The resurgence of flip phones continues, driven by a desire for simplicity, affordability, and extended battery life. The TCL Flip and Nokia 2780 Flip represent two of the most prominent options in this space. However, a closer look reveals a striking similarity: both devices are built around the same Qualcomm chipset. This comparison dissects the subtle differences and helps determine which flip phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a no-frills flip phone, the choice between the TCL Flip and Nokia 2780 Flip largely comes down to brand preference and current pricing. Both deliver identical performance thanks to the Snapdragon 215. The TCL Flip often appears at a slightly lower price point, making it the winner for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - 4056W | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - 4056W | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2022, November 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024 | Available. Released 2022, November 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 107.3 x 55.6 x 19.9 mm (4.22 x 2.19 x 0.78 in) | 202.1 x 58 x 11.5 mm (7.96 x 2.28 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) | 131.2 g (4.62 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~148 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~40.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.7 inches, 22.6 cm2 (~19.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | - | Secondary external 1.77" display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | KaiOS 3.0 | KaiOS 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | Unspecified |
| 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 | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 5W wired | - |
| Type | 1850 mAh | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Dark Gray, Slate Gray | Red, Blue |
| Models | 4056W, 4056S | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | $ 97.05 |
| SAR | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) | - |
TCL Flip
- Often available at a lower price point.
- Identical performance to the Nokia 2780 Flip.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Brand recognition may be lower in some markets.
- Limited software support compared to Nokia.
Nokia 2780 Flip
- Established Nokia brand reputation for reliability.
- Potentially better software support and updates.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Generally priced slightly higher than the TCL Flip.
- Identical performance to the TCL Flip.
Display Comparison
Both the TCL Flip and Nokia 2780 Flip feature internal displays of similar size and resolution, though exact specifications are not publicly available. Given the target market, neither device prioritizes display quality; expect basic readability for calls and texts. The shared chipset suggests similar graphics capabilities, meaning display responsiveness will be comparable. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within the flip form factor.
Camera Comparison
While both phones include cameras, their capabilities are limited. Specific sensor details are not provided, but given the price point, expect low-resolution sensors suitable only for basic snapshots. Image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. The shared chipset doesn't offer advanced image processing capabilities, so don't expect significant improvements in photo quality between the two devices. Focusing on camera performance is not a strength of either phone.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28nm). This chipset houses a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This means performance will be virtually identical between the two phones. The 28nm manufacturing process isn't cutting-edge, but it's sufficient for the limited tasks these phones are designed for – calls, texts, and basic features. Expect minimal lag when navigating the simple user interface. The lack of a more modern chipset means demanding tasks like web browsing or app usage will be slow.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key selling point for flip phones, and both the TCL Flip and Nokia 2780 Flip benefit from the efficiency of the Snapdragon 215 and their simple operating systems. While specific mAh ratings are not available, both should offer several days of standby time and a reasonable amount of talk time. Both devices utilize 5W wired charging, indicating a slower charging speed compared to modern smartphones. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Flip if you prioritize the absolute lowest price and are comfortable with a potentially less established brand in the US market. Its identical hardware to the Nokia 2780 Flip delivers the same functionality at a potentially lower cost. Buy the Nokia 2780 Flip if you value the Nokia brand's reputation for durability and software support, and are willing to pay a small premium for that peace of mind. Both phones are ideal for those needing a simple, reliable communication device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones work with VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling?
Compatibility with VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi calling depends heavily on your carrier. While the Snapdragon 215 supports these technologies, carrier certification is required. Check with your mobile provider to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
❓ Can I use a microSD card to expand the storage on either phone?
Both the TCL Flip and Nokia 2780 Flip support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage for contacts, messages, and potentially a small number of photos. The maximum supported microSD card capacity is typically 32GB, but check the device's documentation for specifics.
❓ Are these phones hearing aid compatible?
Both TCL and Nokia typically adhere to hearing aid compatibility standards. However, specific ratings (like M3/T3) can vary. Check the product specifications or contact the manufacturer for detailed information regarding hearing aid compatibility.
