Android phones are capable of just about anything these days, but that can be overwhelming or just downright unnecessary for some. Not everybody needs a high-end camera or a huge screen in their pocket at all times, and you certainly shouldn't have to pay for features you'll never use, and that's why flip phones are great.
While some flip phones are a barebones $20 experience, others, like the Motorola Razr Plus, pack as much technology inside as the best Android phones around. So whether you're longing for a more straightforward experience, a brand new smartphone experience, or just want the cheapest possible vessel for calls and texts, these are the best flip phones that should be on your radar.
Best premium flip phone
Motorola surprised just about everyone in 2023 with the Razr Plus, its fourth-generation flip phone that includes a giant cover screen you do anything on. Plus, the inner display is a giant, foldable canvas when you need to get even more done. Since this runs full-fledged Android, you'll get all the apps and features you want but the cost matches the experience.
Best Samsung flip phone
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the successor we wanted Samsung to make in almost every way. A larger cover screen means you can do more without flipping open the phone, and Samsung's powerful software is the best in the business. This is full-fledged Android in a comfortable flip form factor which means it's pricier than most options on this list.
Best budget pick
TracFone is well-known for its reasonably priced pre-paid phones, and the My Flip 2 is one of its more popular affordable options. We've seen it as low as $9.99 from TracFone and you still get a pocketable device that can do all the basics. Plus, it comes equipped with access to popular apps and services like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Assistant.
Best for Verizon
The NUU F4L carefully toes the line between price and features, with 4GB of storage and 4G LTE connectivity. With that connection, you can make crystal-clear VoLTE calls or even access Whatsapp and Facebook Lite. There are also two notification LEDs on the front that alert you of new messages and low battery.
Best for apps
Just like the NUU F4L, the Nokia 2720 has 4G support that allows you to connect to popular services like Facebook and Whatsapp, but it doesn't stop there. The 2720 can launch Google apps like Assistant, Maps, and even YouTube — and of course, it wouldn't be a Nokia phone without Snake pre-installed.
Best for seniors
Lively (formerly Jitterbug) aims to offer the simplest solution possible for those looking to make the occasional call and text. So you get large buttons with equally large text that's clear and easy to read. It also comes with Amazon Alexa onboard, simple navigation assistance, and 24/7 live emergency support.
Best rugged flip phone
This one sports Military Standard 810G and IP68 dust, shock, vibration, water, and temperature resistance certifications. In addition, it can handle five-foot drops onto hard surfaces, is certified against Class 1, Division 2 hazardous locations, and has all-day battery life. The downside is that it's a little expensive compared to most standard flip phones.
Smartphones aren't your only option
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We get it. Not everybody needs a flashy and expensive smartphone, and that's okay! Buy within your means and get a phone that suits your needs without paying for extra features you'll never actually use. Even flip phones have gotten some nice upgrades over the years, including support for 4G LTE — that comes in handy more than you might think.
The NUU F4L is an unlocked flip phone that works on nearly every U.S. carrier and offers the best bang-for-your-buck value you could ask for. In addition, its 4G compatibility lets you connect to messaging services like Whatsapp, allowing you to stay connected with your friends and family (that is, so long as you don't mind typing with T9).
If you need more apps and services, though, the Nokia 2720 is just shy of a smartphone in terms of app compatibility; you can launch Google Assistant or even watch YouTube videos on its 2.8-inch display. Of course, you'll pay quite a bit more for the phone, but if these services are essential to you, it might be worth the money.
Finally, if you want a premium smartphone experience in a foldable form factor, then you'll want to take a look at the Motorola Razr Plus. It has all the fancy high-end features you could want but collapses to a pocketable size just by closing it. It's more expensive than the rest of the flip phones on the list but carriers often run great trade-in deals to make the price more palatable.
And while Motorola's giant cover screen works better than the one on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, there's still plenty of room to recommend Samsung's latest. No Android vendor provides more updates than Samsung and, likewise, no vendor has more features or accessory support than Samsung. If you're going for style, look no further.
