Flip phones were a fashion staple in the 1990s, yet they still hold onto their grip well into the 21st century. You can even get smart flip phones with Android installed and 5G compatibility! If you’re looking for a new Android flip phone, these are some of the best choices.
Want to purchase a 5G phone but are unsure whether your area has coverage? We show you how to check whether 5G is available in your region.
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Samsung has been pioneering modern definitions of the flip phone for several years, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is its latest iteration. It boasts a beautiful design where the flexible display allows you to fold a full-sized smartphone in half just as 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 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is an impressive smart flip phone with all the latest features. It comes with Android 12 right out of the box and has eight unique color options.
The Flip 4 includes the newly launched Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and an impressive 8GB of RAM. You can select from three storage options (128GB, 256GB, and 512GB). It’s also durable, water-resistant, and supports wireless charging.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is in a league of its own, which likely explains the hefty starting price of $999 MSRP.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Lots of storage (up to 512GB)
- Decent cameras (12MP rear, 10MP front)
- 5G compatible
- Durable design
- Water-resistant
- Supports wireless charging
Cons of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Short battery life (six hours of use)
- Crease issues remain
Tip: if you just purchased a new Samsung phone, learn how to use the Samsung keyboard like a pro.
2. Motorola Razr 5G
The Motorola Razr 5G is an homage to the classic flip phone we all loved but with all the enhancements we dreamed of in the early 2000s.
If you thought the original Motorola Razr was a cool-looking phone, you’ll want to check out this latest smartphone iteration. It offers a better hinge, much better camera, and battery that supports turbo-fast charging.
However, this phone isn’t just a revamp of the early-2000 device. It’s an all-new smartphone. When it’s flipped out, the screen spans from top to bottom, much like the Galaxy Z. It includes an external “Quick View” display that lets you see notifications at a glance and more.
Unfortunately, some of the Razr 5G’s hardware is outdated, as the device launched back in 2020. It uses the Snapdragon 765G 5G octa-core processor and runs an older version of Android out of the box. However, it makes up for these shortcomings with its impressive 6.2-inch OLED HD+ display and large storage capacity.
You can make the Motorola Razr 5G yours for just $799.
Pros of Motorola Razr 5G
- 5G compatible
- 256GB storage
- Outstanding cameras (48MP rear and 20MP front)
- Impressive 6.2-inch OLED HD+ display
Cons of Motorola Razr 5G
- Comes with Android 10
- Outdated Snapdragon 765G CPU
- Short battery life (eight hours of use)
3. Nokia 2720 V Flip
Although it isn’t a true Android flip phone, the Nokia 2720 V Flip is a flip phone with some smartphone features. It’s a perfect match for someone who wants an inexpensive smart flip phone.
Nokia’s been on a big resurgence in recent years, so it’s no surprise they’ve also launched their own “smart” version of a beloved phone from years ago. However, the Nokia 2720 V Flip isn’t an Android device per se: it uses KaiOS, a lightweight version of Linux.
However, don’t let the OS fool you. This phone does come with preloaded apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google Duo. It also offers a camera (albeit 2MP), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi compatibility. It supports 4G/LTE and has impressive idle battery life.
For $79 MSRP, you aren’t getting much storage or speed, though. This phone only has 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, and a Qualcomm 8909 processor. That said, if you just need a phone for the basics and a few apps, this could be a great option.
Pros of Nokia 2720
- Low price point
- Impressive battery life (26-day standby time)
- Some apps preloaded
Cons of Nokia 2720
- Not an Android device
- Not 5G compatible
- Limited storage
Looking for a phone for the youngest member of your family? Check out our list of top smartphones for children.
4. TracFone My Flip 2
If you’re looking for a cheap Android flip phone and don’t care that it’s carrier locked, the TracFone My Flip 2 may be a great option.
When you look at the technical specs for the TracFone My Flip 2, they don’t look all that impressive. The phone has a 1.1 GHz Quad-Core processor, 4GB of RAM, and a mere 4GB of internal storage. That, along with a 2MP camera, makes it sound like a basic flip phone from 20 years ago.
However, there’s a lot more going on with the My Flip 2 than meets the eye. It is a fully functional Android flip phone, which means it does have access to the Google Play Store and comes with some apps preinstalled. It can run everything from Facebook to Google Maps, and you can even stream YouTube videos from the device (although the screen size makes the videos tiny).
Furthermore, this phone is a great option for younger and older family members alike, since it includes a headphone jack, enhanced accessibility features, and a programmable SOS button. The best part? It will only set you back $20.
Pros of TracFone My Flip 2
- Very low cost
- Durable design
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible
- Google Maps available
- Supports microSD
Cons of TracFone My Flip 2
- Locked in with TracFone
- Very low-quality hardware
- 2MP camera
- Limited app options
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Although Samsung has officially released the Z Flip 4, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is still a great smart flip phone. It’s still easily one of the best Android flip phones on the market and is now discounted, as it’s considered an “outdated model.”
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 packs some flagship specs and is unquestionably one of the most premium flip phones available today. It comes with Android 11, a Snapdragon 888 5G octa-core processor, and 8 GB RAM. It has a large 6.7″ display (when unfolded, of course). Choose between the 128GB and 256GB storage variants and one of four color options (cream, green, lavender, and black).
Pros of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Lots of storage
- Nice cameras (12MP rear, 10MP front)
- 5G compatible
- Durable design
- Water-resistant
Cons of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Short battery life (six hours of use)
- Crease issues
Did you know that you can customize the call background on your Samsung Galaxy phone?
6. Kyocera DuraXE
Some of us need a phone that is tougher than the standard smartphone. Kyocera has been building rugged smartphones for years, and the Kyocera DuraXE combines the flip-style design with the durability Kyocera is known for.
If you need a smart flip phone that will survive anything you throw at it, the Kyocera DuraXE is the device for you. It was designed with chamfered corners for superior grip and durability, is rated IP68 for dust-proof and waterproof purposes and can survive a drop of at least five feet with zero issues.
The phone features just 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage, but a memory card slot lets you expand the storage. The Kyocera DuraXE supports microSD cards up to 512 GB in size.
With the help of a Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad-core processor, this phone can still access some apps and the Internet. It does run a version of Android 10, but it isn’t a fully functional smartphone, so you won’t find things like Google Maps or Drive. However, if you need a highly durable phone that allows you to check your email, this will fit the bill. At the $200 price point, it still falls far below some of the other smart flip phones on this list.
Pros of Kyocera DuraXE
- Ultra-durable design
- Expandable microSD slot (up to 512GB)
- Supports 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Operates with Android
- Impressive battery (9.5 hours run time, 18 days standby)
Cons of Kyocera DuraXE
- Only 2GB RAM and 16 GB native storage
- Single 5MP camera
- Limited features
- No app store
Don’t forget to check out the best 5G phones that you can buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all flip phones smartphones now?
No. Flip phones have become increasingly popular again in recent years. However, many of the flip phones on the market are not smartphones. To be considered a smartphone, the phone must be able to access the Internet and run downloadable apps.
Does Apple make flip phones?
Currently, Apple does not have any foldable, or “flip,” iPhones on the market. However, there are rumors that an Apple version of the Samsung Z Flip is in the works.
Can I download apps on Android flip phones?
Some Android flip phones come with a limited, locked-down version of Android that does not include the Google Play Store. You’ll want to check before buying a flip phone to see whether it runs the Google Play Store, which will allow you to download and install more apps.
Image credit: Zana Latif via Unsplash
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