Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Flip Phone is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.
- The top criteria to consider when choosing a flip phone is ease of use, durability, battery life, and portability.
- When choosing a phone, it’s important to understand whether it’s compatible with your chosen network.
While flip phones may be perceived as remnants of a bygone era, their enduring durability and simplicity of use continue to make them valuable tools in certain contexts.
With their sturdy construction and user-friendly interface, flip phones offer a reliable and straightforward communication experience. These devices are particularly well-suited for individuals who value simplicity and resilience in their devices. Even though advancements in technology have led to improvements in the resilience of conventional smartphones, they still can’t match the simple practicality that flip phones offer. Here are our top picks for flip phones.
- Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Flip Phone
- Easiest to Use: Nokia 2780 Flip Phone
- Best Upgrade: Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone
- Most Affordable Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
- Most Affordable: TracFone My Flip 2
- Most Durable Smartphone: Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone
- Most Durable: Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone
#1 Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Flip Phone
- 6.7" screen size
- 8GB | 128GB | 256GB
- 12 MP camera
- Water resistant in up to 5' of water for 30 minutes
- 3,700mAh battery for ultra-fast charging
For those seeking a smartphone with a flip design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 stands out as the best choice. This phone boasts a compact and sleek design yet manages to accommodate an impressive 6.7-inch screen and advanced durability features, including resistance to water.
Beyond its visual appeal and durability, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers a range of advanced features, including the ability to view multiple screens simultaneously and personalize the cover screen according to your preferences.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Camera | 12-MP wide and 12-MP ultra-wide rear; 10-MP front |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s compact without sacrificing screen size. | While it has more advanced features, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 also requires a greater investment than most other flip phones. |
| Users have the ability to view multiple screens at once. | |
| It’s possible to personalize the external screen to include only what’s relevant to the user. | |
| Consistent with IPX rating, it is water resistant in up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. |
Check out Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Flip Phone on Amazon.
#2 Easiest to Use: Nokia 2780 Flip Phone
- 512 MB Memory, 4G
- 5MP camera
- Up to 18 days of standby time from a single charge
- Enhanced accessibility with bigger buttons
- Hearing aid compatibility and real-time text (RTT)
Among the range of available flip phone options, the Nokia 2780 stands out as the most user-friendly. Due to its straightforward display and large, well-spaced buttons, the user experience is likely to be struggle-free.
Similar to the LG Classic Flip, the Nokia 2780 Flip features a dedicated emergency button. During an emergency, users can press a button which automatically dials a predetermined contact. This can provide added peace of mind and swift access to help when needed.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 512 MB |
| Cellular Technology | 4G |
| Camera | 5 MP |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The simple design ensures ease of use. | 512 MB of memory may be considered quite limited by today’s standards. |
| SOS button provides a sense of security and immediate access to assistance when required. | |
| An extended battery life allows for fewer charges. |
Check out Nokia 2780 Flip Phone on Amazon.
#3 Best Upgrade: Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone
- 8GB memory
- 4.25'' x 2.17'' x 0.7'’
- 2MP fixed focus camera
- Up to 6 hours of talk time
The Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone is a standout choice for Best Upgrade because it’s simple while maintaining some modern features. One of its notable features is the SOS functionality, which can be especially useful for anyone who requires an added layer of personal security. By pressing the SOS button on the back panel, you can quickly send your location to a designated contact.
While the camera resolution may be modest at 2 megapixels, it still allows for capturing essential moments and basic photography needs.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 8 GB |
| Cellular Technology | 4G |
| Camera | 2 MP |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The SOS functionality provides an added layer of personal security. | The camera quality hinders the ability to capture high-quality images. |
| Its user-friendly interface is easy to navigate. | |
| The compact and sleek design makes it highly portable. |
Check out Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone on Amazon.
#4 Most Affordable Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
- 128GB | 256GB
- 5G
- 3300mAh battery for ultra-fast charging
- 12MP rear camera | 10 MP front camera
- 6.7" AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is an affordable smartphone that combines advanced features with a foldable design. When unfolded, it reveals a 6.7-inch display, providing an immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate allows you to seamlessly scroll, swipe, and interact with content. Additionally, the device intelligently adjusts its refresh rate to optimize for different types of content, enhancing the overall visual experience.
While the Galaxy Z Flip3 delivers an exceptional user experience, its battery capacity necessitates more frequent charging. However, it’s important to highlight that the device’s 3,300mAh battery charges rapidly, mitigating the impact of its limited battery capacity.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Camera | 12 MP |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compared to other smartphones, its affordable. | You may need to charge this phone more frequently than other options. |
| The larger screen offers an enhanced viewing experience. | |
| The storage capacity provides ample space for storing apps, photos, videos, and other files. | |
| Its 3,300mAh battery charges quickly. |
Check out Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 on Amazon.
#5 Most Affordable: TracFone My Flip 2
- 2.8" Internal Screen; 1.44" External Preview Display
- Internal Memory 4GB; 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi capable; Bluetooth capable
- 2MP camera & video recorder
- Supports Micro SD memory card up to 32GB
- SOS Button
The TracFone My Flip 2 is an affordable and reliable option that will meet your basic communication needs without sacrificing essential features. With a sleek design measuring at 4.13″ x 2.08″ x 0.75″, this phone is compact and stylish.
Equipped with 4G LTE connectivity, the TCL Flip2 allows you to browse the internet, access social media platforms, and check emails using a built-in browser.
Notably, the TCL Flip2 is renowned for its remarkable battery life, which provides several days of usage under normal conditions. That said, it’s important to consider that the device has a lower-resolution camera and limited storage capacity compared to other available options.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 4 GB |
| Cellular Technology | 4G LTE |
| Camera | 2 MP |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s budget-friendly. | The camera can’t capture high-quality images. |
| The battery life allows several days of usage without the need for a charge. | It has less storage capacity than other options. |
| The compact size makes it pocket friendly. |
Check out TracFone My Flip 2 on Amazon.
#6 Most Durable Smartphone: Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone
- Internal and external displays
- MIL-STD-810H protection
- Removable battery
- Android 11 GO Edition
The Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone is an ideal choice for those who want a durable smartphone with a flip design. It’s designed to be user-friendly, featuring large, physical buttons and a highly responsive touch screen, which allows for easy navigation even when using wet fingers or gloves. Additionally, its powerful speakers ensure clear audio, enabling efficient communication for those who have difficulty hearing or for those who find themselves in loud settings.
In terms of durability, the Cat S22 meets rigorous military-grade standards, offering exceptional damage resistance against drops, shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. It boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it impervious to dust, dirt, and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 35 minutes. This level of protection not only ensures the phone can handle outdoor activities but also allows for the rigors of thorough washing.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| Cellular Technology | 4G LTE |
| Camera | Rear Camera: 5MP | Front Camera: 2MP |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Due to its durable design, it is exceedingly damage resistant. | This model has a smaller screen and lower display resolution compared to other options. |
| It offers a user-friendly experience, catering to those who prefer simplicity. | |
| Powerful speakers facilitate clear communication in noisy environments. |
Check out Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone on Amazon.
#7 Most Durable: Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone
- 2GB RAM with expandable memory up to 512GB
- Large removable 1770mAh battery for full-day operation
- Front-facing speakers and dual-mic noise cancellation for a crystal-clear hearing experience
- Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to 10 devices
- Dust-safe and waterproof for up to 30 minutes in 6.5' of water
- Drop-proof from up to 5'
The DuraXV Extreme is the ultimate choice for those who want the most durable flip phone on the market. This exceptional device is engineered to withstand drops, shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, dust, and water immersion, ensuring functionality even under the most challenging conditions.
It is equipped with noise cancellation technology, which minimizes background noise and enhances the clarity of voice calls. Additionally, the DuraXV Extreme provides excellent signal reception, allowing you to stay connected even in areas with weak network coverage.
The phone’s weight may be considered slightly heavy (6.8 oz) compared to its compact size (4.36″ x 2.22″ x 1.07″), but we believe it doesn’t detract from its overall appeal. The additional weight is attributed to its larger battery, a feature that allows the phone to maintain power for extended periods (9.5 hours talk time / 18 days standby).
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| Cellular Technology | 4 G |
| Camera | 5 MP |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s virtually indestructible, even without a case. | Having a larger battery makes it a bit heavy. |
| The impressively long battery life allows you to talk for up to 9.5 hours, or 18 days of standby time. | |
| Thanks to its noise cancellation technology, background noise is effectively minimized. |
Check out Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Flip Phone: Step by Step
When choosing a flip phone, these are the main criteria to consider:
- Ease of use
- Durability
- Battery life
- Portability
Let’s review these options in more detail.
Ease of Use
Flip phones are typically simple and easy to use, which can be an asset for individuals wanting a straightforward and user-friendly experience.
Durability
For those who work in demanding environments or simply for those who are prone to dropping, flip phones can be an excellent choice because they typically stand up well to daily wear and tear.
Battery life
A flip phone will typically have a longer battery life because it expends less energy powering your phone. This can be advantageous because users can rely on their phones for longer periods of time without the need to charge.
Portability
Since flip phones are intended to be portable, they are often chosen for their size. If portability is an important factor for you, opting for a sleek or compact flip phone would be best.
What to Know Before Buying
Many phones come “locked,” which means that they are tied to a specific carrier or network. Likewise, an “unlocked” phone is not tied to a specific carrier or network.
If you purchase a locked phone, it will only work with its associated carrier.
To ensure compatibility, verify that the flip phone you’re considering is either unlocked or compatible with your chosen network.
Using Flip Phones: What It’s Like
Using a flip phone is a great way to stay connected while also reducing time spent online. By embracing the simplicity of a flip phone, you’ll experience fewer distractions and regain valuable energy to focus on what matters. Because of its compact size and the ability to physically close it, a flip phone will allow you to feel more intentional and deliberate about its usage. Its design serves as a reminder to mindfully engage with technology, rather than constantly facing a screen that urges us to scroll endlessly.
Up Next…
- The 6 Best Phones for Seniors Worth Buying Today
- The 6 Best Apps Worth Downloading Today
- The 6 Best Compact Cameras Today
Summary Table
| Rank | Flip Phone | Cellular Technology |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Best Overall | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Flip Phone | 5G |
| #2 Best for Seniors | Nokia 2720 Flip Phone | 4G |
| #3 Best Upgrade | Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone | 4G |
| #4 Most Affordable Smartphone | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 | 5G |
| #5 Most Affordable | TracFone My Flip 2 | 4G LTE |
| #6 Most Durable Smartphone | Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone | 4G LTE |
| #7 Most Durable | Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone | 4 G |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Wako Megumi/Shutterstock.com.
