The resurgence of flip phones is a welcoming surprise in the current market domination of sleek touchscreen smartphones, as the once relic of the past is making a stylish comeback thanks to companies like Samsung, Motorola and Oppo.
For example, by combining the nostalgic clamshell-style folding phones with modern features, the tech giants could capture the hearts of consumers seeking simplicity, durability, and a break from constant digital distractions.
However, there aren’t many varieties currently available in the market as they are more expensive and generally more fragile than standard phones. Regardless, we have compiled the top seven flip phones you can buy in 2024 for nostalgic reasoning, a desire for simplicity, or a conscious effort to break free from the digital technological norm.
Our Recommended 7 Best Flip Phones in 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Our first nominee is the latest flagship in flip phones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. Released in August 2023, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the best flip phones you can purchase right now, with all the features of a modern smartphone you expect and Samsung’s biggest leap forward in flip phones since the original Z Flip in 2020.
As to why you should buy the product, firstly, Samsung has adopted a gapless design and expanded the size of the cover screen on the outside of the device, meaning you can search for directions, take photos and reply to messages without opening the phone. Secondly, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 provides excellent camera performance. For many of the current generation, it is a much-appreciated feature as the wide-angle camera maintains the same level of dynamic range as the main camera and works better than its competitors below in low-lighting conditions.
Video performance is also satisfactory as the phone uses the same Adaptive VDIS stabilisation technology as the S23 Ultra, displaying smooth footage without exposure jumps you’ll find on some other Android phones.
However, there are some drawbacks, as it is fairly pricey and the battery life is not the best. For instance, Samsung stated the Z Flip 5 offers all-day battery life, but that’s only for light uses without gaming. Moreover, once your battery depletes, recharging takes a long time because the Z Flip 5 only fast charges up to 25W (15W wirelessly). Regardless, it is one of the best flip phone options in 2024.
2. Motorola Razr+
Building on its spectacular Motorola Razr in 2020, the company released its successor, Motorola Razr+, in 2023, and it immediately earned a spot as one of the best flip phones released yet. To begin with, the Razr+ has a 3.6-inch outer display, and it’s bigger than anything else offered on a flip-style foldable right now. As a matter of fact, it is even bigger than the screen on the first iPhone.
Besides its size, Razr+ feels more like a secondary, smaller phone than a larger smartwatch. You can interact with apps and services just like touchscreen smartphones, such as quick access to notifications, alarms, and text messages. Furthermore, Motorola nailed the software design, as it is a challenge even Samsung failed before its Flip 5 with the angling of the inner display for hands-free pictures and videos.
However, the Razr+ still has some flaws it shares with other flip phones. For example, its battery life depletes quickly, and Motorola capped the charging rate at 30W. Moreover, its camera performance is lacking compared to Samsung’s, as it focuses on singular subjects instead of everything in the frame.
3. Oppo Find N3 Flip
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Oppo followed Thomas Bertram Lance’s original quote precisely as their Oppo Find N3 Flip only built on the positives its N2 Flip brought. For example, the N3 Flip introduced a refined design over the N2 Flip with new glass panels, more curves, and enhanced durability with its improved Gorilla Glass Victus protection and IPX4 splash resistance.
Moreover, the N3 Flip fixes the glaring issue the N2 Flip had, which is its camera performance. In their new phone, Oppo introduced three cameras on the back – a 50MP OIS primary, a 48MP ultrawide/macro, and a 32MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, which captures colours and scenes effectively. Furthermore, the N3 Flip comes with a Mediatek Dimensity 9200 chip, a side upgrade over the Dimensity 9000+ inside the N2 Flip.
While it isn’t exactly optimised for gaming, do not let it dissuade you from purchasing this phone for work purposes, as the phone has a 4,300mAh battery capable of 44W fast wired charging, which trumps the previous two we mentioned above.
4. Vivo X Flip
When talking about flip phones, Vivo isn’t the first company which comes to mind. However, the company decided to launch its first clamshell-style handset in April 2023, and it’s surprisingly well-equipped. For example, the internal display has an almost creaseless 6.74-inch LTPO OLED with a nicely adaptive refresh rate.
Other than that, the hinge is well-built and can stay in place at any angle, allowing the phone to double as its own tripod/stand for hands-free video calls or time-lapse photography. The X Flip camera performance also does not lack behind the big guns as it could produce photos that punch above its hardware. For example, despite modest hardware, the 50MP main camera image processing is good enough to help the phone produce balanced images.
Its battery also stands out quite well against its competitors as a 4,400 mAh battery and fast charging at 44W make it a reasonable purchase for first-time flip phone buyers.
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5. Nokia 2720 Flip
Nokia, the grandmaster of the classic flip phones in the early 2000s, has returned with its new Nokia 2720 Flip. While the design may bring you back to the 90s, which you may want, the phone is much more tech-savvy than it looks, as it boasts a 4G mobile network, Wi-Fi support, social media apps and even a QR code scanner.
The Nokia 2720 Flip also features two screens – an external one which shows who’s calling and a larger main screen for viewing messages, capturing very average photos and chatting with your friends and family on apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. There is even Google Assistant, which helps provide speech-to-text input.
However, be as it may, the phone is not your typical smartphone of this day and age. But, for those who want to relive the classic flip phone design, it offers a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality, making it a suitable option for individuals who prefer the simplicity and durability of a flip phone with the convenience of essential smartphone features.
6. Alcatel Go Flip 4
Continuing with simple flip phones, TCL Communication’s Alcatel Go Flip 4 features a durable build, simple interface, and affordability, as it caters to users who prefer the functionality of a basic phone with some modern features. Attached below are some of its key features:
- External and Internal Displays: The phone has both external and internal displays. The former is for viewing notifications, caller ID, time, and battery status without opening the phone, while the latter is for navigating menus, composing messages, and accessing apps.
- 4G LTE Connectivity: Imitating Nokia’s modern spinoff, the Go Flip 4 supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing faster internet speeds and smoother browsing. Users can also stay connected to the internet, send emails, and access social media apps.
- Camera: The phone has a basic camera, allowing users to capture photos and videos on the go. While not as advanced as smartphone cameras, the camera provides a convenient option for capturing memories.
- Long Battery Life: The Alcatel Go Flip 4 boasts a long-lasting battery, providing several days of standby and hours of talk time on a single charge. It ensures that users stay connected throughout the day without constantly worrying about recharging.
Overall, it offers a reliable and straightforward mobile experience, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer the simplicity and durability of a flip phone, along with essential modern features.
7. Tecno Phantom V Flip
Closing off our listicles about the best flip phones to buy in 2024, we have the Tecno Phantom V Flip, which launched in September 2023. While it looks like your typical modern flip phone, with an edge-to-edge foldable OLED on the inside and design on the outside with a sleek metal hinge, Tecno has diverted from the norm with its round cover OLED.
By surrounding it with a round black bezel that houses the cameras and the flash, Tecno has ensured its product stands out for better or worse than its competitors. However, that may be it for the phone as its features worsen compared to the pioneers such as Motorola and Samsung as the heavy top-design, creaking hinge and overheating issues have taken most headlines compared to its camera performance.
If you were to consider this phone, its camera performance is definitely a plus, as there are no useless extra sensors, and its 12MP ultrawide will help you out when you want to take in more of the scenery around you. Other than that, it’s hard to justify its price tag, and you may want to consider a splurge on the ones we mentioned above.
Parting Notes
Thus, this concludes our listicle about the top seven flip phones you can purchase in 2024. To reiterate, the option between a touchscreen phone and a flip phone depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and usage patterns. While touchscreen phones offer versatility and advanced features, flip phones provide simplicity, durability, and a nostalgic appeal.
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