The best unlocked or carrier flip phones and basic phones you can buy in 2024

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.

Best feature phones, a summarized list:

Sonim XP3⁠plus

Talk time: Up to 20 hours
Standby time: Up to 12.9 hours

If you are in the market for a rugged and durable flip phone, the Sonim XP3⁠plus is a good option to consider. At $199.99, it isn't exactly the most affordable handset we have on this list, but it has a military grade durability and a solid IP68 dust and water resistant rating. In addition, it runs on Sonim OS, which is based on Android, and comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage space. This bad boy also sports a powerful — for this type of phones — Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, making it feel snappy.

Best Verizon flip phone

Talk time: 9.5 hours
Standby time: 18 days

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.

Best T-Mobile flip phones

Alcatel GO FLIP 4

Talk time: 12.7 hours
Standby time: 18 days

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.

Cat S22 Flip

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.

Best Unlocked flip phone

Nokia 2780 Flip

Talk time: 7 hours
Standby time: 18 days

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.

Best Prepaid flip phone

TracFone TCL Flip 2

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.

Best unlocked feature phones

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.

A great basic phone for everyone

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:

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