In this day and age, smartphones are all the rage. They have usurped the thrones previously held by MP3 players, maps, calculators, cameras, and even newspapers and magazines. That feat isn’t something that came out of the blue. Smartphones owe their rise to their previous form factors — the most iconic of those being flip phones.
Although flip phones have been replaced with smarter handsets, they still hold a special place in modern-day technology’s memory. If you wish to go back to a simpler time or just want the flair that comes with flip phones, here are the best ones to get right now.
If you want a flip phone that is both user-friendly and sleek, the Alcatel Go Flip 3 should be your go-to choice. Go Flip 3 runs on KaiOS 2.5 and boasts a 4G LTE connection. Much like smartphones, you can use this flip phone to access your email, calendar, and even surf the web in addition to calls and texts. It also comes equipped with Google Assistant, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a built-in GPS.
Design-wise, the Go Flip 3 boasts a 2.8-inch screen on the underside of the swiveling cover. It also has a 1.44-inch display on top of the cover, which lets you see incoming calls, messages, and other notifications. As expected, the camera is not advanced for it’s just 2MP. Still, it gets the job done and you can even record 720p HD video. Under the hood, it has a quad-core processor and 4 GB of storage with an expandable SD of up to 32GB. The battery is formidable, supporting up to eight hours of calls and lasting 16 days on standby.
You can get the Go Flip 3 from Alcatel’s official website.
Another Alcatel entry on this list is the MyFlip, which comes with 4G LTE connectivity. The interface on this flip phone is very intuitive, which means even the elderly will not have a hard time navigating through the apps. Just like the Go Flip 3, this Alcatel flip phone comes with a quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and up to 32GB of storage. You can connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and listen to FM radio too!
For the display, the MyFlip sports a 2.8-inch main screen and an outer display where you can see notifications of incoming calls and texts. It also has a 2MP rear camera and a 1,350mAh battery, which will last a long time without needing to charge again — perfect for those who always lose their chargers.
You can get the Alcatel MyFlip on Amazon for a very affordable price.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip outshined its controversial predecessor Galaxy Fold in style and durability. No wonder it’s among the best Samsung phones to buy nowadays.
The gadget comes with a more conventional design — the vertical fold that nostalgic flip phones had. However, it flips a touchscreen open to reveal no seam. The Galaxy Z Flip boasts a 6.7-inch display, dual 12MP rear cameras, a 10MP front camera, and all the right frills and extras. Taking a look under the hood will reveal a Snapdragon 855+ chipset and a 3,300mAh battery. It also runs on Android 10 out of the box.
Understandably so, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip remains one of the most expensive flip phones in today’s market. However, it’s still very much trendy despite its price and the rise of its newer (and costlier) iteration, the Galaxy Z Flip 3. It’s a great entry point to contemporary flip phones if you’re not ready to jump into later models with skyrocketing prices. So, get this Samsung flip phone on Amazon now.
For those who are particularly clumsy, the Kyocera DuraXE LTE is the flip phone to beat. It has a rugged outer appearance that can sustain serious damage even when accidentally dropped multiple times. This model is shock-, dust-, and water-resistant. For this reason, it is also the best flip phone for those who lead an active lifestyle.
The Kyocera DuraXE LTE boasts 2.6 and 1.08-inch screens on the underside and top of the flip cover, respectively. There is also a 1,500mAh battery under the hood, which can give you up to 9.4 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time. It comes with a 5MP rear camera, which also lets you capture video. In terms of memory, there is 1GB of RAM and a microSD slot that supports up to 32GB.
You can purchase the Kyocera DuraXE LTE on Amazon.
LG B470
If you are looking for a simple flip phone that brings back old memories, then the LG B470 is the one for you.
This LG flip phone showcases a 1-inch monochrome screen when folded and reveals a 2.2-inch main display when unfolded. It also has a 950mAh battery under the hood and a 1.3MP single camera. This handset also supports Bluetooth and a text-to-speech feature — perfect for those who have trouble reading texts.
All in all, the LG B470 does not have a lot of bells and whistles. It lacks Wi-Fi connectivity nor does it support fast data speeds. However, it is a simple flip phone that manages to accomplish what you need it to.
You can purchase the LG B470 on Amazon today.
If you were alive in the early 2000s, then chances are, you came across the iconic Motorola Razr V3. The Motorola Razr 2019 is the improved version of that classic model. This updated version sports a very similar design on the outside. But, when you flip it open, it transforms into a smartphone unlike any other. The screen opens up into a wide 6.2-inch touchscreen display with no visible seam.
Under the hood, this Motorola flip phone runs on a Snapdragon 710 chipset, has 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a fast-charging 2,510mAh battery. It also comes with Android 9.0 Pie out of the box and integrates a front-facing camera that boasts 5MP, while the rear camera delivers 16MP.
As a smartphone, there are better ones out there. However, as a smart flip phone, the Motorola Razr 2019 certainly gives you a stylish edge and a satisfying snap.
Being released more recently than many of the entries on the list, the Motorola Razr 2019 is also on the pricey side of the flip phones market.
Back in the day, Nokia phones held the highest position in the market. But do not count them out just yet. With the Nokia 2720 V Flip, you have got a great flip phone that is perfect for minimalists. With its simple yet chic design and lightweight feel, the Nokia 2720 V Flip is a great backup device for your main mobile phone.
When it comes to specs, the Nokia 2720 V Flip runs on KaiOS and a Snapdragon 205 chipset. It also boasts 4G LTE connectivity, a 2.8-inch main display, and a 1.3-inch secondary screen. The gadget does not have as many apps as modern-day flip phones, but the minimal features are intentional. With this Nokia flip phone, you can de-clutter your life and focus on the most important things.
NUU F4L
If you want affordable flip phones that run on Android, consider getting the NUU F4L. This powerhouse of a smart flip phone runs on a 1,350mAh battery and a quad-core processor. It integrates a 2.8-inch main screen and a 1.77-inch secondary display for notifications. It also boasts Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 4G connectivity, so you can stay online in a pinch.
Additionally, the NUU F4L features 2MP rear and 0.3MP front-facing cameras. And to save captured media and run its functions, the flip phone has 4GB built-in storage and 512MB RAM. You can add a microSD card that’s up to 64GB if you need extra space.
Interested? You can purchase the NUU F4L directly from its website.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold, despite its first version’s durability being controversial, truly marked the comeback of flip phones.
It touted groundbreaking specs on its launch, such as its whopping 7.3-inch display that collapses on the horizontal. The cover screen measures 4.6 inches. With massive display size and compatibility with the Samsung S-Pen, the said Samsung flip phone is basically a tablet.
Also notable is the gadget’s 10MP selfie camera and dual front camera (10 and 8MP). For its rear camera, the Samsung Galaxy Fold boasts a triple setup: a 16MP ultra-wide lens, and 12MP wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Moreover, the flip phone is also equipped with a 4,380mAh dual battery with fast charging capabilities. As regards memory, it has 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It also ships with Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, but you can easily upgrade it to Android 10.
Later iterations even tout more powerful specs but for a higher price point. Whether you want the original or relaunched Galaxy Fold to save money or the newer and more expensive Galaxy Fold 3, owning a flip phone from this revolutionary line is fulfilling.
If you want a nostalgic Samsung flip phone with a vertical flip, the Galaxy Folder 2 is the one for you. This classic handset showcases a sleek and chic design. It also boasts a 3.8-inch screen, a 5MP selfie camera, and an 8MP main camera.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Folder 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 425 chipset, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and a removable 1,950mAh battery. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as dual-SIM functionality. In terms of memory, you get 2GB RAM with 16GB of internal storage, which you can upgrade via a microSD card.
All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 is an impeccable flip phone you should get hold of.
For a rugged design with a Samsung logo, the Samsung Rugby 4 is perfect. It has a 1.3-inch external display, expandable memory, a 3MP camera, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Apart from its standard specs, what truly sets the Rugby 4 apart is its durable hardware and design. It is one of the best flip phones to get if you are into sports or love adventure. With its strong exterior, water resistance, and a decent battery, you can bet the Samsung Rugby 4 will last you a good long while.
SONIM XP3
With good features and a relatively affordable price, the SONIM XP3 is worth adding to your bucket list. This flip phone comes with a 2.6-inch display, 8GB of storage, and LTE support. It also has a 1,500mAh removable battery, which boasts a talk time of up to eight hours. As for the design, there is nothing surprising about it. If you like a classic look, this handset will not disappoint. However, what really makes the SONIM XP3 unique is that it doubles as a two-way radio — perfect for all-around communication.
You can get the SONIM XP3 on Sprint and AT&T.
ZTE Z223
If you want a budget-friendly flip phone with decent specs, the ZTE Z223 should top your list. This handy and reliable flip phone boasts a 2-inch display, a 0.3MP single camera, a 900mAh battery, and built-in Bluetooth connectivity. It does not offer a lot of extras and features, but it certainly gets the job done well.
On the downside, the gadget does not support Wi-Fi connectivity and has a relatively thicker body. However, if you can get past those shortcomings, then the ZTE Z223 should make for a great flip phone. It is also compatible with AT&T, Spring, and Verizon.
Get the ZTE Z223 on Amazon today.
Flip Phones Are Still ‘In’
Flip phones aren’t fading into memory yet — thanks to industry leaders’ advancements (e.g. foldable screens) and the undying legacy of nostalgic brands. So, whether you want a modern flip phone or a classic one, you can still be trendy nowadays. Let your choice transport you back to the height of flip phones in the early 2000s or take you a step further into the future.
