Apple iPhone 16 vs CAT S22 Flip
When comparing the Apple iPhone 16 and the CAT S22 Flip, the clear winner is the iPhone 16 due to its impressive 48MP camera and powerful A18 chip. The CAT S22 Flip is a budget-friendly option, but it can't compete on performance or photography. In real-world use, the iPhone 16's 3561mAh battery lasts up to 22 hours of video playback, making it ideal for similar-weight users.
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Apple iPhone 16

CAT S22 Flip
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 vs CAT S22 Flip

Apple iPhone 16

CAT S22 Flip
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 | CAT S22 Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(219)Best Buy | ★4(147)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | No guaranteed future OS/security updates (End of Life product) |
Processor | Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A18) | Adreno 308 |
RAM | 8 GB | 2GB LPDDR3 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | TFT LCD (Main), Gorilla Glass 5, Glove/Wet Finger Support |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 640 x 480 pixels (VGA - Main) / 128 x 128 pixels (Cover) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 400 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | 4x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 2MP, Fixed Focus |
Battery | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 2,000mAh (User-Removable) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | USB-C (Standard 5W-10W charging) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG supported) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H; Non-Incendive Class 1 Div 2 (Hazardous Locations) |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.00 oz (170 g) | 7.90 oz (224 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | None (No Fingerprint, No Face Unlock) |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Programmable PTT (Push-to-Talk) Key, FM Radio, T9 Keyboard with Android Navigation Keys |
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Apple iPhone 16
✓ Pros:
- • A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- • 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
- • Added Macro photography support to the non-Pro lineup
- • MagSafe charging speed increased to 25W (requires 30W adapter)
- • New physical Camera Control and Action buttons added
✗ Cons:
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- • USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No dedicated telephoto lens (zoom beyond 2x is digital)
- • Always-On display feature is omitted
- • No physical SIM tray in US models (eSIM only)
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CAT S22 Flip
✓ 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
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Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the CAT S22 Flip's 5MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 if: you take a lot of photos, stream videos regularly, or need a powerful device for multitasking. (6.1" display, 3561 mAh battery)
Choose the CAT S22 Flip if: you work in hazardous environments, prefer a physical keypad, or need a phone for basic tasks on a budget. (2.8" display, 2000 mAh battery)
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?
Apple iPhone 16 excels if you value a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. 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.
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