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 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, 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
Most flip phones offer a small screen and a dedicated keyboard between the hinge, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is all display. That display actually bends and flexes, bringing back the classic clamshell form factor with all the smarts you'd expect from a modern Android phone.
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. For less than $20, you 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
If you need a small, foldable flip phone that can stand up to the toughest of jobs or environments, then you should take a look at the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme E4810. It sports Miltaly Standard 810G and IP68 dust, shock, vibration, water, and temperature resistance. 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 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. It has all the fancy high-end features you could want but collapses to a pocketable size just by closing it. Sure it's more expensive than the rest of the devices on this list, but then again, both Samsung and many carriers are offering a ton of great trade-in deals and incentives to bring that price down to a much more manageable level.
