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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

TCL 50 XL 5G vs CAT S22 Flip

If you want a budget phone that offers a massive display and solid performance, the TCL 50 XL 5G is the way to go. It features a huge 6.78-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a great option for streaming and gaming. In contrast, the CAT S22 Flip is built for durability, but its tiny 2.8-inch display and slow performance can feel limiting in 2026. Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 2.8" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.

📱 Display: 6.78" vs 2.8"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 5010 mAh vs 2000 mAh

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TCL 50 XL 5G

TCL 50 XL 5G

4.1
(19)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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CAT S22 Flip

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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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
CAT S22 Flip
2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover)
Refresh Rate
TCL 50 XL 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
CAT S22 Flip
Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core
RAMKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
2GB LPDDR3
Storage
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
CAT S22 Flip
No (Not supported)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
2,000mAh (User-Removable)
Design2 specs
Weight
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)Winner
CAT S22 Flip
7.90 oz (224 g)
Dimensions
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 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
TCL 50 XL 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 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.

Comparison: TCL 50 XL 5G vs CAT S22 Flip

TCL 50 XL 5G

TCL 50 XL 5G

4.1(19)Amazon
CAT S22 Flip

CAT S22 Flip

4(147)Amazon
TCL 50 XL 5G

TCL 50 XL 5G

Rating:4.1(19)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology
Resolution:2460 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:5,010mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating
Dimensions:6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.88 oz (195 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included

✓ Pros:

  • Huge 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz display is rare for this price
  • Includes 18W charger, cable, and sometimes a case in the box
  • 6GB real RAM + 128GB storage is generous for the budget tier
  • Features NFC for contactless payments (often cut in budget phones)
  • Retains user-favorite 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion

✗ Cons:

  • Ultrawide camera is low resolution (5MP) and muddy
  • No official IP rating for water or dust resistance
  • Software support is minimal (only 1 OS update guaranteed)
  • Display brightness struggles in direct sunlight (~500 nits)
  • Video recording capped at 1080p (No 4K support)

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CAT S22 Flip

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

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Which one is better?

The TCL 50 XL 5G is the better buy for most people - its massive 6.78-inch display crushes the CAT S22 Flip's tiny screen. That said, grab the CAT S22 Flip if you need a rugged phone for hazardous conditions - it's built to survive tough environments.

Who should buy each?

Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you watch a lot of videos on-the-go, need a smooth gaming experience with 120Hz refresh, or want plenty of storage with 128GB.
Choose the CAT S22 Flip if: you work in explosive environments, prefer a physical keypad for texting, or need a user-replaceable battery for quick swaps. (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?

TCL 50 XL 5G excels if you value huge 6.78-inch fhd+ 120hz display is rare for this price. 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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