Back in the day, flip phones were exclusively limited to feature phones — non-smartphones to us civilians. They focused on the basics: Call quality, text capabilities, and battery life, wrapped in an easy-to-use, reasonably priced, pocketable package. They were excellent as budget devices. Today, there are new flip phones on the block — smart flip phones that live on the cutting edge of technology, like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Sure, prices have gone up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score a great deal on a flip phone or flip feature phone. Flip phones are intuitive and simple, but offer plenty of variety. Your phone rings, you flip up the cover to answer. If you want to send a text, you flip up the cover and start typing. Most flip phones are designed to be used with one hand, though some also have a hands-free mode. Some flip phones feature a small touchscreen, while others have internal memory, support data plans, or sport a full QWERTY keyboard. The latest generation of flip phones lets you check notifications, the weather, and more, without even opening your phone.
Have we got you longing for a flip phone yet? Let’s take a look at a few of the best flip phones available today.
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Best retro style flip phone
Pros
- Truly compact
- Water resistance increases durability
- Beautiful screen
- Cutting-edge, eye-catching design
Cons
- One-day battery life
- Cover Screen lacks features
Why you should buy this: It’s compact, powerful, durable, and fun to use.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a flip phone with all the latest tech trimmings.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: It is the latest in the line of folding smartphones from Samsung, released alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It’s quite the beauty, and is available in seven colors.
This compact phone is constructed from the latest, toughest Armor Aluminum, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, and an IPX8 rating to add even more durability. Flip open that smooth, almost silent hinge to reveal a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate that feels buttery smooth. The 1.9-inch Super AMOLED panel on the front works great for checking notifications, the weather, and it means you don’t need to be constantly flipping your phone open.
Flex Mode lets you unfold the device at a 90-degree angle (or any angle you choose) to take hands-free selfies or make video calls, and with some apps — like Netflix — you can view video on the top half of the screen while adjusting controls on the bottom half. The Z Flip 3 has the same dual camera set up as the Z Flip 5G, with a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, plus a 10MP selfie camera. It’s a gorgeous phone, but it will set you back $1,000 and the battery life isn’t the greatest — that compact form houses a 3,300mAh cell that won’t last much longer than a single day, especially if you’re gaming on that beautiful screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Best retro style flip phone
Motorola
Motorola Razr (2020)
Best compact flip phone
Pros
- Splash resistance
- 3D curved glass on both sides
- Camera rocks a new 48-megapixel sensor
Cons
- Weaker processor for the price
Why you should buy this: Small size, convenient form factor, and updated connectivity make the Moto Razr 2020 a most appealing choice.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a streamlined, upscale flip phone, the Moto Razr 2020 should be in your pocket.
Why we chose the Motorola Razr (2020): Throwback favorites like the Alcatel Go Flip have been upstaged by the overhauled Motorola Razr, which is in a class by itself. This updated model is Motorola’s successor to the Razr 2019 and addresses many of the complaints about the older phone, including a lack of splash resistance. The Razr 2020, available unlocked, heavily resembles the look of the older model, with the same size, clamshell design, and dimensions, as well as the internal 6.2-inch 21:9 foldable display, external 2.7-inch Quick View display, and 5G connectivity.
It also runs the same software — though the Quick View display can now run any app, accomplish quick tasks, and reply to messages. The new device sports 3D curved glass on both sides with an aluminum frame in three new colors: Black, gold, and gray. The chin at the bottom is smoother and smaller, and the fingerprint sensor is now on the back of the phone. All of this goodness comes at a high price — it’ll cost you over $800 to try out this vision of the future.
Motorola Razr (2020)
Best compact flip phone
Alcatel Go Flip 3
Best popular brand flip phone
Pros
- Feature phone
- Simple to use
- 4G LTE compatibility
Cons
- No smart features
- Weak camera
Why you should buy this: No-nonsense service at a reasonable price.
Who it’s for: People who want the basics with a splash of style will love the popular model.
Why we chose the Alcatel Go Flip 3: As one of the most popular flip-phone models, the Alcatel Go Flip 3 offers an easy-to-use interface and intuitive keypad design for dialing and navigation. Powered by KaiOS, and sporting a 4G LTE connection, you can use this phone for email, calendar, web surfing, and, of course, calling and texting. It has a quad-core processor, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4GB of storage, and SD supports up to 32GB. There’s a 2.8-inch display, as well as an external display that lets you preview incoming calls, notifications, and messages. The battery provides about 17 days of standby time, with eight hours of talk time. It has a 2-megapixel camera you can use to capture still images and 720p HD video. All of this comes encased in a neat clamshell body. It’s available for Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Alcatel Go Flip 3
Best popular brand flip phone
LG B470 Flip Phone
Best pre-paid flip phone
Cons
- No smart features or apps
Why you should buy this: No-frills, pre-paid flip phone does the job alongside long battery life.
Who it’s for: AT&T customers who want a basic, low-cost, pre-paid, easy flip phone.
Why we chose the LG B470: If you’re looking for a flip phone with a few appealing extras, there’s the LG B470 prepaid basic flip phone, offering a 1.3MP camera with zoom and customizable effects, and built-in Bluetooth. It can even download and play multimedia files like video and music. The outer 0.98-inch display is monochrome, which helps extend its week-long battery life and lets you instantly read texts without having to actually flip the lid. A colorful 2.2-inch main display is accompanied by an enhanced audio mode that augments high frequencies. A text-to-speech feature reads texts aloud, a benefit for folks with vision issues. It works on AT&T.
LG B470 Flip Phone
Best pre-paid flip phone
Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Best phone for non-techies
Pros
- Great for seniors
- Easy to use
- Amazon Alexa
Cons
- Still limited in smart features
Why you should buy this: This easy-to-use phone delivers all the services needed for the elderly, infirm, or tech newcomers.
Who it’s for: This phone is designed for and directly appeals to older folks who may need medical services and those who are not technical.
Why we chose the Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors: Heavily advertised and promoted as the preferred phone for seniors, the Jitterbug Flip2 has numerous features that appeal to all cellphone newcomers and people who prefer a simpler, more limited device. A closed plan with Lively that does not work with other carriers, the Flip2 sports a large screen, big buttons, a powerful speaker, a simple list-based menu, and Amazon Alexa to make navigating the phone and placing calls a breeze. A dedicated urgent response button summons emergency help, nurses, and doctors. It has U.S.-based live customer service with no long-term contracts, so you can change plans anytime. Select from a minutes plan and Health & Safety Package — unlimited talk and text cost $20 per month. Lively has teamed up with Lyft to provide a car service — where an operator schedules a ride, day or night. It comes in gray or red.
Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Best phone for non-techies
Kyocera
Kyocera DuraXE Epic
Best rugged flip phone
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Big, easy to press buttons
- Waterproof
Cons
- Limited internal storage
- Weak camera
Why you should buy this: Kyocera is an old had in the cell phone arena and offers a small yet mighty flip phone to accompany you on your journeys to work or play.
Who it’s for: Folks who want a small, pocketable phone that withstand rigorous conditions.
Why we chose the Kyocera DuraXE Epic: A rugged flip phone that can survive some tough environments, Kyocera’s DuraXE Epic for AT&T promises to keep your connection live and easy to hear. This hardy specimen is military-grade waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and drop-proof up to five feet onto concrete. Its chamfered corners and reinforced hinge provide the ultimate protection and durability. It has 16GB of internal storage with a MicroSD card slot for up to 512GB of storage. Recessed sides and textured panels provide a secure grip. Loud 100+dB front-facing speakers deliver clear sound while dual-mic noise cancellation lets you hear in noisy surroundings. You get over nine hours of talk and 16 and 18 days of standby time, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Kyocera DuraXE Epic
Best rugged flip phone
ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone
Best cheap flip phone
Pros
- Good price
- FM radio
- Simple feature phone
Cons
- Weak camera
- No smart features
Why you should buy this: This is a basic phone that covers all the bases at a reasonable price.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a good performing flip phone that won’t break their bank account.
Why we chose the ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone: A moderately-priced, compact flipper, the ZTE Cymbal Z-320, unlocked and LTE-enabled, has some cool features. Start with a 2.8-inch main display and 1-inch external OLED display and pile on a modest 2MP camera and camcorder for the pocketable basics, accompanied by Bluetooth 4.1 and FM radio. It’s easy to use — the phone’s large buttons facilitate swift, accurate texting. When it comes to yakking, you get up to 15.5 hours of talk time and 195 hours of standby time.
ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone
Best cheap flip phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Why buy a flip phone?
With traditional flip phones, long battery life is one of the major advantages. The battery can last for a week or longer without a charge. If you’re truly old school and believe phones should strictly be for making calls, then a feature flip phone is for you. You’ll be able to focus on your call instead of spending time and battery life on social media apps or games. When you’re not on a call, your flip phone stays mainly offline and hidden from location services, beacons, and spyware. Plus, most flip phones don’t store or send personal data, so most hackers won’t bother with them compared to the wealth of data found in smartphones.
If you’re concerned with phone call quality, don’t worry — a good flip phone will give you a perfectly clear call experience. Some include Bluetooth capabilities so that you can use wireless earbuds and headsets with them. More traditional flip phones are especially loved by older customers because they don’t have to learn how to navigate through all of the different features, options, and pesky touch and swipe screen protocols, and can use a flip phone with buttons to make calls or write messages like they’re used to.
The latest flip phones appeal to a whole new generation of users with their novel folding form factor, dual screens, and quirky design. The latest flip phones are basically smartphones in a more compact package, making them ideal for the smallest pant or shirt pocket. Battery life may be a bit shorter than what you’re used to in modern flagships, particularly with phones like the Z Flip 3, where the battery powers two screens, with a 120Hz refresh rate. The foldable design is still novel and something that’s appealing to a younger generation who weren’t around the first time flip phones like the Motorola Razr hit the market. Modern flip phones like the Z Flip 3 also come in a rainbow array of colors to attract younger buyers.
Ultimately, the novelty of the folding form factor is as good a reason as any to choose a flip phone, but by buying one of the latest releases you’re also getting excellent specs too, and Samsung is clearly leading the folding phone revolution.
Which flip phones are best for older customers?
If you’re an older customer looking for an easy-to-use phone — or you’re buying a flip phone for an older family member — we recommend the Jitterbug Flip2, although any of the flip feature phones on our list should be relatively easy to set up and use. The Jitterbug Flip2 has a large, bright screen, a generous keypad, an earpiece that works with hearing aids, and a dedicated button to summon emergency help or car rides, a flashlight, and a camera.
What’s the best flip smartphone?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 has revolutionized the flip smartphone market and is an excellent choice if you want the latest, greatest flip phone. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 comes in seven colors, has an eye-catching design, and features a 6.7-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED screen. It also has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED Cover Screen for checking notifications and an IPX 8 rating for water resistance to boost durability.
Editors’ Recommendations
Back in the day, flip phones were exclusively limited to feature phones — non-smartphones to us civilians. They focused on the basics: Call quality, text capabilities, and battery life, wrapped in an easy-to-use, reasonably priced, pocketable package. They were excellent as budget devices. Today, there are new flip phones on the block — smart flip phones that live on the cutting edge of technology, like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Sure, prices have gone up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score a great deal on a flip phone or flip feature phone. Flip phones are intuitive and simple, but offer plenty of variety. Your phone rings, you flip up the cover to answer. If you want to send a text, you flip up the cover and start typing. Most flip phones are designed to be used with one hand, though some also have a hands-free mode. Some flip phones feature a small touchscreen, while others have internal memory, support data plans, or sport a full QWERTY keyboard. The latest generation of flip phones lets you check notifications, the weather, and more, without even opening your phone.
Have we got you longing for a flip phone yet? Let’s take a look at a few of the best flip phones available today.
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Best retro style flip phone
Pros
- Truly compact
- Water resistance increases durability
- Beautiful screen
- Cutting-edge, eye-catching design
Cons
- One-day battery life
- Cover Screen lacks features
Why you should buy this: It’s compact, powerful, durable, and fun to use.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a flip phone with all the latest tech trimmings.
Why we chose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: It is the latest in the line of folding smartphones from Samsung, released alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It’s quite the beauty, and is available in seven colors.
This compact phone is constructed from the latest, toughest Armor Aluminum, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, and an IPX8 rating to add even more durability. Flip open that smooth, almost silent hinge to reveal a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate that feels buttery smooth. The 1.9-inch Super AMOLED panel on the front works great for checking notifications, the weather, and it means you don’t need to be constantly flipping your phone open.
Flex Mode lets you unfold the device at a 90-degree angle (or any angle you choose) to take hands-free selfies or make video calls, and with some apps — like Netflix — you can view video on the top half of the screen while adjusting controls on the bottom half. The Z Flip 3 has the same dual camera set up as the Z Flip 5G, with a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, plus a 10MP selfie camera. It’s a gorgeous phone, but it will set you back $1,000 and the battery life isn’t the greatest — that compact form houses a 3,300mAh cell that won’t last much longer than a single day, especially if you’re gaming on that beautiful screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Best retro style flip phone
Motorola
Motorola Razr (2020)
Best compact flip phone
Pros
- Splash resistance
- 3D curved glass on both sides
- Camera rocks a new 48-megapixel sensor
Cons
- Weaker processor for the price
Why you should buy this: Small size, convenient form factor, and updated connectivity make the Moto Razr 2020 a most appealing choice.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a streamlined, upscale flip phone, the Moto Razr 2020 should be in your pocket.
Why we chose the Motorola Razr (2020): Throwback favorites like the Alcatel Go Flip have been upstaged by the overhauled Motorola Razr, which is in a class by itself. This updated model is Motorola’s successor to the Razr 2019 and addresses many of the complaints about the older phone, including a lack of splash resistance. The Razr 2020, available unlocked, heavily resembles the look of the older model, with the same size, clamshell design, and dimensions, as well as the internal 6.2-inch 21:9 foldable display, external 2.7-inch Quick View display, and 5G connectivity.
It also runs the same software — though the Quick View display can now run any app, accomplish quick tasks, and reply to messages. The new device sports 3D curved glass on both sides with an aluminum frame in three new colors: Black, gold, and gray. The chin at the bottom is smoother and smaller, and the fingerprint sensor is now on the back of the phone. All of this goodness comes at a high price — it’ll cost you over $800 to try out this vision of the future.
Motorola Razr (2020)
Best compact flip phone
Alcatel Go Flip 3
Best popular brand flip phone
Pros
- Feature phone
- Simple to use
- 4G LTE compatibility
Cons
- No smart features
- Weak camera
Why you should buy this: No-nonsense service at a reasonable price.
Who it’s for: People who want the basics with a splash of style will love the popular model.
Why we chose the Alcatel Go Flip 3: As one of the most popular flip-phone models, the Alcatel Go Flip 3 offers an easy-to-use interface and intuitive keypad design for dialing and navigation. Powered by KaiOS, and sporting a 4G LTE connection, you can use this phone for email, calendar, web surfing, and, of course, calling and texting. It has a quad-core processor, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4GB of storage, and SD supports up to 32GB. There’s a 2.8-inch display, as well as an external display that lets you preview incoming calls, notifications, and messages. The battery provides about 17 days of standby time, with eight hours of talk time. It has a 2-megapixel camera you can use to capture still images and 720p HD video. All of this comes encased in a neat clamshell body. It’s available for Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Alcatel Go Flip 3
Best popular brand flip phone
LG B470 Flip Phone
Best pre-paid flip phone
Cons
- No smart features or apps
Why you should buy this: No-frills, pre-paid flip phone does the job alongside long battery life.
Who it’s for: AT&T customers who want a basic, low-cost, pre-paid, easy flip phone.
Why we chose the LG B470: If you’re looking for a flip phone with a few appealing extras, there’s the LG B470 prepaid basic flip phone, offering a 1.3MP camera with zoom and customizable effects, and built-in Bluetooth. It can even download and play multimedia files like video and music. The outer 0.98-inch display is monochrome, which helps extend its week-long battery life and lets you instantly read texts without having to actually flip the lid. A colorful 2.2-inch main display is accompanied by an enhanced audio mode that augments high frequencies. A text-to-speech feature reads texts aloud, a benefit for folks with vision issues. It works on AT&T.
LG B470 Flip Phone
Best pre-paid flip phone
Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Best phone for non-techies
Pros
- Great for seniors
- Easy to use
- Amazon Alexa
Cons
- Still limited in smart features
Why you should buy this: This easy-to-use phone delivers all the services needed for the elderly, infirm, or tech newcomers.
Who it’s for: This phone is designed for and directly appeals to older folks who may need medical services and those who are not technical.
Why we chose the Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors: Heavily advertised and promoted as the preferred phone for seniors, the Jitterbug Flip2 has numerous features that appeal to all cellphone newcomers and people who prefer a simpler, more limited device. A closed plan with Lively that does not work with other carriers, the Flip2 sports a large screen, big buttons, a powerful speaker, a simple list-based menu, and Amazon Alexa to make navigating the phone and placing calls a breeze. A dedicated urgent response button summons emergency help, nurses, and doctors. It has U.S.-based live customer service with no long-term contracts, so you can change plans anytime. Select from a minutes plan and Health & Safety Package — unlimited talk and text cost $20 per month. Lively has teamed up with Lyft to provide a car service — where an operator schedules a ride, day or night. It comes in gray or red.
Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Best phone for non-techies
Kyocera
Kyocera DuraXE Epic
Best rugged flip phone
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Big, easy to press buttons
- Waterproof
Cons
- Limited internal storage
- Weak camera
Why you should buy this: Kyocera is an old had in the cell phone arena and offers a small yet mighty flip phone to accompany you on your journeys to work or play.
Who it’s for: Folks who want a small, pocketable phone that withstand rigorous conditions.
Why we chose the Kyocera DuraXE Epic: A rugged flip phone that can survive some tough environments, Kyocera’s DuraXE Epic for AT&T promises to keep your connection live and easy to hear. This hardy specimen is military-grade waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and drop-proof up to five feet onto concrete. Its chamfered corners and reinforced hinge provide the ultimate protection and durability. It has 16GB of internal storage with a MicroSD card slot for up to 512GB of storage. Recessed sides and textured panels provide a secure grip. Loud 100+dB front-facing speakers deliver clear sound while dual-mic noise cancellation lets you hear in noisy surroundings. You get over nine hours of talk and 16 and 18 days of standby time, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Kyocera DuraXE Epic
Best rugged flip phone
ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone
Best cheap flip phone
Pros
- Good price
- FM radio
- Simple feature phone
Cons
- Weak camera
- No smart features
Why you should buy this: This is a basic phone that covers all the bases at a reasonable price.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a good performing flip phone that won’t break their bank account.
Why we chose the ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone: A moderately-priced, compact flipper, the ZTE Cymbal Z-320, unlocked and LTE-enabled, has some cool features. Start with a 2.8-inch main display and 1-inch external OLED display and pile on a modest 2MP camera and camcorder for the pocketable basics, accompanied by Bluetooth 4.1 and FM radio. It’s easy to use — the phone’s large buttons facilitate swift, accurate texting. When it comes to yakking, you get up to 15.5 hours of talk time and 195 hours of standby time.
ZTE Cymbal Z-320 Flip Phone
Best cheap flip phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Why buy a flip phone?
With traditional flip phones, long battery life is one of the major advantages. The battery can last for a week or longer without a charge. If you’re truly old school and believe phones should strictly be for making calls, then a feature flip phone is for you. You’ll be able to focus on your call instead of spending time and battery life on social media apps or games. When you’re not on a call, your flip phone stays mainly offline and hidden from location services, beacons, and spyware. Plus, most flip phones don’t store or send personal data, so most hackers won’t bother with them compared to the wealth of data found in smartphones.
If you’re concerned with phone call quality, don’t worry — a good flip phone will give you a perfectly clear call experience. Some include Bluetooth capabilities so that you can use wireless earbuds and headsets with them. More traditional flip phones are especially loved by older customers because they don’t have to learn how to navigate through all of the different features, options, and pesky touch and swipe screen protocols, and can use a flip phone with buttons to make calls or write messages like they’re used to.
The latest flip phones appeal to a whole new generation of users with their novel folding form factor, dual screens, and quirky design. The latest flip phones are basically smartphones in a more compact package, making them ideal for the smallest pant or shirt pocket. Battery life may be a bit shorter than what you’re used to in modern flagships, particularly with phones like the Z Flip 3, where the battery powers two screens, with a 120Hz refresh rate. The foldable design is still novel and something that’s appealing to a younger generation who weren’t around the first time flip phones like the Motorola Razr hit the market. Modern flip phones like the Z Flip 3 also come in a rainbow array of colors to attract younger buyers.
Ultimately, the novelty of the folding form factor is as good a reason as any to choose a flip phone, but by buying one of the latest releases you’re also getting excellent specs too, and Samsung is clearly leading the folding phone revolution.
Which flip phones are best for older customers?
If you’re an older customer looking for an easy-to-use phone — or you’re buying a flip phone for an older family member — we recommend the Jitterbug Flip2, although any of the flip feature phones on our list should be relatively easy to set up and use. The Jitterbug Flip2 has a large, bright screen, a generous keypad, an earpiece that works with hearing aids, and a dedicated button to summon emergency help or car rides, a flashlight, and a camera.
What’s the best flip smartphone?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 has revolutionized the flip smartphone market and is an excellent choice if you want the latest, greatest flip phone. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 comes in seven colors, has an eye-catching design, and features a 6.7-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED screen. It also has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED Cover Screen for checking notifications and an IPX 8 rating for water resistance to boost durability.
Editors’ Recommendations