Flip phones were formerly only available as feature phones, or what we common people call non-smartphones.
They concentrated on the essentials: call quality, texting capabilities, and battery life, all in a user-friendly, pocketable design that was also fairly priced.
They made great low-cost gadgets. These days, there are a number of smart flip phones that are at the forefront of technology, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Even though costs have increased, flip phones and flip feature phones are still quite affordable. Flip phones are easy to use and basic, yet they come in a wide range.
You open the cover to answer the phone when it rings. You lift the cover to send a text message and begin typing.
Although some flip phones offer a hands-free mode, the majority of flip phones are designed to be operated with one hand.
While some flip phones have a tiny touchscreen and accept data plans, others have internal memory and a full QWERTY keyboard.
The newest flip phones allow you to monitor alerts, the weather, and other things without ever opening the device.
What to Consider When Buying a Flip Phone
COMPATIBILITY
The most crucial thing to look for when buying a flip phone is compatibility with your wireless provider. Buying a “unlocked” phone is the quickest method to do this.
This indicates that the phone is not bound by a particular carrier or contract. With an unlocked phone, you may use almost any carrier’s SIM card to obtain service, which is useful if you decide to move mobile service providers or are travelling.
Unable to purchase an unlocked phone? No problem! I took care to include prepaid carriers among the main U.S.-based carriers for which I have model recommendations.
CONNECTIVITY
You should choose a flip phone with compatibility for fourth generation long-term evolution (4G LTE) connection, in my opinion.
Even if some use 3G networks, you must obtain a 4G phone since most carriers are in the process of decommissioning their 3G networks.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, older mobile phones that utilise 3G and 2G will not be able to receive calls or texts, even to 911. These phones are believed to be devices from 2012 or before.
The 3G network of AT&T was actually discontinued in February 2022. In July and December 2022, respectively, T-Mobile and Verizon are anticipated to follow suit.
The federal Lifeline Program gives qualified customers a discount on wireless or internet service if you or a loved one is worried about being able to pay for a new gadget or cellular phone bill.
How We Chose
Our suggested devices include long-lasting batteries (stated below in talk time hours) and essential features like Bluetooth and a memory card slot.
Additionally, we made care to emphasise how user-friendly flip phones are. Some of our top options even have voice assistants, GPS, and MP3 players integrated into them to give them a more contemporary feel.
We also provided alternatives for different price ranges since flip phones come in a wide range of prices.
These are the top flip phones available right now whether you desire simplicity, nostalgia, or simply a vacation from your smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Reasons to purchase this: It’s discrete, strong, long-lasting, and enjoyable.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a competent flip phone that fits in their pocket.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 was our choice because: It was unveiled with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 as the newest in Samsung’s series of folding smartphones. It’s a gorgeously little smartphone that has a lot of power.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers an almost perfect balance of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It has a flatter, more streamlined look than its predecessor, and its Corning Gorilla Victus+ back and Armor Aluminum frame will protect it from accidents.
Once it is opened, you will be treated to a stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels.
You may examine the 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display for alerts and other bite-sized information while keeping the phone closed.
Although the phone may be visually appealing, it is also quite powerful, with the most recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU.
Because of its 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough to perform 99.9% of the tasks you’ll throw at it, customers will not only have one of the most aesthetically pleasing Androids available, but also one of the most powerful.
The reintroduction of Flex Mode allows you to set the half-folded phone up at an angle, with one app running in the top half of the screen and a control panel open in the bottom half, among other fascinating unique features.
As if that weren’t enough, the triple-lens camera system on the Z Flip 4 is excellent for capturing shots in ordinary situations and provides enough flexibility to take more specialised photos.
It’s adequate on its own and when coupled with a respectable 3,700mAh battery, the phone becomes the whole package.
Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Reasons to purchase this: This user-friendly phone provides all the services required for the elderly, the disabled, or tech novices.
Who it’s for: This phone is made for elderly people who may want medical assistance and who are not technologically savvy.
The Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors was our choice because: The Jitterbug Flip2 includes several characteristics that appeal to all smartphone beginners and persons who want a simpler, more constrained device, while being heavily touted and promoted as the best phone for elders.
The Flip2 has a closed Lively plan that is incompatible with other carriers, a huge screen, big buttons, a loud speaker, a straightforward list-based UI, and Amazon Alexa to make using the phone and making calls easy.
There is an urgent response button that calls for physicians, nurses, and emergency assistance. With no long-term commitments and live customer support headquartered in the United States, you may alter your plans at any moment.
Choose between a minutes plan and a Health & Safety Package for $20 per month for unlimited talk and text. Lively and Lyft have partnered to provide a vehicle service where a driver may be scheduled at any time of day or night.
It is offered in red or grey.
Kyocera DuraXE Epic
Reasons to purchase this: A seasoned player in the mobile phone industry, Kyocera provides a compact yet powerful flip phone to take with you to work or play.
Who it’s for: People who want a compact, rugged phone that fits in their pocket.
Why the Kyocera DuraXE Epic was selected: The DuraXE Epic flip phone from Kyocera for AT&T claims to keep your connection active and clear of background noise.
It can withstand some challenging circumstances. This tough specimen can withstand drops of up to five feet onto concrete and is military-grade waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and resilient.
The maximum level of protection and durability is provided by its chamfered corners and strengthened hinge. With a MicroSD card slot, it can add up to 512GB of storage to its 16GB of internal storage.
A firm grip is provided by the recessed sides and the textured surfaces. Clear music is produced by loud 100+dB front-facing speakers, and dual-mic noise suppression allows you to hear in noisy environments.
You get Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as more than nine hours of conversation time and 16 or 18 days of standby time.
Alcatel Go Flip 3
Reasons to purchase this: Service with no bullshit and a fair price.
Who it’s for: Fans of the well-liked design will like it if they want the essentials with a dash of flare.
Why the Alcatel Go Flip 3 was selected: The Alcatel Go Flip 3, one of the most well-known flip-phone models, has a simple user interface with a logical keypad design for calling and navigating.
You may use this phone for email, calendar, web browsing, and, of course, calling and messaging. It runs KaiOS and has a 4G LTE connection.
It boasts a quad-core CPU, integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 4GB of storage with compatibility for up to 32GB of SD cards.
An external display that you may use to preview incoming calls, alerts, and messages is available in addition to the internal 2.8-inch display.
Eight hours of conversation time and 17 days of standby time are provided by the battery. It contains a 2-megapixel camera that you may use to record 720p HD video in addition to still photographs.
This is all packaged in a stylish clamshell body. It is accessible for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile customers.
ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone
Reasons to purchase this: This is a straightforward phone with all the essential features at a fair price.
Who it’s for: Anyone seeking for an affordable flip phone with decent performance.
The reasons we choose on the ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone The ZTE Cymbal Z-320 is a reasonably priced, little flip phone that supports LTE and has several intriguing features.
Start with a 2.8-inch main display and a 1-inch external OLED display, then add a small 2-megapixel camera and camcorder, along with Bluetooth 4.1 and FM radio, for the minimum necessities that fit in the pocket.
It’s simple to use; the phone’s big buttons make sending quick, precise texts effortless. Up to 15.5 hours of talk time and 195 hours of standby time are available while yakking.