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 the occasional picture. That’s where these models come in. Flip phones have actually made a lot of progress in the last few years, and indeed, you can get a smart flip if you want one. Here are the best flip phones you can buy.

Why buy a flip phone, anyway?

The obvious reason is that they’re more portable — able to shrink their vertical size in half. They’re easy to slip into a bag or pocket, which you can’t necessarily say about top-of-the-line “candybar” smartphones, some of which have screens nearing seven inches (measured diagonally).

Flip phones are also less prone to accidental dialing and are often more fun to play with. Nothing’s quite as dramatic as slapping a phone shut to hang up a call, or as intuitive as flipping open to answer. Models with physical number pads tend to be more convenient for seniors or people with especially larger fingers.

What really makes traditional (non-smart) flip phones enticing is their simplicity. They do very few things but do them well, and usually with much less battery drain. It’s common to see flip phones with several weeks of battery life. On the other hand, you’re probably going to charge any of the best smartphones every night.

What’s the best Android flip phone?

To be clear, our rundown of the best flip phones below is about the classic style, by which 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 foldable displays and hefty prices.

That said, if you want an Android flip phone, you can check out our favorite ones in this list of the best foldable phones. If you want the TL;DR, we would say your best options right now are the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr Plus 2024. If you want something more affordable, the Motorola Razr 2024 is also a great option.

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 2780 Flip

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

Many of us remember the days when Nokia ruled the cellphone landscape. From unbreakable bricks to bright-colored devices, it was just the way to go. The Nokia 2780 Flip tries to recapture a little bit of that excitement. It’s a 4G LTE-enabled device with a 5MP camera and access to a few of the most popular modern apps, such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and Google Maps. You’ll be looking at these on a 2.7-inch internal display.

The 2780 Flip phone is available unlocked. In the US, you can use it with carriers like AT&T, Boost, Cricket, Metro, Simple Mobile, T-Mobile, Tracfone, and others.

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Plus

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

Another feature that keeps (some) flip phones near and dear to our hearts is their almost bulletproof durability. Kyocera’s DuraXV Extreme Plus is one tough gadget, to the point that it has MIL-STD-810H certification, something not many devices offer. Battery life is also amazing; the 1,770mAh battery can power the device for up to 56.8 hours of active usage, or over 18 days on standby.

It has a 5MP camera, LTE support, and a cool-looking design. This is also a Verizon-exclusive flip phone, which is an important factor to consider.

TCL Flip Pro

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

If you find yourself on an MVNO that offers it, TCL’s Flip Pro might be your best flip phone option. It sports a 1.44-inch external display, and a 2.8-inch internal screen when you need to get down to business. Notably you can recharge the Flip Pro via USB-C, or swap out its 1,850mAh battery any time you run low. We should note though that it has a 2MP primary camera, so don’t expect great photography.

Cat S22 Flip

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

The Cat S22 Flip is at least the best T-Mobile flip phone. That’s because this little rugged device runs Android (it uses Android Go Edition), so you can access the Google Play Store and all its apps. Its 2.8-inch screen will make apps feel cramped of course, so don’t expect an experience like a Samsung Z Flip. Instead, the Cat S22 Flip provides essential communications while offering smart functions 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 as Samsung’s return to the folding phone game, but that means you’ve probably forgotten about the Galaxy Folder 2. The phone launched in 2017, so it can be hard to find right now, but it launched with Android Marshmallow as well as a 3.8-inch display, a Snapdragon 425 processor, an 8MP primary camera, and a 5MP selfie shooter. That keeps its specs above some of the alternatives on this list.

Alcatel Go Flip 4

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

While it released in 2021, the Alcatel Go Flip 4 has all it needs to be among the best of its kind. A Snapdragon 215 processor provides ample power for its needs, and buttons are large, which puts this higher on the totem pole for seniors. It otherwise does the basics, which gives it an amazing battery life, up to 18 days on standby. It’s exclusive to T-Mobile/Metro in the US, 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.

Lively Jitterbug Flip 2

• What we like: Simple usability, nice design, and senior-focused features.

The Lively Jitterbug Flip 2 is made for seniors, and it offers a barebones experience. The device is simple to use, featuring a clean UI without clutter. The buttons are large, and battery life is estimated at 12 hours fo talk time. Additionally, there is a large emergency button that connects you to trained agents who can get you help ASAP.

Because it is a specialized device, it only works with Lively’s own plans, which start at $20 a month. The phone is also pretty affordable at just $80, and you can often find it discounted.

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 a nice touch, enabling up to 32GB. The phone includes a 2MP camera, FM radio, Bluetooth, 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.

Easyfone Prime A1 Pro

• What we like: Nice design, simple usability, SOS button, and long battery life.

The Easyfone Prime A1 Pro is made for the elderly. It has simple usability, large buttons that are easy to see, and an SOS button that can alert five contacts when an emergency strikes. The charging dock will make juicing up the phone easier, and battery life is pretty insane at about 96 hours of standby time per charge.

The device will come with a SpeedTalk Mobile SIM card, but the phone is also compatible with other carriers, including T-Mobile, Metro, and Tello.

FAQs