Background: Smartphone Overload and the Quest for Simplicity
Like many, I’ve been riding the smartphone wave since the early days of mobile tech, back when the Nokia N95 seemed like the pinnacle of innovation. Fast forward to today, and I’ve consistently had the latest iPhone or Galaxy model as my daily companion. However, over time, this constant connectivity started to feel less like a benefit and more like a burden. My screen time crept up, and my smartphone began to feel less like a tool and more like a demanding distraction.
It’s worth noting I’m not a heavy social media user – Reddit being the exception 🙈. My phone usage primarily revolves around checking news (especially tech), browsing subreddits, managing emails and chats, and indulging in occasional gaming or aimless scrolling on platforms like Amazon.
The internet is awash with discussions about our increasingly complicated relationship with smartphones, so I won’t rehash those well-trodden paths. Instead, I decided to conduct a personal experiment: Could I actually live and work effectively with a “dumber” phone – a feature phone or “dumb phone”? Could I reclaim my mobile device as a tool, rather than the distraction machine it had become?
The Hunt for a “Dumber” Phone: Signal Support is Key
Surprisingly, finding a suitable replacement for my iPhone 15 Pro proved more challenging than anticipated. While there’s a decent selection of devices from brands like Nokia and phones targeted at seniors, a critical feature was consistently missing: support for Signal. For me, the new device absolutely needed to handle Signal messaging, alongside basic functionalities like phone calls and SMS.
My initial search included a range of phones, but none quite ticked all the boxes:
Escaping the grip of smartphones isn’t as straightforward as one might think! 😅
Then, in December 2023, I discovered the CAT S22 Flip. This flip phone ran Android Go, a streamlined version of Android, but Android nonetheless! Crucially, being an Android device, it supported Signal! This was fantastic news! 🎉
But the question lingered: Could an Android-powered flip phone truly be considered a “feature phone”? Was I simply trading one smartphone for another? The answer, as I quickly discovered, was a resounding NO. While the Cat S22 Flip runs Android and even includes the Google Play Store, its intentionally limited hardware creates a surprisingly “dumb” phone experience – in the best possible way. More on that shortly!
Diving into the CAT S22 Flip: More Than Just Nostalgia
I won’t delve into a detailed specification rundown of the CAT S22 Flip, as there are ample resources available online (check the Links section for some helpful YouTube reviews). Instead, I’ll focus on the key factors that motivated my purchase:
- Android Familiarity: Having Android as the operating system meant a degree of familiarity and ease of use.
- The Flip Factor: As someone old enough to have proudly owned an original Motorola Razr, the flip phone form factor held a strong nostalgic appeal. Need I say more? 😎
- Affordability: The price was incredibly reasonable. While some early adopters snagged it for around $60 in 2023, I purchased mine on January 24th for €87 on Amazon.de. The price has since climbed above €100 and availability on Amazon.de has become sporadic.
Purchase and Delivery: A Smooth, International Transaction
I ordered my CAT S22 Flip for €87 from Amazon.de, listed as a UK Import (I’m based in Germany). Delivery took a week, and the price conveniently included shipping and customs charges, making it a seamless transaction. It’s worth noting that the CAT S22 Flip was initially a US-exclusive device for T-Mobile. It seems it didn’t achieve widespread success, leading to production ceasing. However, resourceful sellers have acquired these devices and are reselling them unlocked. My package included a non-EU standard charger, but this wasn’t an issue as I already have a drawer full of USB-C cables and chargers. Interestingly, a USB-C to headphone jack adapter was also included in the box.
Hardware Impressions: Rugged, Practical, and Surprisingly Ergonomic
“The S22 Flip is a rugged device that you can depend on no matter if you are a first responder on the front line or a farmer out in the field.” 1
Perhaps a bit overkill for my use case, but reassuring nonetheless! 😜
Joking aside, the CAT S22 Flip is undeniably a chunky and substantial device. However, it is noticeably narrower than my iPhone.
It feels a bit weighty in my pocket initially, but I quickly adjusted. I’m curious to see how it fares during the summer months. One of the most satisfying aspects of the hardware is the flip mechanism itself. It’s snappy, robust, and produces a genuinely satisfying click when closed.
In terms of ergonomics, I find the CAT S22 Flip far superior to modern smartphones. Its bulkier design eliminates the need for precarious pinky support, it’s easier to pick up, and it sits comfortably in my hand. In short, the ergonomics are a welcome departure from today’s slippery, ultra-slim smartphones. As these images illustrate, the Flip is simply more comfortable to hold.
Finally, a significant relief – I no longer constantly worry about scratches, drops, or needing a protective case! The CAT S22 Flip feels more like a durable tool than a fragile piece of high-tech jewelry.
I also appreciate the tactile feedback of physical buttons, although the D-pad does feel a tad squishy. Surprisingly, the keypad isn’t fully optimized within the stock software, but more on that in the Software section.
Another incredibly practical feature is the large, programmable orange button on the side. I’ve assigned it to the surprisingly bright flash LED, effectively turning the phone into a dedicated flashlight – incredibly convenient.
Honestly, the satisfying feel and perhaps a touch of nostalgia associated with the flip phone design make me want to use the CAT S22 Flip more than I strictly need to. 😅
Camera Capabilities: Utility Over Ultra-High Resolution
Let’s be realistic – what can you expect from a 2019-era 5MP camera? It’s functional and serves its purpose as a utility camera. It’s perfectly adequate for capturing quick snapshots of information you want to remember and then discard. Image quality is acceptable, but it won’t be winning any photography awards. Here are some unedited sample photos taken with the CAT S22 Flip:
These samples are all straight out of the camera – point and shoot simplicity.
Software Experience: Debloating and “De-Googling”
My CAT S22 Flip arrived with only English, Spanish, and French language options pre-installed. This wasn’t an issue for me as I use English as my default language across all devices. You should be able to switch to any language supported by Android within the settings.
Immediately after the initial boot, the phone received a 1.2GB system update, though still remaining on Android 11. There’s no official update to Android 12 available.
I experienced a moment of apprehension when I saw a “SIM locked” message. 😯 However, unlocking the SIM proved surprisingly easy via settings – about phone – unlock. Naturally, I opted for a permanent unlock.
Being originally designed as a T-Mobile exclusive, the stock software came with a significant amount of bloatware, including trackers and pre-installed T-Mobile/Sprint apps. If you’re not comfortable with rooting your device, Universal Android Debloater is a useful tool. However, it couldn’t remove some of the deeply embedded T-Mobile/Sprint system apps, which require root access. In my younger days, I was accustomed to flashing custom ROMs on my Galaxy phone weekly, so I’m familiar with the rooting process and tools. The XDA forums offer an excellent guide on how to root the CAT S22 Flip and completely eliminate unwanted system apps.
As mentioned earlier, the stock software isn’t particularly well-optimized for keypad input. Therefore, I installed some alternative apps to enhance usability. Furthermore, my goal was to “de-google” the device as much as practically possible – primarily for simplicity and battery life optimization, rather than strict privacy concerns.
Google Play: App Selection and “De-Googling”
After installing essential apps like Signal and a few utilities from the Google Play Store, I removed my Google account and proceeded to uninstall as many Google packages as I felt safe removing without causing system instability. 😆
F-Droid and Essential Apps 2
For apps beyond the basics available on Google Play, I turned to F-Droid, a repository of free and open-source Android apps. My essential app list on the CAT S22 Flip is incredibly minimal:
- Signal: For secure messaging.
- Bromite: A privacy-focused browser.
- K-9 Mail: An open-source email client.
- Simple Keyboard: A lightweight and customizable keyboard.
- Open Camera: An open-source camera app (though I primarily use the stock camera for its simplicity).
That’s it! No social media, no Reddit, no games, no streaming services – nothing else to distract from the phone’s core functions.
Battery Performance: Acceptable Longevity
Here’s a quick overview of my battery life experience during the initial days of use. While I initially hoped for even longer battery life, the performance is perfectly acceptable in practice.
timeline title Battery draining and charging on my S22 Flip
section First Draining
29.01 Evening : 100%
01.02 18:58:30 : 2%
section Charging
01.02 19:58:30 : 80%
01.02 20:58:15 : 100%
section Second Draining
03.02 13:58:50 : 63%
03.02 13:58:52 : 35% : Suddenly drained from a 2-min call
05.02 12:58:45 : 15%
05.02 13:58:45 : 8% : After 15% it looks like to drop really fast
05.02 15:58:00 : 3%
section Second Charging
05.02 16:40:00 : 80%
05.02 17:40:00 : 100%Keep in mind that battery life is influenced by various factors. In my usage, I typically achieve less than 1 hour of screen-on time per full battery cycle, which contributes to the respectable standby time.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of the CAT S22 Flip, especially in the context of its intended use as a “dumber” phone. Some of the “cons” can actually be seen as benefits if your goal is to reduce phone dependence! 😆
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price | Bulky design |
| Durable and rugged build | Limited screen size |
| Runs Android Go | Runs older Android version |
| Flip phone form factor | No NFC |
| Programmable button | No fingerprint sensor |
| Touchscreen functionality | No Face ID |
| Comfortable to hold | No audio jack (adapter included) |
| Physical buttons | Outer display lacks information |
| Replaceable battery | Significant bloatware |
| MicroSD card slot | Occasional reboots |
| Scratch and drop resistant | Sudden battery drops reported |
| Call vibration feedback |
Verdict: A Step Towards Digital Minimalism, But Not a Complete Smartphone Replacement
I genuinely appreciate the CAT S22 Flip as a robust and simple device that doesn’t demand constant babying and isn’t easily marred by minor scratches. It’s refreshing to use a phone primarily for its original purpose – making calls. While technically a smartphone, its limited capabilities make “smart” usage intentionally cumbersome, creating a natural barrier to excessive phone use.
However, there are certain “smart” features that I do miss. Mobile payment functionality is undeniably convenient 4. Additionally, I’m hesitant to install sensitive apps like banking and MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) programs on this device 5. I also occasionally miss certain “quality of life” apps like food delivery services (Lieferando in my case), GitHub for quick code checks, a more robust browser, and convenient Amazon access.
My biggest reservation, however, remains the camera. While I don’t need a high-end camera frequently, I dislike the feeling of needing to pre-plan if I might need to take a decent photo and potentially carry my iPhone as a backup.
In conclusion, the CAT S22 Flip effectively meets my basic communication needs and has demonstrably reduced my screen time. However, it hasn’t yet reached the point where it can completely replace my iPhone in all aspects of my digital life. It’s a significant step in the right direction towards digital minimalism, but for now, it’s more of a valuable companion device than a complete smartphone substitute.
Links
Footnotes:
[1] (Note: This quote is attributed to marketing materials for rugged phones in general, not specifically the CAT S22 Flip.)
[2] (Note: F-Droid is an open-source app repository, offering alternatives to Google Play Store.)
[3] (Note: The outer display on the CAT S22 Flip is very basic, primarily showing time and notifications.)
[4] (Note: NFC for mobile payments is absent in the CAT S22 Flip.)
[5] (Note: Security considerations when using a less common or older Android device for sensitive apps.)
