Sonim XP3 vs Cat S22 Flip: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Cat S22 Flip edges out the XP3 thanks to its more modern chipset and the unique appeal of a flip phone design. While the XP3 boasts a slightly more robust build, the S22 Flip's improved performance and nostalgic form factor make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP3 | Cat S22 Flip |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66 | 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 / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, March. Released 2019, March | 2021, September 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 112 x 58 x 27 mm (4.41 x 2.28 x 1.06 in) | 119.4 x 61 x 23 mm (4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 224 g (7.90 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G | 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 (~154 ppi density) | 480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.6 inches, 20.9 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~33.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Cover display: TN LCD, 1.08 inches, 96 x 96 pixels | Secondary external display, 1.44”, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Video | - | Yes |
| - | 2 MP | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/r, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Barometer | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Sonim XP3
- Extremely rugged and durable
- Loud audio output
- Push-button design for gloved use
- Long battery life (potentially)
- Outdated chipset and performance
- Basic display
- Limited camera capabilities
- Bulky design
Cat S22 Flip
- Unique flip phone design
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 215)
- Dual-screen functionality
- Durable build
- Smaller internal display
- Camera quality is basic
- Performance still not flagship-level
- Potentially shorter battery life than XP3
Display Comparison
The Sonim XP3 features a 3.5-inch display, while the Cat S22 Flip has a dual-screen setup: a 1.7-inch external display and a 3.0-inch internal display. The XP3 offers a larger viewing area, but the S22 Flip's dual-screen allows for quick notifications and glances without opening the phone. Both displays are designed for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are limited on both devices. The Sonim XP3 likely has a basic 8MP rear camera, while the Cat S22 Flip also features an 8MP rear camera. Image quality on both will be adequate for casual snapshots but don't expect exceptional results. Low-light performance will be a challenge on both.
Performance
Here's where the Cat S22 Flip takes a noticeable lead. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chipset (Cortex-A53 cores) is a generation newer and generally more efficient than the XP3's Snapdragon 210 (Cortex-A7 cores). Expect smoother app performance and quicker response times on the S22 Flip. The XP3 can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life, typical for their class. The Sonim XP3 is expected to have a slightly larger battery capacity (around 4000mAh), potentially providing slightly longer usage between charges. The Cat S22 Flip's battery is around 3000mAh. Ruggedness often impacts battery performance, so real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Sonim XP3 is ideal for those prioritizing maximum ruggedness and a traditional smartphone experience, particularly in demanding work environments. The Cat S22 Flip is perfect for users who want a durable phone with a unique, compact flip design and a slightly more responsive performance for everyday tasks.