Did you know that the flip phone still isn’t dead? A fashion staple back in the 90s, flip phones are still holding onto their grip well within the 21st century. You can even get smart flip phones with Android installed, as you’re about to see! If you’re looking for a new flip phone in 2022, these are some of the best to choose from.
Also read:What Is a Burner Phone and When Should You Use One?
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
For a good few years now, Samsung has been pioneering modern definitions of a “flip phone” with Samsung’s fully flexible displays. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the latest iteration, with a beautiful design where the flexible display means you can fold a full-sized smartphone in half just like you would a flip phone. When it’s fully extended, it looks like one singular screen. However, you can fold the halves together to save on some pocket space.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 packs some flagship specs, and is unquestionably the most “premium” flip phone available today. As such, its specs are a lot more impressive, with an Android 10 OS, a Snapdragon 888 5G octa-core processor, and 8 GB RAM. It has a 1080 x 2640 resolution and a 6.7″ display – when unfolded, of course – and 128GB and 256GB storage variants.
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2. Alcatel GO FLIP 4
Accounting for the “retro” side of the flip phone market, Alcatel has been releasing its GO FLIP phones for a good few years, with the GO FLIP 4 the latest model. Running on the KaiOS operating system (also used by Nokia for its flip phones), it will let you run popular apps like WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and more.
The GO FLIP 4 is a dinky and svelte device that can be picked up for under $100. It packs a Snapdragon 215 CPU and a 2.8″ LCD screen with a humble 320×240 resolution. (If you’re looking for high-resolution flip phone screens, you’ll find them further down the list for a higher price.)
It has a small screen on the outer lid displaying the time, and you can expand its storage via microSD by up to 32GB. You won’t take stunning pictures with the 2MP camera, but its battery life and selection of essential apps make it a great “light” smartphone option.
Also read:Top 8 5G Phones You Can Buy Today
3. Nokia 2720
Nokia’s been on a big resurgence since getting smarter and joining the Android ranks, so it can afford to go a bit leftfield by offering retro-inspired phones. It’s released modern versions of its classic 3310 series but has also released a sleek little smart flip phone in the Nokia 2720.
It runs on the KaiOS operating system, a lightweight version of Linux, which is probably better suited to low-spec flip phones than the more demanding Android. It was made in partnership with Google, however, so it features Google Assistant, as well as preloaded vital apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and Google Duo.
Crucially, it features a whopping 28-day idle battery life (you don’t see that these days) and 4G/LTE. It just looks damn elegant. There’s an emergency button at the back, too.
4. Motorola Razr 5G
The original Motorla Razr was a cool-looking but awkward phone with a poor camera and bad battery. This follow-up, the Razr 5G, addresses many of those problems. It has a better hinge, much better camera, and bigger battery with turbo fast-charging.
When it’s flipped out, the screen spans from top to bottom, much like the Galaxy Z. One of its nicest touches is the external “Quick View” display that lets you quickly manage your phone business.
Again, this phone is recent, so the specs are very good. It comes with Amazon 9 but can be upgraded to 10 if needed. It has a Snapdragon 765G 5G octa-core processor, 6.2″ display, 8 GB of RAM, and an impressive 256GB of internal space.
5. Kyocera KYF31
A relatively updated unknown manufacturer to the West, the Kyocera KYF31 is an Android phone that saves on pennies but doesn’t skimp on the details. It retains a retro look but comes with 4G capability, an 8.0-megapixel camera, and Android 5.1.1. It uses a Snapdragon 210 quad-core processor and 1GB RAM.
The phone even comes with some interesting touch functionality. For example, by swiping your phone from the keyboard, you can scroll through windows as if it were a smartphone.
6. Kyocera DuraXE
Some of us need a phone that is tougher than the standard smartphone. Kyocera has been building these types of smartphones for years. The Kyocera DuraXE combines a flip-style design with a rugged build to stand up to whatever you throw at it.
The phone features 1 GB RAM and 8 GB storage, but a memory card slot lets you expand the storage. The Kyocera DuraXE supports microSD cards up to 32 GB in size.
7. TracFone ZTE Z233
If you’re looking for an affordable prepaid phone running Android, the TracFone ZTE Z233 is among the cheapest you’ll find. This is the cheapest smartphone on this list.
On the downside, this phone is carrier-locked, so it will only work with the Tracfone cellular service. On the plus side, it features 4G LTE connectivity, so you can be sure it will last you a while.
Also read:How to Access an Android Phone With a Broken Screen
If you’re a senior or buying a phone for a senior, flip phones aren’t the only option. Everything from high-end phones to simplified but sophisticated phones can work. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our list of the best smartphones for seniors. Also check out our tips on how to improve sound on your Android phone.
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