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.
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TCL 50 XL 5G

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: TCL 50 XL 5G vs CAT S22 Flip

TCL 50 XL 5G

CAT S22 Flip
| Criterion | TCL 50 XL 5G | CAT S22 Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(19)Amazon | ★4(147)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates | No guaranteed future OS/security updates (End of Life product) |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Qualcomm 215 Mobile Platform (QM215) — 1.3GHz Quad-core |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 308 |
RAM | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) | 2GB LPDDR3 |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) | 16GB eMMC 5.1 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 128GB) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 2.8" (Main) / 1.44" (External Cover) |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology | TFT LCD (Main), Gorilla Glass 5, Glove/Wet Finger Support |
Resolution | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) | 640 x 480 pixels (VGA - Main) / 128 x 128 pixels (Cover) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) | 400 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) | 5MP, Fixed Focus, Single LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | 4x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps | 2MP, Fixed Focus |
Battery | 5,010mAh (Typical) | 2,000mAh (User-Removable) |
Wired Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) | USB-C (Standard 5W-10W charging) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 4G LTE (T-Mobile/Metro optimized), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG supported) |
Durability | No official IP rating | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H; Non-Incendive Class 1 Div 2 (Hazardous Locations) |
Dimensions | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) | 4.70 x 2.40 x 0.91 in (119.4 x 61.0 x 23.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.88 oz (195 g) | 7.90 oz (224 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | None (No Fingerprint, No Face Unlock) |
Extras | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included | Programmable PTT (Push-to-Talk) Key, FM Radio, T9 Keyboard with Android Navigation Keys |
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TCL 50 XL 5G
✓ 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
✓ 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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