← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs CAT S22 Flip
The Google Pixel 8a is the smarter buy for most people—its 64MP camera blows away the CAT S22 Flip’s 5MP when it comes to photography. Plus, the Pixel offers a vibrant 6.1" display compared to the S22 Flip's tiny 2.8" screen, making it a no-brainer for media consumption. With 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 8a handles multitasking effortlessly, while the CAT S22 Flip lags behind with just 2GB, making it suitable only for basic tasks.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 2.8"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 2000 mAh
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
Check Amazon Price→
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
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8a
CAT S22 Flip
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover)
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
CAT S22 Flip
Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
CAT S22 Flip
2GB LPDDR3
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
CAT S22 Flip
5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
CAT S22 Flip
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
2,000mAh (User-Removable)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
CAT S22 Flip
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
7.90 oz (224 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
CAT S22 Flip
4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
CAT S22 Flip
4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
+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: Google Pixel 8a vs CAT S22 Flip
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
CAT S22 Flip
★4(147)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | CAT S22 Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4(147)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | No guaranteed future OS/security updates (End of Life product) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 308 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 2GB LPDDR3 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover) |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | TFT LCD (Main), Gorilla Glass 5, Glove/Wet Finger Support |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 640 x 480 pixels (VGA - Main) / 128 x 128 pixels (Cover) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 400 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | 4x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 2MP, Fixed Focus |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 2,000mAh (User-Removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | USB-C (Standard 5W-10W charging) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG supported) |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H; Non-Incendive Class 1 Div 2 (Hazardous Locations) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.90 oz (224 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | None (No Fingerprint, No Face Unlock) |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Programmable PTT (Push-to-Talk) Key, FM Radio, T9 Keyboard with Android Navigation Keys |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the CAT S22 Flip's 5MP. That said, grab the CAT S22 Flip if you need a rugged phone for hazardous environments - it weighs 7.9 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you love photography, want a vibrant display, or need a phone that lasts all day. (6.1" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the CAT S22 Flip if: you work in hazardous environments, prefer a physical keypad, or need a budget-friendly option. (2.8" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. CAT S22 Flip is better if you prioritize rare 'non-incendive' class 1 div 2 rating for use in hazardous/explosive environments. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.