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If you love your smartphone, but are still nostalgic for the days when you had a flip phone, we have some good news: Flip phones are coming back, this time combined with the smartphone features we’ve all come to know since the last time we had a foldable device in our pockets.
These new flip phones fuse the best features of the old days with the modern smart technology you’d expect, like a high-quality camera, and are capable of running most of the latest apps on a 4G or 5G network.
A flippable smartphone offers up a different set of perks than a regular rectangular smart phone. Not only is it incredibly satisfying to snap it shut after a call ends, but it’ll also keep the screen protected wherever it’s stored. It’s still functional even when closed, thanks to the second screen up front. And if there are keys or other sharp objects in your pockets, the screen is safely hidden at all times.
How to Pick the Best Flip Phone
Here’s a breakdown of what else to consider in a flip phone:
Front Screen: Another benefit of a flip phone was the additional, smaller front screen you get when the phone is closed. Though not nearly as colorful or in-depth as the regular screen, this can still be a really nice and convenient benefit. The small screen does the basics of the originals like displaying time, texts, and who’s calling, but these new ones take it up a notch, with the ability to respond to messages and fully run apps.
Battery: With two screens, the battery life of a flip phone sometimes won’t last as long as you’d like, and using the smaller front screen alone doesn’t really help to conserve battery life. Be aware that these will probably require an extra charge to get through the day. The simpler flip phones, however, can go extra long on a single charge — sometimes over two weeks.
Network: Before buying, be sure to check if the phone you want is compatible with the network provider in your area. Not all of them operate on all (or sometimes any) of the major cellular providers, and the last thing you want is to order a phone you’re excited about only to be disappointed when it arrives that you can’t use it. It’s also worth noting that AT&T is phasing out its 3G network this year, so for those still using a phone that can’t be upgraded, this is an ideal time to get a new one.
What Are the Best Flip Phones Right Now?
We found the best new flip phones you should consider from brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Alcatel.
