A hallmark of Noughties’ culture, the flip phone is a chic, practical and incredibly sassy accessory.
Often bejewelled and bedazzled, the snap closure of a flip phone belonging to a Valley girl in California in the early 00s could reverberate like a magnitude 8 aftershock on the Richter scale. She’d then coolly slide her Motorola Razr V3 into the front pocket of some astronomically low waisted True Religion jeans, and strut into the closest mall.
Despite historical Myspace photos featuring the likes of Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, as well as iconic chick flicks from time gone by, flip phones are not an ancient accessory. Nor are they limited to the Californian Valley girl, despite what TV shows like The OC might suggest.
Flip phones have been making an unlikely return to popular culture for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, smartphone addicts have been utilising both modern and old-school flip phones in order to detox from the constant stream of information provided by iPhones and Androids alike.
Rather than doomscrolling Instagram or TikTok during every spare moment, switching to a comparably limited-use flip phone signals a return to basics. The ability to call, text, take the odd photo and search the web is all some modern technophobes need.
Secondly, and on the total other end of the spectrum, there are some extra modern and super cool flip phones on the market right now. These models are able to provide that audacious and satisfying flip closure alongside all of those essential modern smartphone features.
Whether you’re a Noughties nostalgic looking to re-introduce the iconic aesthetic into your life, a smartphone addict on a mission to detox, or an Android fan looking for a modern flip – we’ve rounded up a selection of the best flip phones to buy in 2023.
Keep scrolling for all the sass, and none of the fuss.
Shop now.
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Flip smartphones
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
As we await the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Flip 5, let us remind you why the tech world is so excited about the brand’s newest iteration of the iconic flip.
The Galaxy Flip 4 is an incredibly innovative pocket-sized feat, with an IPX8 rating that makes it one of the only water-resistant foldable smartphones on the market. Despite the sleek glass touch screen, you can be sure this phone is durable, sturdy and scratch-resistant.
The front and back covers are made from an extra tough glass known as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, while the hinge is protected with Armour Aluminium. Likewise, the main screen is protected by a strong, yet ultra-thin glass which holds up against even the most aggressive flippers time and time again.
Customise the outer casing to suit your aesthetic needs, enjoy the cinematic brilliance of the phone’s multiple cameras and unfold you phone to your preferred angle using Flex mode. Plus, with the 1.9-inch cover screen, you’ll hardly ever need to unfold your Flip 4 to respond to urgent texts and calls.
Buy now £999.00, Samsung
MOTOROLA Razr 40 Ultra - 256 GB, Infinite black
As much as we’d love to offer you an easy to buy, brand new Motorola V3, they simply don’t exist beyond the realms of eBay and second-hand sellers. Nevertheless, Motorola has continued to impress the world with top-notch flip phones, with their most recent smartphone model intriguing flip-fanatics everywhere.
The Razr 40 Ultra features a whopping 3.5-inch cover screen which stretches across the entire phone, moulding perfectly around the dual cameras. This opens up into a 6.9-inch OLED display screen, which – paired with Dolby Atmos speakers – ensures the brightest of colours and an eye-wateringly HD experience.
Plus, for the gamers among us, the Razr 40 Ultra is powered by. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Processor and functions with a 165Hz refresh rate. This means that you’ll get the smoothest interaction with your favourite mobile games.
Buy now £1049.99, Currys
Google Pixel Fold
Perhaps one of the best looking foldable smart phones we’ve come across, the Google Pixel Fold is usurpingly hard to get your hands on.
The Pixel is uniquely powered by the G2 processor and features a split screen, extra-wide display which allows you to do two things at once. This is an unorthodox fold, but one we’re very happy to get behind. It measures 5.8-inches when folded, and an incredible 7.6-inches when unfolded for immersive display.
With a long-lasting battery as well as a water-resistant matte glass and aluminium finish – the Pixel is ready for whatever life has to offer. All of that with a satisfying and nostalgic flip. Yes please.
Vodafone has got you covered with a cool £67 per month contract. Click through for more information.
Buy now £67.00, Vodafone
Basic flip phones
Nokia 2720 Fold - Sim Free Mobile Phone
Renowned for their near-indestructible nature, Nokia phones are a go-to for the accident prone. Yet even the clumsiest of mobile phone owners will want to keep this value for money flip safe, thanks to its elegant and chic design. Wonderfully easy to use with a bright and accessible display, this is a great first phone for youngsters taking the school bus for the first time, or older users who are looking for a basic no-frills phone.
Play music, MP4 videos, record voice memos, listen to FM radio, take photos and videos and even browse the internet with this handy device. You’ll of course also be able to send e-mails, SMS messages and make phone calls depending on what kind of SIM you go for.
Buy now £90.00, Amazon
Samsung E1150 Flip Fold Sim Free Mobile Phone - Ruby Red
This flip phone truly reminds us of the 2000s. Featured here in an eye-popping ruby red hue, you’ll notice that the Samsung E1150 doesn’t have a front-facing display screen. As such, we’d recommend this flip for someone who is looking for a screen detox. A top-notch model that has perfected the basics, the Samsung E1150 defines a no-frills approach to cellular devices.
Buy now £94.99, Amazon
SIM Free Alcatel 2057 Mobile Phone – Black
Another sleek clamshell design, this time for an absolute bargain price. Able to fit two micro-SIMs on the go, this a great option for jetsetters who are looking for a basic device for calling and texting while on the move. Equipped with 4MB Internal Memory and 4MB RAM, the memory is also expandable up to 32GB when used with an additional microSD card.
A long-lasting battery which provides up to 210 hours of standby time and up to 420 minutes of talk time, you’ll feel safe and secure with an Alcatel 2057 by your side.
Buy now £29.99, Argos
DORO 6820 - Black & White
The black and white contrast of the Doro 6820 makes it a fantastic choice for the visually impaired and elderly. Simple to use with a high quality 2.8-inch display screen, the Doro prioritises three important basics: simplicity, safety and sound. As such, it also comes equipped with an easy to access assistance button that’ll notify your loved ones if you ever find yourself in a bind.
Buy now £89.99, Currys
Nokia 2660 Flip
Bubblegum pink and oh-so Barbie-core, the Nokia 2660 Flip is the perfect modern flip phone. Despite the fact that this phone looks as though it’s been plucked straight from a high school time capsule buried somewhere on the west coast of the USA, the Nokia 2660 Flip is a relatively new addition to the brand’s roster. It comes equipped with an extra long-lasting battery, as well as a miniature displays screen which shows the time and date while closed. Plus, for every purchase, you can plant a tree thanks to Nokia’s partnership with Ecologi.
Buy now £64.99, Nokia
