We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
We love smartphones! We really do. They pack a plethora of features and can be used for almost anything. However, some people may find them too complicated with their 1000+ menus and numerous capabilities and may prefer the trusty flip phones. In addition to being way easier to carry around, they even come with unbeatable battery life and durability compared to smartphones. Oh, and let's not forget that these phones can be operated with gloves.
Although feature flip phones might not be as popular anymore, as long as there's some demand for them, they will be around.
So, let’s see what are the best flip phones and basic phones the carriers have to offer in 2024, then also check out other great (and unlocked) basic phones you may also like, from other sellers.
Feature phones are often seen as the cheapest possible cell phones you can get. But just because someone is looking to buy a flip phone doesn't mean they want something cheap and poorly made.
This rugged flip phone costs $240 — yes, it's not exactly cheap — and it has an IP68 rating, which means it's dust- and water-resistant. The phone even complies with US military standards for enduring shocks, drops, vibration, and extreme weather conditions. In other words, this is a tank in the form of a mobile phone. Even if you accidentally drop this phone in concrete before it sets, there's a good chance it will still be working after you break it free with a jackhammer a few days later.
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme
16GB Black - Intelligent, compact and ultra-durable, DuraXV Extreme performs under the most challenging conditions.
Buying a feature phone from T-Mobile is straightforward as it offers only one option - the Alcatel GO FLIP 4. Priced at $96, this device doesn't have any notable durability features, but it does offer Google Assistant support, which can at least save you some time typing in a long Google search. Additionally, the GO FLIP 4 comes with a 2.8-inch 320x240 screen and a web browser.
Overall, the GO FLIP 4 is the epitome of a basic phone. You flip it open, make a call, flip it back, and for anything else you use your smartphone.
Alcatel GO FLIP 4
A modern flip phone with the essential features of a smartphone and none of the hassle.
Now, if you need a flip phone with incredible durability, then you should definitely consider the Cat S22 Flip. In addition to its budget-friendly price tag, this phone boasts an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard, which means it can withstand harsh conditions and even survive a 6-foot drop.
Furthermore, the 2.8-inch touchscreen display works with wet fingers and gloves and comes with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The phone runs on Android 11 (Go Edition) and includes Google Assistant.
The Nokia 2780 Flip is also a great choice if you don't want a smartphone but still want a stylish and reliable phone with a fast internet connection. That's right; the Nokia 2780 Flip supports 4G, and on top of that, it can run a few modern apps like YouTube, for example.
The phone is also durable — it's Nokia, after all — easy to use, packs a 5MP camera, and has a pretty decent battery life. According to Nokia, the 2780 Flip can last up to 18 days on standby and provide 7 hours of talk time on a single charge. Oh, and the Nokia 2780 Flip is compatible with all carriers, so it can be used with any network.
AT&T has a rugged flip phone on its list as well, although the fact that it goes out of stock occasionally isn't a reassuring sign that it'll be around for long. In any case, it’s the Sonim XP3. Probably not a brand you've heard of, but the Sonim is offering some of the same damage protections as the Dura XV, while costing only $190. It comes with 1GB of RAM, which is a lot for a feature phone, and 8GB of storage. You can also use it as a super-durable 4G hotspot, which can be quite handy in some situations.
Sonim XP3
8GB Black - An ultra-rugged flip phone built to communicate and thrive in extreme conditions.
If you're looking for a cheap and reliable flip phone, the TCL Flip 2 is the one to go for. This device costs just $20, yet it offers Bluetooth connectivity, 4G, and a few essential apps like a browser. Additionally, it features an 1850 mAh battery, providing up to 14 hours of talk time or up to 14 and a half days of standby time. The caveat here is that this is a prepaid device locked to TracFone. However, that's not necessarily a drawback, as you can purchase as much usage time as you need and use it without a contract.
But maybe you want to pair your basic phone with a cheap plan from some of the MNVO carriers or just have a SIM card laying around unused. Well then, an unlocked phone is the way to go.
Nokia 225
If you want a simple phone on a budget, then the Nokia 225 should definitely enter your shortlist. This is indeed a very simple phone with a budget price tag. However, it has 4G, which means you will be able to browse the internet with it, and a long-lasting battery.
Those are the best unlocked and carrier flip phones to get in 2024. Whether you're looking for the best feature phone for a senior, or you're a hard hat worker who needs a durable phone you can rely on, one of the above should greatly suffice.
Alternatively, if you simply wish to avoid smartphones, or need a great dumb phone as a back-up phone, hopefully you found one that you liked. But if you want to continue your search for the perfect phone for your needs, you may also find useful:
Preslav Mladenov is a News and Affiliate Content Writer at PhoneArena who started on his tech journalism journey in December 2021. With persistent knack for finding the best deals out there, he swiftly became a pivotal Affiliate Content Writer, guiding readers towards significant savings on a plethora of gadgets, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, and headphones. Mladenov's deep-seated knowledge of mobile tech, paired with a rich background in sales, empowers him to unearth the finest deals on the web.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
![The best phones with a headphone jack in 2024 [Buyers guide]](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/124459-wide-two_150/The-best-phones-with-a-headphone-jack-in-2024-Buyers-guide.jpg?w=1)
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: