The best flip phones in 2026: Which one is right for you?

Overview

Flip phones, also called ‘clamshell phones’, fold in half vertically to slip into your pocket, then open to a full-size screen. They used to be basic phones, but brands like Samsung and Motorola have reinvented them as smartphones. The appeal is portability, a large display, and a distinctive design. There’s no single best flip phone – the choice depends on what matters most to you, whether that’s durability, size, or budget. 

See which flip phone we recommend based on your top priorities:

The Galaxy Z Flip8 is the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Flip, powered by the Exynos 2600 chip. It features a 50MP main camera and a cover screen you can use when closed.

What we love 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 folds down to a slim 6.1mm and weighs just 180g, so it slips into your pocket and feels light in the hand. Its premium build includes a redesigned curved hinge that makes opening and closing feel smooth and solid. The slimmer bezels around the 4.1-inch FlexWindow make the cover screen feel more immersive. 

Inside, the Exynos 2600 chip is built on a 2-nanometre design. This is the smallest and most efficient chipset Samsung has used in a flip phone. And with 12GB of RAM, it keeps apps open in the background and switches between them without lag. 

Things to consider 

That said, most of the Galaxy Z Flip8’s specs and features are already available in the Z Flip7 at a lower price. The screen size, camera specs, battery, and charging capabilities have largely stayed the same. If price is a deciding factor, and you can compromise on the latest generation, the Z Flip7 might also be an ideal choice. 

Perfect for 

Flip enthusiasts looking for a phone that performs well and looks the part. It’s thin, light, powerful, and has one of the most stylish designs you can get.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 packs flagship features into a design that fits effortlessly into your pocket. You get the same camera system, battery life and charging capabilities as the Z Flip8, without the top-tier price. 

What we love 

Balancing flagship features, price and durability, we consider the Galaxy Z Flip7 the ideal phone for everyday use. The 6.9-inch main display gives you a spacious screen for browsing, streaming and scrolling. The 4.1-inch immersive FlexWindow lets you check notifications, reply to messages, and control music without opening the phone. The 50MP and 12MP cameras capture sharp photos of everyday moments, and 256GB of storage gives you plenty of room for apps and pictures.

Things to consider 

The Z Flip7 is heavier than the Z Flip8 at 188g, and it feels less refined. It also uses an older chipset, so it is not as fast or as power-efficient as the Exynos 2600 in the Z Flip8. In this case, you’re trading the newest specs for a lower price.

Perfect for 

Everyday users who want a capable, reliable flip phone that still turns heads. 

The Motorola Razr 70 Ultra combines flagship processing power with spacious RAM and a large interactive cover screen for effortless multitasking.

What we love 

The Motorola Razr 70 Ultra has the power to fuel your productivity. With 16GB RAM and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, you can keep multiple apps open and run demanding tasks without slowing down. The 4.-inch external display is fully interactive, so you can reply to messages and take photos without opening the phone. And when you do, the 7-inch main display with 5,000-nit peak brightness keeps you on top of your to-do list, even in direct sunlight. The 5,000mAh battery promises all-day power, while the 50MP triple-camera system with Flex View lets you create content for your business, even on the go.

Things to consider 

The Razr 70 Ultra is the priciest Motorola flip phone. The Razr 60 Ultra offers the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a similar 4-inch cover screen at a more affordable price. If budget is a priority, compare all features to decide.

Perfect for 

Power users who run multiple apps at once and want a large cover screen and an all-day battery. 

The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is slim, light, and easy to carry. Like Samsung’s other FE models, this smartphone also combines flagship features with a mid-range price tag.

What we love 

This smartphone blends portability with flagship specs. At 187g and 6.9mm thick, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is lightweight and compact. The Z Flip7 FE shares several features with Samsung’s latest Z Flip8, including a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and 25W wired charging. With Samsung’s Galaxy AI, this stylish model is the ideal first flip for anyone. 

Things to consider 

The Z Flip7 FE has a relatively small cover screen and an average-sized main display. It features a 4,000mAh battery that may need recharging on a hectic day, along with the mid-range Exynos 2400 chipset. All in all, this phone isn’t the right choice for power users who need a tablet-size screen and all-day battery life. 

Perfect for 

People who want an affordable, pocket-friendly flip phone with an immersive display, pro-grade cameras and IP48 dust and water resistance. 

With the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra, you get a large screen, all-day battery, fast charging and a premium build at an affordable price.

What we love 

We believe the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is the best budget flip phone because it gives you premium features at a lower price. The 7-inch main display is the biggest among flip phones in our range, while the 4-inch external display runs at 165Hz with HDR10+ for smooth, vibrant visuals. The 4,700mAh battery can last up to 36 hours on a single charge¹. The phone also shares flagship features, like its chipset and charging capabilities, with the Razr 70 Ultra, for a fraction of that price. 

Things to consider 

The Razr 60 Ultra is an earlier model, released in early 2025, so it doesn’t have the latest refinements, such as the brighter 5000-nit display. It’s also considered relatively bulky for a flip phone. Pop into your nearest Vodafone store to see it in person before you commit.

Perfect for 

People who want a phone that flips open to a tablet-sized display. Users who want long battery life and a reliable smartphone at a good price.

The HMD Barbie Phone helps you switch off from scrolling and enjoy the moment. It’s compact, fabulous, and gives you a break so you can live your best life.

What we love 

HMD’s Barbie Phone is the best basic flip phone to use for a digital detox. No apps to scroll through, and no notifications to pull you back in. It’s perfect for nostalgia: the flip-open design and simple interface take you back to when phones were made only for calls and texting. The 2.8-inch display is small but clear, and the 1.77-inch outer screen shows the time and notifications. It also doubles as a pocket-sized mirror. The removable 1,450mAh battery is easy to swap, and at 123g, this chic pink phone barely feels like much. And it even comes with Malibu Snake, a reimagined version of the iconic snake game, which adds to the retro charm. 

Things to consider 

The HMD Barbie Phone is not a smartphone. Its features don’t compare to its Samsung and Motorola counterparts. 

Perfect for 

Barbie lovers, and anyone who feels the need to switch off from their smartphone and relive a time when phones were just phones. 

Which flip phone is the best for content creation? 

For filming Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts, vlogs, and social content directly on your phone, we recommend the Motorola Razr 70 Ultra. 

The triple 50MP camera system has Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) for fast focus and sharp, steady shots, plus a 122-degree ultrawide lens that fits nearly four times more into a photo. This is ideal for buildings, landscapes, and group shots. Flex View lets you fold the phone partway to use it as its own tripod, and the cover screen helps you frame selfies. This smartphone has the biggest main display in any flip phone on the market, ideal for photo and video editing. And with over 36 hours of battery life¹, recording and heavy camera use shouldn’t be an issue. 

Which flip phone is the most durable? 

If durability is your top priority, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8. It has an Advanced Armour Aluminium⁴ frame, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus 2⁵ on the cover screen, and IP48³ water and dust resistance to help protect against everyday wear and splashes. The Armour FlexHinge is built to handle frequent opening and closing, while the lightweight design keeps it comfortable to carry. If you want a flip phone that is designed for long-term use, the Galaxy Z Flip8 is a reliable choice. 

Should I get a flip phone as a student? 

Yes, flips are ideal choices for students who want a compact phone that is easy to carry and different from a standard smartphone. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. It’s designed to make flip phones more affordable, making it a great first option. You still get a large screen for studying, streaming and staying in touch, but in a phone that folds neatly into your pocket. It’s a practical choice for students who want to try a flip phone with flagship features, without paying flagship prices.