The flip phone is making a surprising comeback, offering a blend of nostalgia and practicality. The TCL Flip and Nokia 2660 Flip represent two of the most accessible options, but beneath their similar form factors lie significant differences in processing power and feature sets. This comparison dives deep into the hardware to determine which flip phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and potential for future software updates, the TCL Flip is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 chipset, built on a smaller 28nm process, offers a performance advantage over the Nokia 2660 Flip’s Unisoc T107, despite the lower clock speed. However, the Nokia’s charging cradle compatibility is a unique convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - 4056W | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - 4056W | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU, RUCIS |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM, BR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2022, July 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024 | Available. Released 2022, July 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107.3 x 55.6 x 19.9 mm (4.22 x 2.19 x 0.78 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) | 123 g (4.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~40.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | - | Secondary external 1.77" display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Unisoc T107 (22 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | - |
| OS | KaiOS 3.0 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 128MB 48MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 0.3 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 5W wired | Compatible with a charging cradle |
| Type | 1850 mAh | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Dark Gray, Slate Gray | Gray, Blue, Red, Lush Green, Pop Pink |
| Models | 4056W, 4056S | TA-1480, TA-1474, TA-1469 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 59.99 / $ 190.00 / £ 69.00 / ₹ 4,499 |
| SAR | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | 0.47 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) |
TCL Flip
- More powerful Snapdragon 215 processor
- Smaller 28nm fabrication process for better efficiency
- Potential for smoother UI experience
- Wider availability
- Only supports 5W wired charging
- Limited software support expected
Nokia 2660 Flip
- Convenient charging cradle compatibility
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer standby time due to lower processing demands
- Nokia’s reputation for durability
- Less powerful Unisoc T107 processor
- Larger 22nm fabrication process
- Slower performance for even basic tasks
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic flip phone standard. Both likely utilize TN panels given the price point. However, the TCL Flip’s processor could potentially support slightly more complex UI rendering, leading to a marginally smoother visual experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, as maximizing screen real estate isn’t a priority in this segment. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit on either.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely equipped with very basic cameras, and detailed specifications are scarce. Given the target market, image quality is not a primary focus. It’s safe to assume both cameras are sufficient for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions, but will struggle in low light. Detailed analysis is hampered by the lack of sensor size or aperture information. Focusing on camera performance would be a misdirection given the intended use case.
Performance
The TCL Flip’s Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215, fabricated on a 28nm process, represents a more modern architecture than the Nokia 2660 Flip’s Unisoc T107 (22nm). While the Unisoc has a larger fabrication node, the Snapdragon’s Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.3 GHz offer a significant advantage over the Cortex-A7 cores at 1.0 GHz in the Nokia. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, even for simple tasks. The Snapdragon’s Adreno 304 GPU also provides a modest graphical boost. The TCL Flip will handle basic web browsing and messaging with less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL Flip’s more efficient Snapdragon 215 chipset, built on a smaller 28nm process, likely contributes to better battery life despite the 5W wired charging. The Nokia 2660 Flip compensates with compatibility for a charging cradle, offering a convenient charging solution, but doesn’t offer any information on charging speed. Real-world usage will dictate battery performance, but the TCL Flip has a slight edge in efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Flip if you need a slightly more responsive user experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. Its more modern chipset provides headroom for potential future feature additions. Buy the Nokia 2660 Flip if you prioritize simplicity and the convenience of a dedicated charging cradle, and are content with a more basic, streamlined experience. It’s ideal for those who want a truly no-frills device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL Flip be able to run modern apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the TCL Flip can technically run some lightweight versions of these apps, the Snapdragon 215’s limited processing power and RAM may result in a sluggish and frustrating experience. It’s best suited for basic communication through SMS and calls.
❓ Is the Nokia 2660 Flip a good choice for someone who isn't tech-savvy?
Absolutely. The Nokia 2660 Flip’s simplified interface and focus on core functionality make it an excellent option for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills experience. The charging cradle also adds to its ease of use.
❓ Can I use a standard micro-USB charger with the TCL Flip, or do I need a specific adapter?
The TCL Flip uses a standard micro-USB port for charging, so you can use any compatible micro-USB charger and cable. However, it only supports 5W charging, so a higher-wattage charger won't charge it any faster.
❓ Does the Nokia 2660 Flip have Bluetooth connectivity for use with a headset?
Yes, the Nokia 2660 Flip does include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calling. This is a useful feature for users who want to keep their hands free while on the go.
