Nothing has been making a bigger comeback than some good old-fashioned nostalgia, and technology is no exception. Sure, smartphones are great, but today's biggest tech manufacturers have also brought back the flip phone — and they're better than ever! Whether you already have a smartphone and just want to go back to the good old days, or if you just prefer the durability, simplicity, and affordability that flip phones offer, we're here to help you pick the best one.
Unfortunately, flip phones still aren't as common as they once were, but I've researched and compared every option available on the market today and narrowed down the best of the best below.
When shopping for a flip phone, the most important factor to consider is that your device is compatible with your wireless carrier. The easiest way to do this is to purchase an “unlocked” phone. This means the phone isn’t tied to a specific carrier or contract. Having an unlocked phone is also convenient in the event you decide to switch cell phone providers, or if you’re traveling: You can pop in practically any carrier’s SIM card to get service. Can’t find an unlocked phone to buy? No sweat! I made sure to recommend models for every major U.S.-based carrier, including prepaid providers.
Connectivity
I strongly recommend you opt for a flip phone that supports fourth generation long-term evolution (4G LTE) connectivity. Despite the fact that several utilize 3G networks, it's imperative that you get a 4G phone because most carriers are shutting down their 3G networks. Older cell phones (likely models from 2012 or earlier) that use 3G won't be able to receive calls or text, including to 911, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon announced they will shut down their 3G networks by February, March, and December 2022, respectively. If you or a loved one is concerned about being able to afford a new device or cellular phone bill, the federal Lifeline Program provides a discount on wireless or internet service to consumers who quality.
How We Chose
Our recommended models offer strong battery life and necessary features like a memory card slot and Bluetooth. We also made sure to highlight flip phones that are easy to use. Some of our recommended picks are even equipped with built-in voice assistants, GPS, and MP3 players to make them feel more modern. And since flip phones vary greatly in price, we included options for all budgets.
If you're seeking simplicity, craving a dose of nostalgia, or just want a break from your smartphone, these are the best flip phones you can buy today.
The Nokia 2720 has a lot going for it. It's simple to use, is stylish, and delivers a long-lasting battery time of around three weeks. The flip phone packs a bright, 2.8-inch internal display and loudspeaker, so you won't have any issues hearing calls, either. On the outside of the device, you'll find a monochrome 1.3-inch display for screening incoming calls or sneaking a quick glance at messages without opening the phone.
It works with 4G networks, so you can ensure you'll be able to use this device for years to come. Not only that, it's one of the few flip phones that works with Wi-Fi, and packs apps including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google Maps. Since it's unlocked, you can use it on any network.
This is one of the best, most modern flip phones you can buy. It has a 2.8-inch display, a quad-core processor, and built-in GPS. Its outer display lets you get a glimpse at your incoming calls and messages. Additionally, the battery gets an impressive 16 days of standby time.
A 2MP camera is capable of capturing video in HD, and because the phone has 4G LTE, you can still send videos to your friends without the slow speeds of past-generation 2G or 3G networks.
Pro tip: If you don’t mind buying a refurbished phone, you can get the prepaid TracFone MyFlip for just $10 on Amazon!
The GO FLIP V is one of the newest flip phones on the market. Unfortunately, at the time of publishing, it is a Verizon Wireless exclusive — meaning you can't use it with any other providers. Its 2MP camera is capable of capturing 720p HD videos. The phone is also equipped with 8GB of storage, which should be plenty for most users.
If you want to store more photos, videos, or music, it offers a MicroSD card slot. It's also one of the few flip phones that can create a Wi-Fi hotspot, since it supports 4G speeds. It even has GPS and a web browser.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is one of the few foldable smartphones that's available for purchase. Unlike the majority of other folding phones, the Galaxy Z Flip3 is completely water-resistant. It's also made from much more durable scratch-resistant glass than its predecessor.
The device runs one of the latest versions of Android and packs Qualcomm's most powerful processor, so it’s compatible with the majority of apps. The phone has a unique feature that lets users split the app’s interface and separate its controls into the bottom half of the display. This feature comes in handy for Zoom calls, taking selfies, or watching videos.
Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Flip3 in several colors: phantom black, cream, lavender, green, gray, pink, and white. The last three options are exclusive to Samsung’s online store.
If you're looking for the most rugged flip phone, look no further than this model from Kyocera. It's compatible with more carriers than the similar Plum RAM 8, and provides an overall better user experience.
The DuraXE (available on AT&T), the DuraXV Extreme (on Verizon), and DuraXPT (on Sprint) are waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
The phone's dual front-facing speakers give loud and clear sound, and the device is equipped with a microSD card slot for storing all of your favorite songs. Additionally, its integrated camera is capable of shooting 5MP stills.
You'll get 9 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time with this tough phone. If you opt for the Verizon variant, you'll get 16GB of internal storage, which is plenty for all of your photos. Verizon also sells a variant without a camera.
You can program the phone to read back button presses
SOS button onboard
Uses older MicroUSB cable for re-charging
Doesn't come unlocked
The ezFlip, which is only compatible with the Snapfon network, is the ideal flip phone for senior citizens. In addition to sporting a big keypad for easy dialing, its menus have bold, large, bright text that's easy to read. There's a large earpiece that keeps conversations loud and easy to hear. It works with hearing aids, provides access to Facebook, and has an emergency button in order to get help 24/7.
Other features include a camera, FM radio, a flashlight, and a calculator. Its menus are easy to navigate — especially since the phone is equipped with a touchscreen. It's equipped with both Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack, so you can use wired or wireless earbuds.
The CAT S22 is an outstanding flip phone that sports an incredibly rugged build. It's an ideal phone for blue-collar workers, drop-prone users, or just folks who want a durable device. That's because the phone has an IP68 and MIL-SPEC 810H rating, so it can be dropped, dunked, and washed.
CAT says it tested the hinge more than 150,000 times, and is so confident about the device's durability that it backs it with a 2-year warranty. The CAT S22 is powered by Android Go. It has a speedy Qualcomm quad-core processor and 16GB of storage that can be expanded upon via an onboard microSD card slot. You can expect 12 hours of talk time before its battery will need recharging.
This option for ZTE sports a sleek and compact design that'll easily slip into your pocket. This modern flip phone is one of the few models that support 4G LTE networks. The 3-inch screen is ideal for reading texts and looking at photos.
Though the 2MP camera isn't the greatest, there's fortunately no need to worry about storage space — the Cymbal has 650 MB of internal storage and a microSD card slot. This device has Bluetooth and an FM radio, which come in handy for listening to music or taking calls with your wireless headphones.
Who says a flip phone has to be a dumb phone? This modern-day option packs key Google apps, including YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Search. It's also equipped with the Google Assistant, meaning that you can make calls, send texts, or open apps using just your voice.
It features a 2MP camera, a long-lasting battery, and 4GB of storage space. If you need more space for photos or music, you'll be glad to know that the phone is packed with a microSD card slot.
Another rugged option worth considering, the SONIM XP3 is as tough as it is convenient. It's the only pick on our list that doubles as a two-way radio.
It's backed by an impressive 3-year warranty, supports LTE speeds, and has a loud 100 dB speaker. Although it packs 8GB of storage space, it also comes equipped with a memory card slot for storing photos and music.
If you’re looking for a no-frills flip phone that’s unlocked, the NUU F4L is a great choice. It works with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. It has a 2MP camera, built-in Bluetooth and a headphone jack — plus, it can play MP3s. It’s also one of the few options that has GPS support for helpful turn-by-turn navigation.
The outer display provides helpful information like the time, and lets you easily read texts without requiring you open up the phone. This device includes 4GB of built-in storage, which can be expanded up to 64GB via its integrated microSD card slot.
Brandon CarteSenior Electronics EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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