Sonim XP5s vs Cat S22 Flip: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison

Need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements? The Sonim XP5s 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 XP5s offers noticeably better performance thanks to its Snapdragon 427 chipset. However, the Cat S22 Flip's unique flip design and potentially more compact form factor might appeal to users prioritizing portability and a retro aesthetic. It's a trade-off between power and style.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP5s Cat S22 Flip
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 41, 661, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2018, December 21. Released 2018, December 212021, September 18
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, September 18
Body
Dimensions141 x 64 x 23 mm (5.55 x 2.52 x 0.91 in)119.4 x 61 x 23 mm (4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight260 g (9.17 oz)224 g (7.90 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810GIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) MIL-STD-810H compliant Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 1Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution320 x 432 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~204 ppi density)480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density)
Size2.64 inches, 21.5 cm2 (~23.8% screen-to-body ratio)2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~33.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDTFT LCD
 -Secondary external display, 1.44”, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8920 Snapdragon 427 (28 nm)Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)
GPUAdreno 308Adreno 308
OSSonim OS (based on AOSP Android 8.1)Android 11 (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM16GB 2GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP5 MP
Video720p@30fpsYes
Selfie camera
Video-Yes
 -2 MP
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE4.2, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/k/r/h, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, barometerAccelerometer, proximity, barometer
Battery
TypeLi-Ion 3180 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
ModelsXP5800-
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 200 EUR

Sonim XP5s

  • Superior Performance
  • Larger Display
  • Rugged and Durable
  • Longer Battery Life (potentially)

  • Bulky Design
  • Less Unique Form Factor
  • Camera Quality is Average

Cat S22 Flip

  • Unique Flip Design
  • Compact and Portable
  • Durable Build
  • Quick Access Notifications

  • Lower Performance
  • Smaller Display
  • Basic Camera
  • Limited App Compatibility

Display Comparison

The Sonim XP5s boasts a larger 5.0-inch display, offering more screen real estate for viewing content and multitasking. The Cat S22 Flip has a smaller 2.8-inch external display and a 3.0-inch internal display, which is typical for a flip phone design. While the XP5s wins on size, the S22 Flip's dual-screen setup offers quick access to notifications without opening the phone.

Camera Comparison

The Sonim XP5s typically features an 8MP main camera, offering decent image quality for a rugged phone. The Cat S22 Flip's camera specifications are often less emphasized, likely offering a more basic camera experience. Image quality in both will be limited by the hardware.

Performance

The Sonim XP5s' Snapdragon 427 provides a significant performance advantage over the Cat S22 Flip's Snapdragon 215. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the XP5s. The S22 Flip is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones offer robust battery life, designed to last through a full day of heavy use. The Sonim XP5s generally has a larger battery capacity (around 4000mAh), potentially providing slightly longer runtime than the Cat S22 Flip (around 3000mAh). However, real-world battery life depends on usage patterns.

Buying Guide

The Sonim XP5s is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a powerful, rugged phone for demanding tasks. The Cat S22 Flip suits those who want a durable, compact phone with a nostalgic flip design and appreciate its potential for one-handed use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone is more durable?
Both are incredibly durable and meet military-grade standards. However, the Cat S22 Flip's flip design might offer some protection to the screen when closed.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
The Sonim XP5s is better suited for light gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Cat S22 Flip will struggle with most modern games.