Flip cell phones: The 7 Best Flip Phones in 2023 — Flip Phones for the Y2K Obsessed

The 7 Best Flip Phones in 2023 — Flip Phones for the Y2K Obsessed

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Best Upgrade

Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone

Best Upgrade

Total Wireless LG Classic Flip Phone

$119 at Amazon

Pros

• Sleek design with modern details
• 8 GB of storage and 2-MP rear-facing camera
• SOS key on back panel

Cons

• Micro USB connector

This flip phone has similar features to the TCL above, with 8 GB of storage, a 2-MP camera, and a 2.8-inch screen. The phone charges via a micro-USB cord.

The LG’s exterior is dark metallic gray and its camera lens, battery life indicator, and time are set on a sleek and modern front panel. An SOS key on the back panel is a helpful features incorporated in its design.

Key Specs

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Best Rugged Smartphone

Bullitt Group Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone

Best Rugged Smartphone

Bullitt Group Cat S22 Rugged Flip Phone

Now 48% Off

$75 at Walmart

Pros

• Drop-tested to military standards and IP68 rating
• Touchscreen works with wet and gloved fingers
• 5-MP and 2-MP cameras
• Google Assistant preloaded
• Comes with 2-year warranty

Cons

• Locked to T-Mobile network

This smart and rugged flip phone is designed specifically for construction workers on job sites.

The Cat S22 is armed with a large battery and powerful speakers, built to achieve an IP68 rating. It can survive a six-foot drop on steel and up to 35 minutes in five feet of water, and its rigorously-tested hinge has been upgraded from the previous model.

Other highlights include a 2.8-inch touchscreen that works with wet or gloved fingers, a programmable key with push-to-talk mode, and a 2,000-mAh removable battery. It’s also preloaded with Google Assistant and features five- and two-megapixel cameras, plus there’s a USB-C port for charging and an included two-year warranty. The caveat is that it comes locked to T-Mobile’s network.

Key Specs

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Most Durable

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone

Most Durable

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone

$250 at Amazon$275 at Walmart

Pros

• Rugged design
• Great call quality and loud speakerphone
• 16 GB of storage and 5-MP camera
• USB-C connector
• Phone comes unlocked

Cons

• A bit clunky and heavy

There’s a lot to like about this flip phone, particularly if you’re an existing Verizon customer. It’s perhaps the best option among the carrier’s basic 4G phones as it’s exceptionally durable with great call quality and a super-loud speakerphone. It also comes with 16 GB of storage, a 5-MP rear-facing camera, and a USB-C charging port.

The flip phone is rated to military standards—it’s water-resistant and can withstand drops from five feet as well as extreme temperatures. It features a hard plastic casing and shock-absorbing bumpers on four sides. As a result, it’s a bit heavy and clunky.

Key Specs

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Most Affordable

TracFone TCL Flip2 Flip Phone

Most Affordable

TracFone TCL Flip2 Flip Phone

$42 at Amazon$20 at Walmart

Pros

• Solid talk and text functionality for a rock-bottom price
• 8 GB of storage and 2-MP rear-facing camera
• Sleek design and raised, oversized keys
• TracFone is part of Verizon’s network

Cons

• Phone comes locked

If you don’t want to plunk down a ton of cash for a flip phone, TracFone’s TCL Flip2 is an excellent choice. It features 8 GB of memory, a two-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a decent 2.8-inch screen. Also, TracFone was acquired by Verizon in 2022, so the flip phone is part of the carrier’s robust nationwide network.

The TCL Flip2’s design won’t wow you, but it’s attractive enough with a textured metallic gray exterior and rounded edges. Another plus is that the keys are raised and slightly oversized.

For more memory, 128 GB is the largest micro SD memory card the phone accommodates. This phone charges via micro-USB.

Key Specs

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Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Flip Phone

Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Flip Phone

Now 10% Off

$900 at Amazon$999 at Walmart

Pros

• Compact without sacrificing large screen
• Innovative design with customization
• Impressive display

Cons

• Minimal improvements to camera

If you want a smartphone packaged in a flip phone’s body, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the best option.

It doesn’t come cheap, but the phone itself is gorgeous. It’s compact, with a slimmer bezel than the Flip3, while still accommodating an impressive 6.7-inch screen. The Galaxy Z Flip4 also has a more powerful 3,700-mAh battery and 25-watt fast-charging than its predecessor.

Special features are pretty nifty, which include the ability to view multiple screens at the same time and to customize the cover screen to your liking with things like your most-used apps and calendar reminders.

The flip phone’s camera is solid, with 12-MP wide and 12-MP ultra-wide lenses and a 10-MP front lens, though these aren’t significantly better than the Flip3’s and are nothing to write home about.

Key Specs

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Best for Seniors

Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors

Best for Seniors

Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors

Now 28% Off

$72 at Amazon$75 at Walmart

Pros

• Large backlit keys and extra-loud volume
• Larger screen than most flip phones
• Reasonable monthly plans

Cons

• Health and safety services cost extra

The Jitterbug Flip2 is specifically designed for seniors. With that focus, it features large backlit keys, extra-loud volume, and a magnifier and flashlight for reading printed text. The screen, at 3.4 inches, is also larger than the average flip phone screen.

For an extra fee, you can get two health and safety packages on top of the standard or unlimited talk and text service plans. The basic plan includes direct access to urgent care and automatic notifications sent to family in an emergency, while the premium adds access to on-call nurses.

Key Specs

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Most Affordable Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Flip Phone

Most Affordable Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Flip Phone

Now 26% Off

$670 at Amazon$945 at Walmart

Pros

• Slim design with slight difference to Flip4
• Camera virtually the same as that in the newer Flip4

Cons

• Battery isn’t as powerful as the one in the Flip4

If you like the idea of a smart flip phone but aren’t sure if you can quite stomach the Galaxy Z Flip4’s price tag, opt for the Flip3 and save $100. Put the flip phones’ features head-to-head and you won’t see a huge difference.

The Flip3 is a bit larger than the upgrade but the same width and close to the same weight. Also, the camera is virtually the same. The biggest difference is the Flip4’s more powerful battery and fast-charging capabilities.

Key Specs

Rachel Klein

Senior Commerce Editor

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you’ll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. 

Best Flip Phones for Seniors in 2023

Flip Phones for Seniors: Takeaways

• To choose the best flip phones of 2023, we evaluated them based on simplicity, durability, battery life, camera quality, and the availability of extra features like voice commands.
• Every phone that made our final list costs $200 or less, most of which can be used on any major network.
• To find unlimited talk and text plans from $15 per month, read our guide to this year’s best senior phone plans.

FYI: Many providers put data caps on their so-called “unlimited” plans; however, T-Mobile’s senior plans are truly unlimited. To learn how this works, read our T-Mobile 55+ review.

What Are Flip Phones?

Flip phones are compact, folding cellular devices that feature tactile buttons and simplified menus. In the past, flip phones only possessed basic features like calling and texting, but modern flip phones have incorporated voice commands, cameras, and internet access. 

List of the Best Flip Phones for Seniors

• Jitterbug Flip2 : Best Senior Features
• Consumer Cellular Verve Snap : Most Affordable Flip Phone
• Alcatel Go Flip 4 : Best Sound Quality
• Kyocera DuraXE Epic : Most Durable Flip Phone
• Nokia 2720 V Flip : Best Flip Phone Smart Features

How We Chose the Best Flip Phones for Seniors

When testing out a range of flip phone options, we looked for the following features:

• Simple design: The main benefit of using a flip phone is that they’re easy to use. So we looked for devices that had simple menus and gave us few headaches when it came to making calls, sending messages, and taking photos.
• Long battery life: Unlike smartphones, which usually need a daily charge, flip phones can last days – and in some cases, weeks – without requiring additional charging. All of the phones on this list lasted us for at least one week in terms of standby time.
• Smart features: Many of our favorite flip phones offered advanced features normally relegated to smartphones, including internet access, app stores, and even medical alert capabilities.
• Affordability: In addition to simplicity, the low cost of flip phones is a big draw. All of the phones on this list cost $200 or less.

FYI: If a flip phone seems a bit too simple, then check out our rundown of the best smartphones for seniors.

Best Flip Cell Phones for Seniors

1. Jitterbug Flip2 – Best Overall Flip Phone

4.8 / 5

View Packages

Call for best price:
855-403-6340

What We Like Most:

• Alexa compatibility
• 8-megapixel camera
• Optional medical alert features
• Magnifier and flashlight

Overview

Price: $99. 99 when purchased through Lively

Lively offers an impressive medical alert system, the Lively Mobile Plus, so it’s no surprise that their phones are senior-friendly too. Their Jitterbug Flip2 was made specifically for seniors and is designed to be easy to use. It even doubles as a medical alert device – all users need to do is press the 5Star button on the handset to be connected to the urgent response center.

In terms of its design, the Jitterbug Flip2 features a bright backlit display and large buttons for ease of use. It also has a clear speaker, flashlight, magnifier, and dual cameras for both selfies and traditional photos. Moreover, all of these features are easy to access through this phone’s simple list-based menus. Another impressive feature of this phone is its built-in Alexa voice commands. With this, you can ask Alexa to set reminders, make calls, or even look up basic information – all by using your voice.

The Jitterbug Flip2 features a dedicated Urgent Response button

Additionally, as with any Jitterbug phone, the Flip2 has optional medical alert features. If you subscribe to a Lively Health and Safety package (starting at $19.99 per month), you can have access to monitoring agents, board-certified nurses, and even personal operators.

Overall, the Jitterbug Flip2 is reasonably priced, easy to use, and ideal for seniors who don’t need a smartphone but still want to keep in touch with friends and family. To learn more about this company, read our rundown of Jitterbug phones for seniors, in addition to our full Jitterbug Flip2 review.

FYI: The Jitterbug Flip2 offers some impressive medical alert features; however, if you’re looking for a standalone device, read my rundown to find the best medical alert system.

Pros

• Loud and Clear Speaker
• Simple Navigation
• Built-in Flashlight
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Urgent Response Button
• Speed Dialing
• Amazon Alexa
• Large Buttons and Screen

Cons

• No Family Plans
• Additional Charges for Going Over Minutes or Texts for Some Plans
• Low-Quality Camera

2.

Consumer Cellular Verve Snap – Most Affordable Flip Phone

What We Like Most:

• 5 MP camera
• Long battery life
• Large, backlit keypad
• Speed-dialing

Overview

Price: $62 when purchased through Consumer Cellular

While the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap doesn’t offer the plethora of features found on other flip phones, it’s hard to find a more affordable flip phone. Add this on top of the affordable Consumer Cellular prices, and you get one of the most budget-friendly flip phones on the market.

In terms of features, you’ll find the basic ones with the Verve Snap. It makes calls, sends text messages, and takes photos. It also has a large, legible keypad and Bluetooth capabilities for a wireless headset or streaming. This phone is also rated M3/T4 for hearing aid compatibility, and in our tests, we used it with hearing aids and didn’t experience any noise issues. Additionally, this phone’s battery lasted for a long time. During heavy testing, it lasted for four days on a single charge. On standby, it lasted us for two weeks.

While the other flip phones on this list offer safety features, voice commands, or higher-quality cameras, the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap performs the basic duties of a phone at an unparalleled price point.

To learn more about this phone and Consumer Cellular’s plans, be sure to check out our Consumer Cellular review.

Pros

• Large 12-button keypad
• 14-hour talk-time
• Affordable plans
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Good quality camera

Cons

• No selfie camera

3. Alcatel Go Flip 4 – Best Senior Features

4.9 / 5

View Packages

Call for best price:
855-914-3412

What We Like Most:

• Long-lasting battery
• Loud and high-quality speaker
• Two-week battery life
• Large internal display

Overview

Price: $96 when purchased through T-Mobile

The Alcatel GO FLIP 4 is our No. 2 choice for the best flip phone because it combines the best of both worlds: the advanced features of a smartphone with the simplicity of a flip phone. What’s more, when paired with one of T-Mobile’s senior plans, you can get all of this at an affordable price.

In terms of design, this phone features a small, external screen that displays the time and a larger internal screen that allows you to navigate its features. In terms of buttons, this phone uses a large, tactile keypad, and the buttons are also backlit in low lighting conditions. What impressed us most about this phone, however, was its sound quality. When making calls with this device, voices and sounds were consistently loud and clear. Additionally, it worked exceptionally well with hearing aids, due to its M4/T4 rating for hearing aid compatibility.

The Alcatel Go Flip 4 has a large screen, tactile buttons, and simplified menus.

The battery of this phone also impressed us. In our tests, it lasted for nearly three weeks on standby and one week with heavy usage. The Alcatel GO FLIP 4 also gives you access to the KaiOS app store. Unlike other smartphones, which are confined to basic features, this phone allows you to download additional free apps for internet browsing, social media, and emails.

To learn more about this phone, read our Alcatel Go Flip review.

Pros

• Classic Design
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Mobile Hotspot Capable
• Long Battery Life
• Large Screen
• Intuitive Buttons
• Hearing Aid Compatible

Cons

• Subpar Camera Quality
• No Medical Alert Features

4. Kyocera DuraXE Epic – Best Buttons

4.4 / 5

View Packages

Call for best price:
844-418-3523

What We Like Most:

• Waterproof and drop-proof
• SOS Features
• Noise cancellation
• Customizable buttons

Overview

Price: $199. 99 when purchased through AT&T

For those prone to dropping their phones, the Kyocera DuraXE Epic is the perfect solution. Though no larger than the average flip phone, this handset is drop-proof, dust-proof, and waterproof, making it virtually indestructible.

Kyocera DuraXE Epic

In addition to this phone’s durability, we were also impressed by its sound quality. Through its HD voice features and noise cancellation, calls came in crystal-clear on both ends. Additionally, this phone’s battery lasted us for nearly two weeks on standby time.

While the menu of this phone looks pretty standard for a flip phone, you can also customize it to have your favorite features front and center. For example, we were able to make one of our home screen buttons call emergency responders. Although this phone was not fully compatible with hearing aids, it’s still a compelling option for those who want durability.

To learn more about this phone and AT&T’s plans, check out our guide to AT&T senior plans.

Pros

• Waterproof and drop-proof
• SOS Features
• Noise cancellation
• Customizable buttons

Cons

• Somewhat bulky design
• No Wi-Fi calling

5. Nokia 2720 V Flip – Best Flip Phone Camera

What We Like Most:

• Google Assistant capabilities
• Dedicated SOS button
• Long battery life
• Compatible with hearing aids

Overview

Price: $79.99 when purchased through Verizon

While the Nokia 2720 V Flip looks like your ordinary flip phone, it has a bevy of smart features that make it a highly advanced device. The V Flip has an app store, SOS features, and even a built-in Google virtual assistant.

For starters, this phone features the keypad and large screen that you’d expect from a flip phone. It’s also got adjustable font sizes, a loudspeaker, and a battery that lasted us over a week on a single charge. Where the V Flip really impressed us was with its Google Assistant features.

Nokia 2720 V Flip

By pressing the Google Assistant button on our home screen, we were able to accomplish a number of functions through voice commands. Making calls, browsing the internet, and even sending messages could all be accomplished solely by using our voice. Additionally, this phone gave us access to an app store where we could download popular programs like Facebook and WhatsApp.

To learn more about this phone and different options from Verizon, check out our guide to Verizon senior plans.

Pros

• Google Assistant capabilities
• Dedicated SOS button
• Long battery life
• Compatible with hearing aids

Cons

• Poor camera quality
• Occasionally lags in performance speed

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to learn about other great cellular options for seniors, then be sure to check out our most recent list of the best cell phones for seniors.

Additionally, consider taking a look at our other cell phone guides:

• Guide to Cell Phones for Seniors
• Unlocked Cell Phones for Seniors
• Prepaid Cell Phones for Seniors
• Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors
• Senior Cell Phone Discounts
• Easiest Phones for Seniors
• Cell Phones for Hearing Impairment
• Mint Mobile for Seniors

Galaxy Flip 4 mobile phones

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7 Best Distraction Flip Phones

Whether you’re looking to simplify, save money, or ditch buying a phone with features you don’t need, there are plenty of reasons to stick with a flip phone. Perhaps you just have a contract with the carrier and you want to fulfill it.

Whatever your reason, you’ve already decided you don’t have a smartphone. So let’s move on to the next question. What is the best flip phone you can get in the US right now?

The answer to this question has to do with which carrier you use for service. Let’s break it down by carrier first and then look at unlocked phones.

Best T-Mobile Mobile Phone: Alcatel GO FLIP

Unfortunately, the Alcatel GO FLIP doesn’t have particularly positive customer reviews. But for now, it’s the only flip phone available on T-Mobile’s website. This makes it the de facto best. You also get 4G LTE and 4GB of internal storage, which is plenty for this type of device. The 2.8-inch screen is also on the larger side.

Why go with T-Mobile?

T-Mobile gives you the most options. Because it’s a network, you can use the same SIM card with different phones without having to visit the carrier’s store.

Cellular carriers make it easy to connect a phone over the Internet with reasonable confidence that it will work. Unlike AT&T, T-Mobile also supports 2G devices. This is important when you start considering unlocked phones.

The Cingular Flip 2 comes with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, making it the perfect choice if you want an AT&T flip phone with maximum connectivity. You get a large 2.8-inch screen, 4GB of storage, large buttons, and ample battery life. Does this sound familiar? This is due to the fact that Cingular Flip 2 is an updated version of Alcatel GO FLIP.

Why go with AT&T?

AT&T is the second largest cellular network in the US, but it is the largest GSM network. This means that if you want to be able to insert your SIM card from one phone to another, the AT&T network is the most common option in the US.

Verizon’s Best Flip Phone: LG Exalt LTE

The LG Exalt LTE is Verizon’s sleek flip phone that dates back to the heyday of the form factor. The 3-inch screen is big enough for caller ID and texts, and the 5-megapixel camera is big enough for a flip phone. This device is thin, like a smartphone, but does not take up as much space in your pocket.

Why go with Verizon?

Verizon offers the largest cellular network in the US. It is also the most expensive. But as the operator with the best reception in the countryside, it offers a relatively large selection of flip phones. If you want one that you can take across the country, out of state, and out of cities without worrying about coverage, you’ll need Verizon.

Other Verizon options:

Since Verizon is not a GSM carrier, the unlocked devices listed below will not work with it. But you are not without a choice. If you’re looking for a sturdier device, consider the Kyocera DuraXV, which comes in camera and non-camera options. Also, you can snag the Sonim XP5 if the Kyocera DuraXV still doesn’t look sturdy enough.

Unlocked Phones

You may stick with flip phones out of habit or because you have a valid contract. But if you want to save money, switching to an unlocked device is really the best way to go. This gives you the freedom to transfer your phone from one carrier to another, as long as it has the necessary bandwidths. Often, you can get a prepaid plan that will cost less money over time. cut costs on cut costs on , since the cost of your device is not paid.

Punkt MP01

From a technical standpoint, the Punkt phone is not frivolous or particularly cheap, and is arguably the most advanced basic phone available today. The Swiss company has given users the ability to make calls and send texts without sacrificing style.

The interface is also simpler than any other phone on this list. It uses the 2G network, which is still widely used around the world, but limits the T-Mobile phone in the US.

Samsung Galaxy Folder 2

If you don’t mind smartphones but prefer the clamshell form factor, you’re out of luck. Samsung Folder 2 is a clamshell phone that runs Android. You will get a 480×800 display on a 3.8-inch screen. The phone comes with Android 6.0.

Easyfone Prime A1

Just want a good old flip phone for a family member? The Easyfone Prime A1 comes with big buttons and large fonts both on and off the screen. However, you might be surprised to know that this phone has both a music player and a built-in FM radio. There is also a dedicated SOS button for emergencies.

By the way, if you can’t find a flip phone that fits your needs, don’t necessarily rule out smartphones.