Why I Switched to a Flip Phone

Recently, I decided to switch to a flip phone as my daily driver. The main reason? To reduce my access to distracting apps and to be less available to those not incredibly close to me. While I believe willpower is the best defense against distractions, I see the flip phone as “training wheels” — a temporary tool to help me avoid distractions until I can do so without assistance.

I made a list of “non-negotiables” — things I wasn’t willing to give up to move to a flip phone. Here’s what made the cut:

  • A camera (even a low-quality one is fine)
  • GPS for real-time turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps
  • The ability to load music onto the phone

Nice-to-Haves:

  • Spotify (though I’d reluctantly use an SD card or wireless transfers if needed)
  • Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music
  • Voice-to-text input (I’m not fast at T9 typing)
  • Small and thin design

Meet the Cat S22 Flip

The Cat S22 Flip is an Android Go flip phone, designed by none other than the American construction company, Caterpillar Inc.. While it may seem odd for a construction company to make phones, they’ve carved out a niche for rugged, durable devices.

When comparing it to my list of non-negotiables and nice-to-haves, the Cat S22 Flip checks nearly every box — except for being “small and thin.” It’s a bit bulky. The camera is also quite basic, but it works. The phone’s GPS can handle turn-by-turn directions, it runs Spotify, has Bluetooth, and supports voice-to-text input or even swipe gestures on its small touchscreen.

One standout feature is that the Cat S22 Flip works seamlessly with Google Fi. I was able to transfer my SIM card from my Pixel 8 into the Cat S22 Flip, and everything — calls, texts, 3G, and LTE — worked flawlessly. This means I can easily swap back to my Pixel, even for a brief time, if I ever require the full power of a modern smartphone.

Runner-Up: Nokia 2780 Flip

Initially, I was considering the Nokia 2780 Flip. Unlike the Cat S22 Flip, the Nokia is a true “dumb phone,” running on the lightweight KaiOS platform instead of Android.

However, one major downside of KaiOS is that it generates income through ads — yes, even in system apps like the alarm clock. This approach didn’t sit well with me, so I decided against the Nokia 2780 Flip.

That said, if the occasional ad doesn’t bother you, the Nokia 2780 Flip does have some benefits. Since it’s a true dumb phone, you can’t install modern apps — which is a plus if your goal is to avoid distractions. It also boasts solid battery life, lasting 2-4 days on a single charge, depending on usage.

However, it’s worth noting that while the Nokia 2780 Flip can run a maps app, it doesn’t support real-time turn-by-turn directions.

Conclusion

The Cat S22 Flip is far from perfect, but it’s a refreshing change from today’s oversized smartphones. For just $64.94, I was able to try it out and see if the flip phone life is right for me. If you’re looking to simplify your tech and reduce distractions, it might be worth giving it a shot.