Flip cell phones tested in 2023

Maybe you still remember the long-forgotten times when there were no smartphones. The good old push-button cell phone may have paved the way into the mobile age for many of today's smartphone owners - and the flip cell phone was also absolutely popular, especially in the 90s and 2000s. But anyone who thinks that the flip phone is over and that the multifunctional smartphone is the measure of all things is seriously mistaken. Like almost all things from the past, it is currently celebrating a small comeback, especially among older cell phone lovers - and since then more and more manufacturers have been offering a wide variety of folding cell phones in their range. We have summarized all the information you need to know about flip phones and what you should consider when purchasing them here.

#	Preview	Products
1		Flip cell phone for seniors with large buttons Cell phone...	Classic flip design - The T201 in flip design is a classic... User-friendly - The T201 big button mobile phone has a bright and good... Easy to use - The senior phone is very well suited for ...	Buy now "
2		ukuu flip phone 1,8" GSM mobile phone Dual SIM...	Flip phone without contract: Flip phone with 1,8-inch TFT screen, ... Multimedia: functionality with camera, bluetooth, flashlight, ... Steps to set the language: Menu 〈Settings 〈Phone ...	Buy now "
3		uleway senior cell phone flip cell phone without contract, GSM...	☎ 【Senior cell phone flip cell phone without contract】 Flip cell phone, 2.4 inch... ☎ 【Senior cell phone with emergency button and quick call】 Can... ☎ 【Mobile phone built-in additional functions】Large button mobile phone with ...	Buy now "
4		CHAKEYAKE Senior cell phone without a contract, clamshell...	【Senior cell phone without a contract，Light clamshell phone】 The super... 【Large capacity battery】The unlocked senior cell phone comes with ... 【Multifunctional, cheap, classic phone】 The simply ...	Buy now "
5		Doro Primo 401 GSM cell phone with large color display...	Practical clamshell with large illuminated color display Simplest operation, 3 direct selection keys 200 phone book entries, calendar, FM radio, Bluetooth	Buy now "
6		Simply Smart by Rulag big buttons mobile phone,...	GSM dual band 900 / 1800 MHz, 2,4 "main display + 1,44" external display, 2 megapixel camera, Simlock-free, hands-free calling, talking keyboard,... Display of contact picture for incoming calls, phone book for 300 ...	Buy now "
7		SweetLink F2PLUS folding mobile phone for seniors with...	【𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗸𝘁𝗲... 【𝟴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗸𝘁-𝗔𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗲 +... 【𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲...	Buy now "
8		SweetLink F1PLUS senior mobile phone folding mobile phone without...	【𝗔𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗿-𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗸𝘁𝗲 &... 【𝗦𝗢𝗦-𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗳𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗸𝘁𝗶𝗼�... 【𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲...	Buy now "
9		Hammer , all carriers, 0.06 gb, H Dig Rugged...	【Robust under extreme conditions】 Shockproof and waterproof housing, ... 【Convenient and handy】 Large buttons and compact size for ... 【Folding Design】 Easy to answer calls by opening the phone.	Buy now "
10		Panasonic KX-TU446EXG flip-up mobile phone for seniors...	Shock Resistant - Meets military standard MIL-STD-810G.516 Speaking keys – number of keys pressed is spoken... Three speed dial keys - Frequently used phone numbers can be...	Buy now "
11		emporiaONE | Senior cell phone | Flip phone without...	emporiaONE - because communication is easy. Functionality and... Help at the push of a button - up to 5 emergency numbers are automatically... Everything at one click - easy to use thanks to extra-large, ...	Buy now "
12		Big button mobile phone, senior mobile phone MB 100...	GSM dual band 900 / 1800 MHz, 2,4 "main display + 1,44" external display, 2 megapixel camera, Simlock-free, hands-free calling, talking keyboard,... Display of contact picture for incoming calls, phone book for 300 ...	Buy now "
13		artfone C10 Red, with charging station, SIM lock-free...	Phone Mobile phone with large button and 2,4 inch display: 170 degree opening... Dual display and side button: This flip phone has a green ... Two side buttons and SOS: The cell phone function cannot be used with more...	Buy now "
14		artfone clamshell cell phone for seniors without a contract...	Mobile phone Specially designed for seniors, clamshell phone, 2.4 inch... Built-in additional functions, Supports dual SIM cards and... SOS emergency call button and quick call, You can set 5 SOS call numbers...	Buy now "
15		Emporia emporiaTOUCHsmart 2, black,...	Hearing aid compatible, HAC M4/T4 Note- Camera lens does not come with blue screen protector...	Buy now "

What is a clamshell phone?

Everyone of us is guaranteed to have seen clamshell phones, because they played an important role in numerous films of the 90s. Even in numerous cutting-edge Hollywood productions, clamshell phones can still be seen as their use puts everyone in a cool light. The clamshell phone has a hinge on the top edge that allows the phone to be opened and closed in no time at all - hence the name. In contrast to a smartphone, which is only operated via its touch display, a clamshell phone still has classic buttons, which is why, strictly speaking, it counts as a button cell phone - only with the difference that it is foldable. If you want to answer an incoming call, you simply open the cell phone and hold it to your ear. If you want to end the call, it is closed again - which brings us back to the extremely cool use. The clamshell phone can then be stowed in the pocket to save space, which is not necessarily the case with relatively large smartphones.

What are the advantages of a clamshell phone?

Flip phones bring some practical advantages, which we would like to go into a little more detail here. A clamshell phone is extremely compact when closed and can be easily accommodated in the smallest trouser pocket, but also in a cell phone pocket. The folding mechanism also protects the sensitive display when the device is folded - while it is always exposed on classic cell phones, but also on modern smartphones and is therefore very sensitive to scratches and other damage. Accidental calls or similar activities are also excluded in this way.

Another plus point is the very robust workmanship of a folding cell phone: Even falls onto the floor can hardly harm such a device, you only have to expect a few scratches on the housing - the display itself is well protected anyway. This means that a flip cell phone proves to be an excellent companion for hikes, sports and numerous other activities where things are not always quiet.

Compared to classic cell phones, the buttons on a clamshell cell phone are usually a bit larger. They are therefore easier to use and, thanks to a backlight that is usually present, can also be found in the dark.

Last but not least, clamshell phones are of course very inexpensive to buy, since most consumers prefer to use their smartphones. So if you want to get hold of a stylish cell phone relatively cheaply, you can definitely think about whether a clamshell cell phone might be a suitable device.

For whom is a clamshell phone suitable?

There is actually no fixed target group that a clamshell phone is aimed at. However, since it has quite large buttons and is pleasantly easy to use, it is excellently suited, among other things for the elderly and seniorsfor whom using a modern smartphone is simply too difficult or too complex. In addition, clamshell phones are now also in vogue among younger people who are simply tired of ultra-modern high-end devices and instead long for a good old cell phone with the most important functions. Furthermore, a clamshell phone is of course also an excellent inexpensive second cell phone: you can use it to take the dog for a leisurely walk in the evening and make a call on the phone – without having to worry about being mugged and the expensive premium smartphone being stolen. Even younger children who don't necessarily need a smartphone with internet access can get a clamshell phone for their birthday, with which they can quickly call mum and dad or send messages when they're out and about.

What functions does a clamshell phone offer?

Many people believe that a clamshell phone is only for making calls and sending text messages. This is actually the case with earlier devices, but also with some clamshell cell phones currently available - but there are now numerous devices that also offer other practical functions.

Flip cell phones like the Nokia 2720 Flip, for example, are equipped with a built-in color display that can also be used to use popular programs such as WhatsApp, Facebook or Google Maps - so you don't necessarily need a modern smartphone to chat with friends or to get away from A navigate to B. Numerous other apps can be easily installed via the App Store, so that there is at least a small hint of a smartphone. Functions such as a built-in VHF radio or a web browser are also on board many devices - the device is then easily connected to the home network via WLAN.

If you don't feel like using WhatsApp & Co at all, you will also find various classic clamshell cell phones in stores, with which you can simply make calls and send text messages.

Flip cell phones for seniors

If you are looking for a suitable clamshell phone for seniors, you should know that there is a very wide range of clamshell phones specially designed for the elderly. These usually have particularly large keys so that even people with poor eyesight can see which keys they are pressing. An important feature of such a mobile phone is the so-called emergency button: It is usually installed on the back and connects the user to a previously stored number with just a single press - this can be the classic emergency call under the number 112, as well as a close person like your own child. Thanks to the practical button, you don't have to laboriously rummage through the menu or even open the cell phone to do so.

In most cases, clamshell cell phones for seniors are also equipped with a very good speaker, with which you can hear the phone call very loudly. Many models are also hearing aid compatible, so they can be easily used by people who wear hearing aids.

What do you have to consider when buying a clamshell phone?

Last but not least, we have put together a few criteria that you should definitely consider when looking for a suitable clamshell phone - after all, you should be able to enjoy your device for as long as possible.

Battery life

When it comes to the battery life of clamshell phones, there are huge differences between the models on offer. Some devices on Internet-based functions such as WhatsApp, Facebook & Co and limit yourself exclusively to making phone calls and sending SMS, you can easily last several days or even weeks with just a single battery charge, other devices, on the other hand, reach their limits after just a few days. In any case, it is worth taking a look at the information provided by the manufacturer, which should also be backed up by taking a look at the customer reviews from buyers. Also important: If you make a lot of calls, you should pay attention not only to the stand-by time but also to the maximum battery life for long-term calls.

display size

Compared to modern smartphones, the built-in displays on clamshell phones are rather small. Some models only come with a 1,7 inch screen, which is not particularly suitable for older people.
We therefore recommend the largest possible display so that you can see all the information even without eagle eyes and a magnifying glass - the sizes 2,4 inches and 2,8 inches, which have long been standard on many devices, are very suitable here.

Second screen

A good clamshell phone should ideally have a second mini display. This is attached to the outside of the device and tells the owner, for example, who is currently calling them. But incoming messages or other important information are also shown on the external display, so you don't have to open the device all the time to find out what's new.

SD card slot

The storage space of a clamshell phone is usually very limited and often amounts to just 8 to 32 MB. Therefore, make sure that the mobile phone has an SD card slot that allows you to insert a corresponding memory card - this can be used to increase the external storage space extensively.

Camera

Some clamshell phones also have a built-in digital camera. However, this should be viewed more as a small gimmick, because it is usually a VGA camera with a resolution of just 0,3 megapixels. Razor-sharp photos are not possible with it anyway - you should rather use a real digital camera.

And finally ...

If you don't feel like using a state-of-the-art smartphone, you can get a very old-fashioned, but still practical cell phone by purchasing a clamshell phone. It is limited to the most important functions such as telephoning, texting etc. and is therefore also ideal for younger children or older people - for the latter there are even special models with particularly large buttons, a particularly loud loudspeaker and a built-in SOS button for emergencies.