I think the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s were the golden age of mobile phones. It is during the period between the bag phone and the smart phone that you really have a classic, such as any phone with the word Nokia printed on the front.

Then there are flip phones, from Motorola StarTAC in 1996 to Motorola RAZR, the most popular in 2004. Although you might think that flip phones have basically disappeared with the advent of touch-screen smartphones, they have slowly started to make a comeback in the form of flexible screen devices by Samsung and other companies.

There is also a brand that has just entered the market from a brand you might not expect: Cat, the flagship brand of Caterpillar, a construction and mining equipment company. They actually produced several phones, including this new phone with a classic design that includes modern features, sturdy construction, and a refreshingly low price.

The product description page sums it up nicely: “The Cat S22 Flip brings the phone back to what it should be...a phone.” Of course, it is a flip phone, reminiscent of what it looked like 20 years ago, with physical T9 keyboard and large buttons, but that's not all-the design of this phone is also a hit.

As you can see, it is more than just a flip phone. The color display is a touch screen, which can also be operated with wet fingers and gloves. Although it is a restricted version of Android 11, you can still access the Google Play Store app.

The most important part is that it should be sturdy. This is likely to attract people from many different fields, including industrial roles, construction, drivers, first responders, military, farmers-basically any job where your phone is at risk of damage.

When I had the opportunity to check the Cat S22 Flip, I was very excited, opening the box just like the past. It reminds me of the bulky version of the Samsung flip phone I carried about 20 years ago.

It measures 4.7 inches x 2.4 inches and is nearly an inch thick when closed, so it is slightly larger than past flip phones. Below, take a look at the comparison between Flip and my iPhone 13 Pro Max.

I charged it, installed the SIM card and turned it on. Since it runs on Android, the first thing to do is to log in to your Google account, where you can choose to import information such as contacts, payment methods, and applications.

I actually don't mind using a smaller touch screen, the tactile feedback reminds me of the old Blackberry Pearl. Yes, its screen is smaller than you are used to, so you must place your fingers precisely. Another thing I noticed is that its response is not as fast as modern smartphones. This is due to the much weaker processor.

Trying to shop on the Amazon app with such a small touch screen is a strange experience. Needless to say, I did not complete the purchase.

Again, the Cat S22 Flip is not meant to be equipped with a smart phone-it should be a phone like before. It succeeded.

This is an exclusive service provided by our sponsor T-Mobile. The quality of the service will depend on where you live. I am in the northwestern suburbs of Phoenix, and the cell coverage is average (see my other recent review of the whole family cell booster), and as expected, I have about two service bars.

Anyway, when I walked through the house, the phone sounded good. The hands-free phone sounds good, but the external speakers are clearly designed to be loud, rather than a perfect combination of vocals, treble and bass. You can also easily pair this phone with Bluetooth earbuds.

As far as text messages are concerned, no, you don't have to relive the dark days of using the T9 keyboard (for example, press the 9 key three times to type Y). You can use the keyboard on the small touch screen instead, but accuracy is critical.

Since it runs Android 11 Go Edition, you can install the application from the Google Play Store. That is after you complete the initial setup.

I also tried the built-in FM radio. The reception of some stations is acceptable, while others are not. But for those who are not interested in streaming music applications, this is a good novelty.

As you can see below, the 5MP rear camera works fine, but don't expect you to find quality in a smartphone with multiple lenses and advanced software. If you want to know, it is Daphne, my 4-month-old yellow Labrador.

All in all, this is a well-built phone that can withstand harsh conditions. Having said that, this means that it is not suitable for everyone.

Cat S22 Flip is for those who want a rugged device and just a mobile phone above all. Although you cannot exceed the price tag of $234, please remember that it is an exclusive product of T-Mobile and cannot be cooperated with any other operators.

no, thank you. I want to stay in the dark.

If you still manage to check all the boxes you are searching, then this flip phone will meet the requirements.

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