What classic-style Android flip phones work with Public Mobile that won't be bricked?

[handlewithcare]

Hi all,

I was curious about getting a Cat S22 flip, but there's a lot of mixed information online that seems to be ever-evolving around IMEI whitelists, parent companies shedding whitelists, 3G elimination in Canada, phones with VoLTE capabilities simply being disallowed, etc. Its been quite the adventure clicking around on old posts.

My question: are there any classic-style Android-based flip phones that won't be bricked with the halt of 3G? Telus only offers three at the moment, and the closest thing I can find right now is a TCL Flip 6. Unlike the Cat S22, however, you cannot use social media and other popular applications out of the box. Kai OS is not an option for my uses. Its not exactly easy trying to find a backlog of similar-styled phones that are no longer sold by the carrier and its subsidiaries, so that's why I'm asking here.

Thanks!

[handlewithcare]

Euf, they also can't check or know without an individual IMEI number. Love how telecom sets up support agents for success with few if any behind-the-scenes tools.

[hTideGnow · Accepted solution]

hi @handlewithcare 

Yes, CAT S22 will work on PM using 3G for voice calls

HOWEVER, the phone is not on PM's VoLTE whitelist and hence it won't work with VoLTE.  Yes, this is a concern when PM demission 3G in around 2 years (with the exception of Manitoba which the 3G will be gone by the end of this year)

Not too many traditional, non-smart,  flip phone has VoLTE.  At the moment, the only one I suggest is the TCL Flip phone, which has VoLTE and will be compatible on PM's network

[handlewithcare]

Support sent me this back if its of any help: https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte

I'm still curious what this means about the Cat S22 specifically.