Sonim XP3plus vs Cat S22 Flip: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison

Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Sonim XP3plus and Cat S22 Flip are both built tough, but cater to different needs. This comparison dives deep into their specs, features, and overall value to help you choose the right rugged companion.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Sonim XP3plus offers significantly better performance thanks to its Snapdragon 662 chipset. However, the Cat S22 Flip's unique flip design and FLIP5G connectivity provide a distinct appeal. For power users, the XP3plus wins; for those prioritizing a retro form factor and 5G, the S22 Flip is compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP3plus Cat S22 Flip
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, September2021, September 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2021, September 18
Body
Dimensions116 x 60 x 28 mm (4.57 x 2.36 x 1.10 in)119.4 x 61 x 23 mm (4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)224 g (7.90 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810H 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
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density)
Size2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~34.9% screen-to-body ratio)2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~33.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
 Cover display: IPS LCD, 1.3 inches, 240 x 240 pixelsSecondary external display, 1.44”, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 308
OSSonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11)Android 11 (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single8 MP5 MP
Video-Yes
Selfie camera
Video-Yes
 -2 MP
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM RadioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, barometerAccelerometer, proximity, barometer
Battery
TypeLi-Ion 2300 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 200 EUR

Sonim XP3plus

  • Superior Performance (Snapdragon 662)
  • Larger Display
  • Rugged and Durable Build
  • Potentially Better Camera

  • Less Unique Design
  • Potentially Higher Price

Cat S22 Flip

  • Unique Flip Phone Design
  • FLIP5G Connectivity
  • Compact and Pocketable
  • Durable Build

  • Lower Performance (Snapdragon 215)
  • Smaller Display
  • Less Capable Camera

Display Comparison

The Sonim XP3plus boasts a larger 5.5-inch display, offering more screen real estate for viewing content and multitasking. The Cat S22 Flip's dual 2.9-inch displays provide a compact and unique user experience, reminiscent of classic flip phones. While the XP3plus wins on size, the S22 Flip's dual-screen setup is novel.

Camera Comparison

The Sonim XP3plus typically features a more capable camera system, likely offering better image quality and more features. While specific camera specs can vary, the XP3plus's processor generally allows for better image processing. The Cat S22 Flip's camera is functional but not a primary selling point.

Performance

Here's where the XP3plus truly shines. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the S22 Flip's Snapdragon 215. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive overall experience on the XP3plus. The S22 Flip is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones prioritize battery life, crucial for rugged devices. The Sonim XP3plus likely has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer usage times. The Cat S22 Flip's smaller form factor might necessitate a slightly smaller battery, but its efficient processor could compensate.

Buying Guide

The Sonim XP3plus is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a powerful, durable phone for demanding environments. The Cat S22 Flip is suited for those who appreciate a classic flip phone design with rugged durability and 5G connectivity, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Sonim XP3plus waterproof?
Yes, the Sonim XP3plus is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Cat S22 Flip support 5G?
Yes, the Cat S22 Flip supports FLIP5G connectivity, offering 5G capabilities in supported areas.
❓ Which phone is more suitable for gaming?
The Sonim XP3plus is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and larger display.
❓ Are replacement parts readily available for these phones?
Availability of replacement parts can be limited for both models, especially outside of authorized service centers. It's recommended to purchase insurance or a protection plan.