of you with Apple white systems it would look stunning.
These cases have given me complete confidence as they feels grippy, robust and secure and even if your hands are wet you can still easily use the buttons and hold the phone.

I have also discovered it coordinates perfectly with my
new Aqua Trek phone charger (Torch and powerbank - Review next).
How cool do these look together WOW!

They were made for each other, I highly recommend both case and charger as they not only look amazing together, but everyone needs an excellent quality power bank to keep their phone topped up. 

Perfect for those of you that work outside or in a harsher environment eg; a builder, fireman, policeman, works in a garage etc; literally anywhere that's dusty, dirty and dangerous this would make the ideal gift for them....Plus charger

 Despite CATS tough reputation its modern, robust design is still slender, lightweight and stylish and is great for both guys and girls.

Most people recognize the CAT logo so it also makes a great designer phone case for those that love their labels too. You would always be proud to show this case off and have the peace of mind to know it will protect your phone.

Its an ideal affordable gift for anyone who works in a tougher environment, has a demanding lifestyle or is just plain clumsy; as your phone will easily survive those everyday knocks and scrapes with a CAT case.

They really give you complete peace of mind to know your phone is protected. Plus you now have the variety of colours to choose from; these two are very much unisex, but there are a few pastel colours just for the girls too.

To show you how strong checkout these drop tests on this video.

Pro's

• Made from SAIF,
• Tough, Durable,
• Gorgeous modern design,
• Water resistant,
• Affordable,
• Lightweight,
• Rugged.

 Con's

• None.

You can buy yours from Amazon Uk
Or from from  amazon.co.uk, mobilefun.co.uk, O2.co.uk, phones.4.co.uk and totallygadgets.c
Starting from £24.99

 Read more about CAT Active Urban rugged phones on their 

Facebook pages

CAT website

 CAT Twitter


All my thanks goes to the lovely girls at Kondor and Caterpillar for sending me these cases for this review.
All my views and opinions are my own.