NETWORK
Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
LAUNCH
Announced: September 18, 2021
Status: Available. Released September 18, 2021
BODY
Dimensions: 119.4 x 61 x 23 mm (4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in)
Weight: 224 g (7.90 oz)
SIM: Nano-SIM
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
Type: TFT LCD
Size: 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~33.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution: 480 x 640 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~286 ppi density)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Secondary external display: 1.44”, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
PLATFORM
OS: Android 11 (Go edition)
Chipset: Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)
CPU: Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
GPU: Adreno 308
MEMORY
Card slot: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal: 16GB 2GB RAM
eMMC 5.1
MAIN CAMERA
Single: 5 MP
Features: LED flash
Video: Yes
SELFIE CAMERA
2 MP
Video: Yes
SOUND
Loudspeaker: Yes
3.5mm jack: No
COMMS
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
NFC: No
Radio: FM radio
USB: USB Type-C 2.0
FEATURES
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, barometer
BATTERY
Type: Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable
MISC
Colors: Black
The Cat S22 Flip caters to a specific user: those who prioritize durability and practicality over cutting-edge features. It's a flip phone reborn for the modern world, built to withstand tough environments while offering essential smartphone functionality.
Built to Last:
Classic Functionality:
Who is it for?
Things to Consider:
Overall, the Cat S22 Flip is a niche phone for those who prioritize durability and practicality over cutting-edge features. It's a reliable companion for tough environments and offers the essential functionalities needed to stay connected.
The Cat phone brand, though no longer actively producing new models as of early 2024, carved a niche for itself in the mobile phone market. Launched in 2012 through a licensing agreement between Caterpillar Inc. – the construction equipment giant – and Bullitt Mobile Ltd., Cat phones offered a distinct proposition: rugged durability for users who needed their devices to withstand harsh environments.
This focus on resilience stemmed from Caterpillar's heritage. For over a century, Caterpillar has built a reputation for producing reliable, heavy-duty machinery. The Cat phone brand aimed to translate that same ethos into the realm of mobile communication.
A Range of Rugged Reliability
The Cat phone lineup wasn't monolithic. It encompassed a range of devices catering to different needs. Here's a breakdown:
Feature Phones: For those prioritizing basic functionality and extreme durability, Cat offered feature phones. These handsets were built to withstand drops, bumps, and exposure to the elements, making them ideal for construction sites, workshops, or outdoor adventures.
Rugged Smartphones: The core of the Cat phone range consisted of rugged smartphones. These devices ran the Android operating system, offering users the familiarity and functionality of a modern smartphone encased in a tough exterior. They boasted features like reinforced casings, scratch-resistant screens, and water resistance, allowing them to survive drops, dust, and even submersion.
Accessories: Cat complemented their phones with a range of rugged accessories. This included heavy-duty cases, screen protectors, and vehicle mounts, further enhancing the phone's ability to withstand challenging conditions.
Beyond the Build: Focusing on User Needs
The rugged build wasn't the only aspect Cat phones emphasized. They understood that users in demanding environments have specific needs. Here's how Cat phones catered to those needs:
Long Battery Life: Recognizing that access to charging might be limited in some professions, Cat phones prioritized long battery life. This ensured users could stay connected for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.
Loud and Clear Communication: Working in noisy environments like construction sites necessitates clear communication. Cat phones featured loud speakers and microphones designed to be heard even amidst the din.
Functional Design: The design of Cat phones prioritized functionality over aesthetics. Buttons were easy to locate and operate even while wearing gloves. Displays were optimized for readability in bright sunlight.
Security Features: For users handling sensitive information, some Cat phone models offered enhanced security features like fingerprint scanners and tamper-proof software.
The Cat Phone Legacy
While Bullitt Mobile Ltd. ceased production of new Cat phones in early 2024, the brand leaves behind a legacy of innovation in the rugged phone market. They carved a niche for users who needed a phone that could keep up with their demanding lifestyles, from construction workers and mechanics to outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports athletes.
The impact of Cat phones goes beyond the devices themselves. They helped establish the concept of a rugged phone, inspiring other manufacturers to develop similar offerings. Today, several brands cater to the need for durable mobile devices, offering users a wider range of options.
A Look at the Future
The future of Cat phones remains uncertain. Caterpillar Inc. might decide to revisit the concept with a new licensing partner. Bullitt Mobile Ltd. itself continues to develop rugged phones under other brands, leveraging their expertise in the field.
Regardless of what the future holds, the Cat phone brand has left its mark. They demonstrated that a phone can be both powerful and tough, a testament to the enduring human desire for reliable communication tools that can withstand the challenges we throw at them.
The Cat S series of mobile phones, by Bullitt Mobile under license from Caterpillar Inc., caters to a specific niche: the user who needs a phone that can withstand harsh conditions. These are ruggedized smartphones designed to take a beating, making them ideal for construction workers, mechanics, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a reliable device in demanding environments.
The hallmark of the Cat S series is its exceptional durability. The phones are built to military specifications (MIL-STD-810G) and are water-resistant or waterproof, with some models boasting underwater functionality. They typically feature reinforced casings, often with a combination of metal and grippy materials for a secure hold. Gorilla Glass protects the displays from scratches and cracks. These phones are designed to survive drops, bumps, and even being submerged in water.
For instance, the Cat S62 Pro boasts a rugged design with a die-cast frame that can withstand drops of up to 1.8 meters onto concrete. It’s also waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Cat S42 H+, on the other hand, is built to endure drops of up to 1.8 meters and is waterproof up to 2 meters for an hour.
Beyond the tough exterior, Cat S series phones offer a range of features that cater to professional and outdoor users. These features include:
Cat S series phones are not for everyone. Their primary focus on durability comes at a cost. Here’s what to consider before purchasing:
Cat offers a variety of models within the S series, catering to different needs and budgets. Here’s a brief overview of some of the latest offerings (as of May 2024):
The Cat S series offers a compelling proposition for users who require a phone that can withstand the rigors of demanding environments. Their focus on durability, long battery life, and practical features makes them ideal for construction workers, mechanics, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a reliable device that won’t let them down. However, the higher price tag and potentially less impressive specifications compared to mainstream smartphones are important factors to consider before making a purchase decision.
The Cat S22 Flip is a rugged flip phone designed for durability and functionality in harsh environments. Here are some common questions and answers to help you decide if it's the right phone for you:
Durability
Is the Cat S22 Flip waterproof?
Is the Cat S22 Flip shockproof?
Can I use the Cat S22 Flip while wearing gloves?
Features
Does the Cat S22 Flip have a touchscreen?
What kind of operating system does the Cat S22 Flip use?
Does the Cat S22 Flip have a good camera?
Does the Cat S22 Flip have access to the Google Play Store?
Battery
How long does the Cat S22 Flip battery last?
Does the Cat S22 Flip support fast charging?
Who is the Cat S22 Flip for?
The Cat S22 Flip is ideal for users who prioritize durability and functionality in demanding environments, such as construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, or those working in extreme conditions.
Things to Consider
Pros
Cons
Overall, the Cat S22 Flip is a great choice for those who need a durable phone for work or outdoor activities. However, if you're looking for a powerful all-purpose smartphone, you might be better off with a different option.