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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerCAT S22 Flip vs Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a takes the lead over the CAT S22 Flip, especially if you're serious about photography and performance. With a stunning 64MP camera and a powerful Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel 7a is the better choice for anyone who values quality in their mobile experience. You might think the CAT S22 Flip could be a contender due to its rugged design and budget-friendly appeal, but in real-world use, it struggles with performance.
📱 Display: 2.8" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 2000 mAh vs 4385 mAh
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CAT S22 Flip
★4
(147)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:No guaranteed future OS/security updates (End of Life product)
Processor:Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core
Graphics:Adreno 308
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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
CAT S22 Flip
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
CAT S22 Flip
2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover)
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"Winner
Refresh Rate
CAT S22 Flip
60Hz
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
CAT S22 Flip
Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
CAT S22 Flip
2GB LPDDR3
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Storage
CAT S22 Flip
16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
CAT S22 Flip
5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
CAT S22 Flip
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
CAT S22 Flip
2,000mAh (User-Removable)
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
CAT S22 Flip
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
CAT S22 Flip
7.90 oz (224 g)
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner
Dimensions
CAT S22 Flip
4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
CAT S22 Flip
4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: CAT S22 Flip vs Google Pixel 7a
CAT S22 Flip
★4(147)Amazon
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | CAT S22 Flip | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(147)Amazon | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | No guaranteed future OS/security updates (End of Life product) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Adreno 308 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 2GB LPDDR3 | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | TFT LCD (Main), Gorilla Glass 5, Glove/Wet Finger Support | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels (VGA - Main) / 128 x 128 pixels (Cover) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 400 nits (Typical) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | 4x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 2MP, Fixed Focus | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 2,000mAh (User-Removable) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C (Standard 5W-10W charging) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG supported) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H; Non-Incendive Class 1 Div 2 (Hazardous Locations) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 7.90 oz (224 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | None (No Fingerprint, No Face Unlock) | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Programmable PTT (Push-to-Talk) Key, FM Radio, T9 Keyboard with Android Navigation Keys | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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CAT S22 Flip
Rating:★4(147)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:No guaranteed future OS/security updates (End of Life product)
Processor:Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core
Graphics:Adreno 308
RAM:2GB LPDDR3
Storage:16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB)
Display Size:2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover)
Screen Type:TFT LCD (Main), Gorilla Glass 5, Glove/Wet Finger Support
Resolution:640 x 480 pixels (VGA - Main) / 128 x 128 pixels (Cover)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:400 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:4x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:2MP, Fixed Focus
Battery:2,000mAh (User-Removable)
Wired Charging:USB-C (Standard 5W-10W charging)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG supported)
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H; Non-Incendive Class 1 Div 2 (Hazardous Locations)
Dimensions:4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm)
Weight:7.90 oz (224 g)
Biometrics:None (No Fingerprint, No Face Unlock)
Extras:Programmable PTT (Push-to-Talk) Key, FM Radio, T9 Keyboard with Android Navigation Keys
✓ Pros:
- • Rare 'Non-Incendive' Class 1 Div 2 rating for use in hazardous/explosive environments
- • Runs full Android apps (WhatsApp, Maps, Spotify) unlike feature phones
- • Physical T9 keypad combined with a touchscreen for versatile input
- • User-replaceable battery and microSD expansion
- • Incredibly durable hinge and chassis (IP68/MIL-STD-810H)
✗ Cons:
- • Performance is extremely slow (2GB RAM + Android Go) for anything beyond basics
- • Display is low resolution (VGA) and small for modern app interfaces
- • No 3.5mm headphone jack (requires USB-C adapter)
- • Bulky and heavy (nearly 8 oz) for a flip phone
- • Audio quality from earpiece is often cited as tinny in reviews
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 7a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the CAT S22 Flip's 5MP setup. That said, grab the CAT S22 Flip if you need a rugged phone for hazardous environments - it's built to withstand tough conditions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the CAT S22 Flip if: you work in hazardous environments, you need a phone that can handle drops, or you want a user-replaceable battery. (2.8" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you love photography, you want fast performance for apps, or you enjoy watching videos on a larger screen. (6.1" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
CAT S22 Flip excels if you value rare 'non-incendive' class 1 div 2 rating for use in hazardous/explosive environments. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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