The best flip phones still have an appeal despite the dominance of big and powerful smartphones. They've become popular to use for digital detoxes by people who want a break from their tech-heavy lives and they're also great for seniors who aren't interested in complicated smartphones. But they have other benefits that can appeal to all kinds of people – they're highly portable and affordable, they have super long-lasting batteries and they give a very satisfying snap when you shut them after a call!
And just because flip phones were in vogue over a decade ago, doesn't mean they haven't evolved. Many new clamshells come with WhatsApp, Facebook, 4G connectivity, rear cameras and more modern features. Sure, you're not going to see flip phones on this list that rival the best smartphones, but they're cheaper, smaller and simpler, which makes them better for some people.
If you’re a fan of the flip phones of old, you’ll see lots of familiar names on this list, with loads of big companies still making clamshell devices for the many buyers who still want them. We’ve ranked the best flip phones you can buy right now, whatever your purpose. Need something a little more advanced? For phones at the other end of the spectrum, see our guides to the best camera phones and the best iPhone Pro Max prices.
The best flip phones available now
Whether you're looking for a secondary phone or a full-time handset, the Nokia 2720 Flip could be just what you need. Its sleek, minimalist design is faithful to Nokia's classic flip designs and is far lighter and smaller than more feature-filled folding phones like those from Samsung and Razor.
The Nokia 2720 Flip uses Nokia's own KaiOS operating system rather than Android, which greatly limits your choice of apps, but that's not a bad thing if you're looking for a minimalist flip phone that'll help you avoid distractions when you're working (or trying to get away from work).
Better yet, the Nokia 2720 Flip has 4G LTE support, which means you won't have to deal with slow data speeds when streaming media. The Nokia 2720 Flip gives you the best of both worlds: a sleek retro design with modern hardware where it counts.
The Alcatel GO FLIP V is a Verizon-exclusive flip phone that was released in 2019. This minimalist feature phone has an emphasis on accessibility, which makes it a good choice for senior citizens or anyone who is hearing/visually impaired. It has a large, tactile keypad plus Real-Time-Text (RTT) support so the phone can transmit messages as you write them.
In addition to a 2.8-inch internal screen, the Alcatel GO FLIP V also features a full-color 1.44-inch external display so you can screen calls and messages without having to flip the phone open. And while this may be a rather simple flip phone, the Alcatel GO FLIP V is powered by Verizon's 4G LTE network and supports voice-over Wi-Fi. It can even serve as a hotspot for up to 10 devices, which could come in handy if you ever have to work in a location with limited internet.
The Alcatel GO FLIP V is not available in the UK or Europe, but the Artfone C10 Flip Phone is quite similar and even includes a charging cradle.
Cat's mobiles are what are known as 'rugged phones' - that means they're designed to take a beating, whether you're going on long treks into nature, or are working in an environment like a build site where your mobile get get bumped.
The S22 is the company's newest flip phone and it comes with IP68 protection against dust and water, a protective build so it won't get damaged, and even a customizable side button for easily accessing certain functions. The phone also runs Android 11 - well, its Go Edition, which is a stripped-back version of the modern software.
This flip phone is exclusive to T-Mobile in the US, so your buying options are pretty limited, and it's also not as chic as some of the other clamshell mobiles on this list. But what it lacks in style, it makes up for in stopping power.
The NUU Mobile F4L LTE flip phone runs on Android - albeit, a stripped-down version of 8.1 Oreo called Android Go Edition. Still, it enables the 4FL to run apps such as Facebook Lite and WhatsApp.
This Android flip phone also has rear and front-facing cameras, 4GB of onboard storage, and a microSD card slot that supports up to 64GB. The build of this phone is guaranteed for over 100,000 flips thanks to a reinforced flip mechanism - which is good news if you're prone to opening and closing your phone often.
Just released in late 2020, the NUU Mobile F4L LTE is a step beyond a standard feature phone but not quite as feature-rich as a smartphone. It'll suit well as either a backup for a much more expensive phone or as a regular day-to-day mobile. However, if you're in the UK, this particular NUU model is sadly not available to purchase.
The TTfone Lunar flip phone is made for senior citizens and anyone else who needs a mobile with accessible features. This model includes a large keypad, colour display with large fonts, and a dedicated emergency button that can be programmed with any phone number.
Another convenient feature of the TTfone Lunar is the included charging dock. With an outer display and a built-in FM radio, this enables users to turn the Lunar into a desktop alarm clock.
The TTfone Lunar is a UK-exclusive flip phone; it's comparable to the Jitterbug Flip in the US. It may not be the most feature-forward flip phone, but the TTfone Lunar is a fine choice for elderly family members who just need something accessible, reliable, and affordable.
Doro mobiles are designed for seniors, with features that make them useful for people who don't need or want a smartphone. The Doro 7030 comes with a big, high-contrast screen that's easy to see, an 'assistance' button that automatically sends location data to trusted contacts so they can come and provide help, and it can be controlled and set up remotely by another phone, so no matter how technophobic the user is, they can have an easy time getting it set up.
You might not want to consider this for someone who isn't a senior, as it's a little on the pricey side (likely due to those extra features).
How should I choose the best flip phone
To choose the best flip phone for your needs, you'll first have to decide why you want a flip phone and how simple you want to go. Do you want the nearest thing possible to a flip phone from the 90s that does little more than offer phone calls and SMS? Or do you want to have some modern features like a camera and access to social media apps, or at least Whatsapp?
For a very minimal experience, the Alcatel GO FLIP V and Artfone C10 Flip Phone are good options. If you want something with more features, then the Nokia 2720 or the Android-running rugged Cat S22 should fit the bill.
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