Jul 25, 2025
7 Best Flip Phones We Actually Tested in 2025 (From $99 to $1000)
Remember those tiny flip phones from the early 2000s? They're back—but with a major upgrade. By 2025, flip phones have grown from nostalgic relics into advanced devices that combine portability with impressive technology.
The flat rectangular slabs that dominated smartphones for years now face serious competition from a folding revolution. Modern flip phones aren't just about nostalgia—they pack powerful features with 21st-century technology.
From Classic Flips to Foldable Wonders
Today's flip phones look nothing like their ancestors. They keep the satisfying snap-shut action we all loved, but that's where the similarities end. Modern flip smartphones fold vertically and give you full-sized screens when open while staying incredibly portable when closed.
Two key innovations make this possible:
Ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG) displays that can bend thousands of times without damage
Advanced multi-component hinge mechanisms that ensure seamless folding and durability
The result? Devices that feel futuristic and address our need for phones that actually fit in our pockets again.
The 2025 Flip Phone Landscape
Competition for the best flip phone has heated up in 2025. Manufacturers challenge design limits, durability standards, and performance benchmarks. The market has grown substantially, moving beyond novelty status to provide compelling alternatives to traditional phones.
Samsung leads with about 56% market share in foldables, though Motorola gains ground with its revived Razr lineup. Chinese manufacturers like OPPO and Huawei bring innovations that challenge the market leaders.
Flip phones make up just 1.5% of the total smartphone market—but this number doesn't tell the whole story. In the premium segment, they make up 16% of phones priced over $800.
Price Points for Every Pocket
The market's biggest change in 2025 comes from its expanding price range. These devices aren't just premium products anymore. The lineup now has:
Budget-friendly options: Motorola's base Razr (2025) starts at just $699
Mid-range contenders: Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE at $899
Premium flagships: Motorola Razr Ultra at $1,300 and Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 at $1,100
This price range has made foldable technology available to more people, proving flip phones don't need to be expensive luxury items.
What Makes 2025's Flip Phones Special?
The best flip phones of 2025 share several standout features that lift them beyond mere novelties:
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 comes with a 4.1-inch external screen covering the entire front when closed. Motorola's Razr Plus offers an expansive external display with unmatched usability in folded mode.
Durability stands out as a key feature. Motorola's Razr Ultra uses a titanium-reinforced hinge plate that's four times stronger than surgical-grade stainless steel and withstands 35% more folds than previous models. Water resistance comes standard, with many models rated IPX8 for temporary submersion.
Software optimization employs the unique form factor through features like "Flex Mode," letting users place the phone half-open for video calls or photography.
The Competitive Landscape
Manufacturers race to perfect the flip phone form factor in an increasingly competitive market:
Samsung altered the map by launching the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE at $899, making foldable technology more available. This move directly challenges Motorola's Razr at $699.
This price competition might start a price war that benefits consumers but reduces manufacturer margins. It could speed up market growth and possibly offset the decline in foldable shipments from early this year.
About 8% of US consumers who bought a foldable phone in early 2025 switched from an iPhone, showing these devices attract users beyond the Android ecosystem.
The development of flip phones in 2025 shows more than just technical progress—it represents a complete rethinking of smartphone possibilities. These maturing devices prove that sometimes the best path forward starts with a look back—and then folds the future in half.
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Image Source: Android Central
The Motorola Razr Ultra stands at the top of flip phone engineering in 2025. This premium device is Motorola's first "Ultra" branded flip phone that pushes boundaries in the folding smartphone world.
Motorola Razr Ultra key features
This Razr Ultra doesn't just fold - it packs state-of-the-art tech into its compact frame:
Unmatched displays: A 7-inch inner LTPO AMOLED display (2912 x 1224 pixels) with an ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate and extraordinary 4,500 nits peak brightness. The 4-inch external display matches this with the same adaptive 165Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness.
Premium construction: The first flip phone that uses Corning® Gorilla™ Glass Ceramic for the external display and a titanium-reinforced hinge that's four times stronger than surgical-grade stainless steel. The phone opens at multiple angles, not just fully open or closed.
Flagship performance: The phone runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. This setup matches or beats many traditional flagship phones.
Impressive triple camera system: Three 50MP sensors come standard - a main camera with OIS, an ultrawide lens with macro capabilities, and a front-facing camera. You can record 8K video at 30fps.
Exceptional battery: The compact frame houses a 4,700mAh battery that lasts all day. The 68W TurboPower™ charging gives you "power for the day in just 8 minutes". You also get 30W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging.
Distinctive design options: The phone comes in four Pantone-validated finishes - Rio Red with leather-inspired texture, Scarab with Alcantara fabric, Mountain Trail with real wood, and Cabaret. Each finish gives you a unique feel beyond standard glass and metal.
Improved durability: The IP48 rating means this phone can handle water and dust. It survives in 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
Motorola Razr Ultra pros and cons
Pros:
The external display runs full Android apps
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers top performance
Battery life beats other foldable phones
Premium materials like Alcantara, wood, and vegan leather
Advanced cameras for photos and videos
Better durability than older foldable phones
Quick charging at 68W wired and 30W wireless
Cons:
The base model costs $1,299.99
Only three years of major OS updates while competitors offer more
Cameras struggle in low light
The AI features need more work compared to competitors
The phone heats up during gaming and photography
No telephoto lens means limited zoom options
Motorola Razr Ultra pricing
The Razr Ultra's premium features come with a premium price tag:
512GB model: $1,299.99 (base configuration)
1TB model: $1,499.99 (Motorola.com exclusive)
Similar premium foldables cost about the same:
Honor Magic7 Pro: $1,299.00
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6: $1,329.97
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro: $1,300.00
Sony Xperia 1 VI: $1,299.99
These prices show Motorola's confidence. The company believes their flip phone tech matches the best smartphones available, whatever the form factor.
Motorola Razr Ultra best use cases
The Razr Ultra shines in several ways:
Content creation: You can use the main 50MP cameras with the external display as a viewfinder - perfect for vlogging and selfies. The multiple folding positions let you record hands-free.
Multitasking professionals: The external display handles notifications, messages, and full apps without opening the phone. This works great for busy professionals who need quick info access.
Digital minimalists who need power: The folding design helps you use your phone more thoughtfully while keeping high-end performance ready.
Style-conscious users: The unique materials and finishes make this phone stand out from standard glass slabs.
Mobile gaming enthusiasts: The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 165Hz display deliver amazing gaming performance in a compact package.
The Motorola Razr Ultra shows what happens when a company goes all out on flip phone design. The premium price tag gets you state-of-the-art tech, eye-catching design, and practical features that make this a solid alternative to regular smartphones in 2025.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Image Source: Samsung
Samsung rules the foldable market with a commanding 56% share. Their Galaxy Z Flip 6 shows exactly why. This premium flip phone blends sophisticated engineering with practical breakthroughs that boost your everyday smartphone experience.
Samsung flip phone standout features
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings several key improvements over earlier models:
Enhanced durability: Samsung's first foldable phone with an IP48 rating protects against water submersion and dust particles larger than 1mm. The phone uses stronger Armor Aluminum frame with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to give better protection.
Powerful performance: A Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB RAM (up from 8GB in previous models) deliver flagship-level processing power. This setup scored an impressive 1,400,594 on AnTuTu benchmarks.
Upgraded camera system: A new 50MP main sensor (replacing the 12MP sensor used since the original Flip) works with a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The primary camera uses dual-pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization to capture sharper images.
Impressive battery life: A 4,000mAh battery runs for over 11 hours in battery testing. Real-life usage tests showed up to 15 hours per charge with normal use.
FlexMode capabilities: A unique hinge lets you position the phone half-open in an L-shape to enable hands-free photography and video calls.
Samsung made the Z Flip 6 slimmer when folded—just 0.48 inches thick compared to 0.59 inches for the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 pros and cons
Pros:
Refined design with sharper, flatter, and bolder aesthetic
Excellent build quality with premium materials
Industry-leading seven years of software support
Strong performance for multitasking and gaming
Better battery life than previous generations
One-handed usability—opens and closes with a single hand
Quick and consistent fingerprint reader
Cons:
Costs more at $1,099 (a $100 increase over Z Flip 5)
Limited cover screen functionality compared to competitors
Relatively slow 25W wired charging
Camera struggles with moving subjects
Visible crease in the middle of the display, though less noticeable than before
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 pricing
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 sits at the premium tier of modern flip phones:
256GB model: $1,099.99
512GB model: $1,219.99
You can choose from standard finishes (Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, and Mint) plus Samsung.com exclusives (Crafted Black, White, and Peach).
The Galaxy Z Flip 6's price has dropped several times since launch. Amazon sold the base model for under $950 by October 2025—making this premium folding smartphone more available.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 ideal users
The Z Flip 6 speaks to several distinct groups:
Style-conscious consumers: Users in their 20s to 30s love its design and uniqueness. Samsung saw over half of their foldable phones pre-orders from this group.
Content creators: FlexCam with Galaxy AI keeps subjects in frame and zooms for clear photos automatically. FlexMode gives easy one-handed control and Smooth Zoom for product demos and site tours.
Digital minimalists: The compact folded size cuts down screen time while offering flagship power when needed. Users check emails, Slack, or maps quickly on the cover screen without endless social media scrolling.
Fashion-forward individuals: Fashion-conscious social media fans with $30,000-$75,000 incomes appreciate its style, innovation and portability.
One-handed phone users: Busy professionals love this flip phone because it opens and closes easily with one hand.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 shows their ongoing refinement of the folding phone concept. This careful iteration strengthens their leadership in this growing category rather than attempting a revolution.
Motorola Razr 2025
Image Source: Android Central
The Motorola Razr 2025 brings flip phones to everyone at $699.99. You get the classic folding experience without paying premium prices like its Ultra sibling or Samsung's models. This budget-friendly motorola flip phone balances features and price, making foldable technology accessible to more people.
Motorola Razr 2025 specifications
The Razr 2025 packs impressive hardware into its compact folding frame:
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7400X with Mali-G615 GPU and 6th-generation NPU (15% improved AI processing over previous generation)
Memory: 8GB RAM with RAM Boost technology that can expand up to 16GB using phone storage
Storage: 256GB built-in UFS 2.2 storage with no expansion option
Displays:
External: 3.6-inch pOLED (1056 x 1066 pixels, 413 ppi) with 90Hz refresh rate and 1700 nits peak brightness
Internal: 6.9-inch foldable AMOLED (2640 x 1080 pixels, 413 ppi) with 120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits peak brightness
Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.7 with OIS) and 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2), plus 32MP selfie camera
Dimensions:
Unfolded: 171.3 x 74 x 7.25mm
Folded: 88.1 x 74 x 15.9mm
Weight: 188g (6.63 oz)
Durability: IP48 water and dust resistance
Motorola Razr 2025 pros and cons
Pros:
Great value at $699.99 for a foldable phone
Battery lasts 21 hours and 35 minutes during video streaming tests
Fits easily in your pocket when folded
Quick access external display saves time
Beautiful colors like Spring Bud (green), Gibraltar Sea (blue), Parfait Pink, and Lightest Sky (white)
Better AI processing than the previous model
Cons:
Performance is nowhere near similarly priced regular phones
Average camera performance, especially in low light
Only three years of OS updates and four years of security updates compared to seven years from competitors
Basic AI features compared to other phones
No zoom lens
Storage can't be expanded
Motorola Razr 2025 pricing
The Razr 2025 stands out as the most affordable flip phone right now:
Razr 2025: $699.99 (8GB/256GB)
Other folding phones cost substantially more:
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: $1,099.99 (costs $400 more)
Motorola Razr Plus 2025: $999.99 ($300 extra)
Motorola Razr Ultra 2025: $1,299.99 ($600 more)
The Razr 2025's price makes modern flip phones available to more people than ever. This phone is North America's most affordable clamshell-style foldable phone, paving the way for wider adoption.
Motorola Razr 2025 who should buy
The Razr 2025 fits perfectly for:
People who want a folding smartphone without breaking the bank
Those who love the eye-catching design of a flip phone
Users who want to cut down screen time while keeping smartphone features - the fold naturally discourages endless scrolling
Anyone tired of huge phones that don't fit in their pockets - the Razr folds into a compact size
People trying out foldable phones for the first time before buying expensive models
One reviewer puts it simply: "If you've got $700 to spend, and you're not buying a Motorola Razr 2025, you're doing it wrong". That's quite an endorsement for budget-conscious buyers in the foldable phone market.
Motorola Razr (2023)
Image Source: Hypebeast
The Motorola Razr (2023) has become the perfect way to own a foldable phone at just $349.99 (down from $699.99). This huge 50% discount makes it the cheapest flip phone you can buy right now. Budget-conscious buyers who waited for folding technology to become more available will love this deal.
Motorola Razr 2023 features overview
The Razr (2023) packs some great hardware at this price:
Displays: 6.9-inch internal pOLED (2640 x 1080 pixels) with 144Hz refresh rate and a neat 1.5-inch external OLED screen for notifications
Performance: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
Cameras: 64MP main camera with OIS and f/1.7 aperture plus 13MP ultrawide (120° field of view)
Battery: 4,200mAh capacity—bigger than the Razr+ (3,800mAh), Galaxy Z Flip 5 (3,700mAh), and OPPO Find N3 Flip (4,000mAh)
Charging: 30W wired and 5W wireless charging
Design: Premium vegan leather finish comes in Sage Green, Vanilla Cream, Summer Lilac, and Cherry Blossom
The reliable hinge mechanism can handle 400,000 folds—enough to last as long as your phone. The razr flip phone also has an IP52 rating to protect against dust and light splashes.
Motorola Razr 2023 pros and cons
Pros:
Best value as the most affordable modern flip phone
Amazing battery life—15 hours and 48 minutes of video streaming
Premium vegan leather finish adds better grip and style
Well-built with a lasting hinge mechanism
Main camera captures sharp photos with great colors
Fits small pockets easily when folded
Cons:
External display's small size limits what you can do compared to pricier models
Storage stuck at 128GB with no way to add more
Android updates stop after three years (other brands support longer)
Less powerful processor than top-end folding phones
Ultrawide camera takes less sharp photos
No mmWave 5G
Motorola Razr 2023 pricing
This motorola flip phone stands out because of its price:
Original MSRP: $699.99 at launch in 2023
Current price: $349.99 (an amazing 50% off)
Price comparison: $750 cheaper than Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 ($1,099.99)
One reviewer said it best: "If you've been curious about foldable phones but couldn't justify the cost, this Moto Razr deal is a great chance". Motorola smartly positioned this as a starter folding smartphone, making it available to regular consumers for the first time.
Motorola Razr 2023 best for budget users
The Razr (2023) works great if you:
Want to try a foldable without spending too much
Need a conversation starter that won't break the bank
Care about battery life—its 4,200mAh battery beats even premium flip phones 2024
Like minimalist design with a simple external display
Want the unique look of vegan leather and cool colors
"At $350, the Motorola Razr focuses on design and suits people who want something different without spending big money". This makes it perfect for iPhone users who want to try Android foldable phones without paying flagship prices.
The phone's durability speaks for itself—one user's Razr 2023 survived a complete wash cycle and still worked fine. That's evidence of build quality beyond what official ratings suggest!
Nokia 2780 Flip
Image Source: HMD
The Nokia 2780 Flip costs just $89.99 and offers a digital detox option that's nowhere near premium foldables. This modern flip phone lets you stay connected without the endless notifications and distractions that smartphones bring.
Nokia 2780 Flip key features
This simple flip phone blends nostalgic design with modern features you need:
Displays: 2.7-inch internal LCD (240 x 320 pixels) and 1.77-inch external screen (160 x 128 pixels) to show caller ID
Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 with quad-core 1.3 GHz processor and 512MB RAM
Connectivity: 4G LTE support with VoLTE that delivers crystal-clear HD calls
Battery: Removable 1450mAh battery that lasts up to 18 days on standby
Special features:
FM radio with 3.5mm headphone jack
USB-C charging port (rare in simple phones)
Programmable emergency side button
Hearing aid compatibility (M4/T4 rated)
The Nokia 2780 comes with Google Maps navigation—a surprising feature for a simple foldable phone.
Nokia 2780 Flip pros and cons
Pros:
Amazing 18-day battery life on a single charge
Big, easy-to-use buttons that work great for elderly users
Tough build that survived accidental washing machine cycles in testing
Smooth flip-to-answer and flip-to-end call features
Great signal reception even in remote areas
Connects to hotspots through browser access
Cons:
Talk time lasts only 3.4 hours on 4G compared to 7.3 hours on GSM
Camera struggles in low light
No WhatsApp support—a deal-breaker for many
External screen shows limited information
Single SIM only, unlike competitor phones
Screen has poor viewing angles
Nokia 2780 Flip pricing
The Nokia 2780 Flip sits at the budget end of the flip phone market at $89.99. Some stores sell open box models starting at $78.
You can choose from Red, Blue, or Black colors.
Nokia 2780 Flip best to digital detox
Digital minimalists love this phone because it:
Keeps you free from social media apps and constant alerts
Uses its flip design to prevent mindless scrolling
Provides essential features that encourage phone-free time
Helps you stay reachable for emergencies without extra temptations
"This phone is for those looking for an almost complete tech detox". Perfect for vacations, weekends, or anyone who feels overwhelmed by digital life.
Motorola Razr Plus (2023)
Image Source: HotHardware
The Motorola Razr Plus dominates other 2023 flip phones with its revolutionary 3.6-inch external display—the largest that ever spread on a flip phone at the time of launch. This spacious screen reshapes the scene of foldable phone usage by handling daily tasks without needing to open the device.
Motorola Razr Plus 2023 features
The Razr Plus combines powerful tech with a compact design:
Displays: 6.9-inch internal pOLED (2640×1080, 413ppi) with 165Hz refresh rate and 3.6-inch external pOLED (1066×1056) with 144Hz refresh
Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
Cameras: 12MP main (f/1.5) with OIS and 13MP ultrawide (108° FOV)
Battery: 3,800mAh with 30W TurboPower charging and 5W wireless
Durability: IP52 rating (dust and light water resistance)
This motorola flip phone stands out because its external display lets users run almost any app while keeping the device closed.
Motorola Razr Plus 2023 pros and cons
Pros:
External display runs full Android apps seamlessly
Samsung flip phones have more visible creases
Vegan leather's Viva Magenta option enhances grip and looks
Teardrop hinge lasts through 400,000 folds
Battery delivers 14 hours of video streaming
Cons:
Power users don't get a full day's charge
Camera performs adequately but struggles in low light
Device heats up during heavy use
Other phones offer better water resistance
Motorola Razr Plus 2023 pricing
The Razr Plus started at $999.99 but now offers amazing deals:
Some retailers sell it for $249 (75% off)
The price makes it an excellent value for a premium folding smartphone
Motorola Razr Plus 2023 who it suits best
This modern flip phone works best for:
Digital minimalists who need flagship power but want mindful phone use
Content creators who preview photos on the external display
Fashion-forward users who love the Viva Magenta design
People who check notifications without flipping their phone open
