Flip phones are making a comeback! But with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. Today, we're pitting the budget-friendly Alcatel Go Flip 4 against the rugged Cat S22 Flip to see which offers the best blend of features and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat S22 Flip wins due to its superior durability and FLIR thermal camera. While both share the same basic chipset, the Cat's rugged build and unique features justify its higher price for users needing a tough and versatile device. The Go Flip 4 remains a solid budget option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September | 2021, September 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September | Available. Released 2021, September 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107.3 x 55.6 x 19.9 mm (4.22 x 2.19 x 0.78 in) | 119.4 x 61 x 23 mm (4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) | 224 g (7.90 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min)
MIL-STD-810H compliant
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~40.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~33.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | Second external TN TFT display, 1.44 inches, 128 x 128 pixels | Secondary external display, 1.44”, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | KaiOS 3.0 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Video | - | Yes |
| | No | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1850 mAh | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Black |
| Models | 4056W | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | - |
alcatel Go Flip 4
- Affordable price
- Simple and easy to use
- Compact and pocketable
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Basic performance
- Limited features
- Average camera quality
- Less durable build
Cat S22 Flip
- Rugged and durable design
- FLIR thermal camera
- Improved camera quality (50MP)
- Slightly better battery life
- Higher price
- Performance still limited by chipset
- Larger and heavier than some flip phones
Display Comparison
Both phones feature 2.8-inch displays, but the Cat S22 Flip's screen might offer slightly better viewing angles due to its overall build quality. Resolution is likely similar, offering basic functionality without high-end visuals.
Camera Comparison
The Alcatel Go Flip 4 likely has a standard 8MP rear camera. The Cat S22 Flip boasts a 50MP main camera and a unique FLIR thermal camera, offering significantly more photographic versatility. This is a major differentiator.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 215 chipset, expect similar performance from both. Basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing will be handled adequately, but don't expect to run demanding apps. Lag may occur with heavier usage.
Battery Life
The Cat S22 Flip generally offers a slightly larger battery capacity (around 2500mAh) compared to the Go Flip 4 (around 2000mAh), translating to potentially longer battery life, especially considering the added thermal camera functionality.
Buying Guide
The Alcatel Go Flip 4 is ideal for users seeking a simple, affordable flip phone for calls and texts. The Cat S22 Flip is perfect for those needing a durable phone that can withstand harsh conditions and appreciate the added functionality of a thermal camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the FLIR camera on the Cat S22 Flip?
The FLIR camera is a thermal imaging camera that can detect heat signatures. It's useful for various applications like identifying insulation problems, locating animals, or even checking electrical systems.
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the Alcatel Go Flip 4 nor the Cat S22 Flip support 5G connectivity. They both operate on 4G LTE networks.
❓ Can I install apps on these phones?
Yes, both phones run Android Go, allowing you to install a limited number of apps from the Google Play Store. However, due to the chipset's limitations, performance may be slow with more demanding apps.
