The best flip phones you can buy

Most people rely on smartphones to navigate their daily lives, but a high-powered, complicated device isn’t for everyone. Sometimes, you need a basic phone to place calls and take occasional pictures. That’s where these phones come in. Flip phones have come a long way in the last few years, with some now offering smart features. If you’re ready for a cheap upgrade, here are the best flip phones you can buy.

Why buy a flip phone, anyway?

Flip phones seemed antiquated a few years ago, but there’s a reason why they were the talk of the town at one point. They’re also making a comeback in a big way. What makes flip phones enticing? For starters, they are more portable and manageable when closed shut, as they technically reduce their size in half. These are easy to pocket, and that’s something we can’t say about most smartphones these days. In fact, they are getting larger.

Additionally, flip phones aren’t prone to accidental dialing. They also have a really fun design. Nothing is quite as dramatic as shutting a flip phone closed to hang up a call, or as intuitive as simply flipping it open to answer. Flip phones are just fun by nature.

The hidden number pad usually includes larger buttons, making flip phones great alternatives for seniors or people with larger fingers. But what really makes most traditional flip phones enticing is their simplicity. Unless you have a smart flip phone, these phones do very few things and do them very well. And because they can do so little, these devices aren’t as demanding on the battery. It’s common to see flip phones with several weeks of battery life — you can forget about charging them every single day.

What’s the best Android flip phone?

To be clear, our rundown of the best flip phones below is about the classic style flip phone. By that, we mean a phone that flips open to show a display on the top half and an old-fashioned keypad on the bottom. What we’re not covering here is the modern range of flip phones with a foldable screen and a hefty price, such as the OPPO Find N2 Flip. Despite strong new competition in the form of OPPO and the Motorola Razr Plus (2023), the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is still the best Android flip phone you can buy. 

The best flip phones:

Editor’s note: We’re not expecting too many new flip phones this year, but we’ll be sure to add them to our list if any launch.

Nokia 2760 Flip

• What we like: Great design, light smart capabilities, affordability.

We all remember the days when Nokia ruled the cellphone landscape. From unbreakable bricks to bright-colored devices, it was just the way to go. Now, the Nokia 2760 Flip is here to recapture a little bit of that excitement. It’s a 4G-enabled device with a 5MP camera and access to a few of the most popular apps. You can tap into YouTube, WhatsApp, and Google Maps right on the 2.8-inch internal display. Nokia’s 2760 Flip phone is available from Straight Talk and Tracfone in the USA, and it’s affordable.

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

• What we like: Great design, super rugged, fantastic battery life.

Another key feature that keeps flip phones near and dear to our hearts is their almost bulletproof durability. The ability to drop your phone and know that it would just brush off the damage is tough to find in modern devices. Kyocera’s DuraXV Extreme, on the other hand, is one tough gadget. It has a MIL-STD 810G certification and is the best Verizon flip phone you can get at the moment. Like Nokia, Kyocera’s tough phone is VoLTE-ready with limited app support. Additionally, the 1,770mAh battery offers nearly three weeks of standby time.

TCL Flip Pro

• What we like: Simple, MVNO compatibility, USB-C port, removable battery.

If you find yourself on a number of affordable MVNOs, TCL’s Flip Pro might be your best flip phone option. It packs a 1.44-inch external display to check your notifications with a 2.8-inch panel on the inside when you need to send messages. You can recharge the Flip Pro via USB-C, or swap out the 1,850mAh battery any time you run low. TCL’s flip phone comes ready for 4G LTE, though you can’t expect too much app support. It also carries a 2MP primary camera.

Cat S22 Flip

• What we like: Rugged construction, runs Android Go Edition.

The Cat S22 Flip is one of the best flip phones around. At the very least, it’s the best T-Mobile flip phone. That’s because this little rugged device is an Android flip phone (it uses Android Go Edition). You can access the Google Play Store and all its apps, so there’s nothing this phone can’t do compared to a regular Android phone. Of course, the 2.8-inch screen will feel cramped, so it’s not meant to be a main media consumption and connectivity tool. Instead, the Cat S22 Flip should provide essential communications while also providing smart connectivity in a pinch.

Samsung Galaxy Folder 2

• What we like: Gorgeous design, runs Android, mid-range specs.

You might think of the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip devices as Samsung’s return to the folding phone game, but you forget about the Galaxy Folder 2. This unique option is about as close as you’ll get to a smart flip phone with more style. It even shipped with Android Marshmallow on board. The phone launched in 2017, so it can be hard to find right now, but it’s packed with classic Samsung style. You get a 3.8-inch display, a Snapdragon 425 chipset, and an 8MP primary camera for your money, as well as a 5MP selfie shooter.

Alcatel Go Flip 4

• What we like: Simple design and usability, amazing battery life, affordable.

A good flip phone never goes out of style. While released in 2021, the Alcatel Go Flip 4 has all it needs to be among the best of its kind. The Snapdragon 215 processor provides ample power to its needs, it has inner and outer displays, and the buttons are large. It does the basics, has an amazing battery life (up to 18 days on standby), and is very affordable. It’s exclusive to T-Mobile and Metro in the USA, but it’s a great deal if you use that network.

Kyocera DuraXE Epic

• What we like: Great design, super rugged, amazing battery life.

Does this phone look familiar? That’s because it’s pretty much the same as Verizon’s Kyocera DuraXV Extreme. The Kyocera DuraXE Epic is the best AT&T flip phone you can currently get. It comes with an IP68 rating and MIL-STD-810H design. It also comes with push-to-talk, a loudspeaker, programmable buttons, large keys, and an external display for notifications. It’s meant to be used as a labor tool, so you know it will last you a long time.

Schok Classic Flip

• What we like: Simple usability, large display, USB-C port, customizable plates.

Another Classic Flip option is the Schok. It tops quite a few others on this list with a larger 3.2-inch internal display. Additionally, it’s GSM unlocked for North American carriers. The Schok Classic Flip even charges via USB-C, so you should be up and running in no time with the 1,660mAh battery at your disposal. You can even swap between red and blue detachable covers on the front and back for a slightly more customized look.

LG Classic Flip

• What we like: Long battery life, Durable design, expandable storage.

The LG Classic Flip is a reliable option with 4G LTE connectivity and a long-lasting battery. It’s also designed for durability and can withstand a bit of rough handling. The user-friendly interface, large buttons, and clear display make it accessible for all users, while the expandable storage is also a nice touch, albeit only up to 32GB. The phone includes a 2MP camera, FM radio, Bluetooth for connectivity, an SOS button for emergencies, and compatibility with hearing aids. As a Tracfone device, it’s compatible with various prepaid plans catering to different needs and budgets.

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