Every smartphone should be a flip phone | Reasons why Flip Phones are making a big comeback

Do you remember your first flip phone? That sense of nostalgia is resurfacing as the popularity of new foldable smartphones continues to rise.

Flip phones, the compact handsets that ruled the mobile world in the pre-iPhone days — are having a moment. Influencers are enthusiastically endorsing these simplified devices, while The New York Times champions them as the preferred choice for teenagers seeking respite from the constantly connected lifestyle.

CNN also highlights flip phones, portraying them as “vintage technology” that has captivated Generation Z. So, are foldable phones once again entering the mainstream, like they did 20 years ago?

The current range of flip phones fails to replicate the nostalgic satisfaction of closing your phone after a call or the coolness of swiftly flicking it open. Reason being, they are larger, thicker, and heavier compared to the slim Razrs and Nokias of the early 2000s. Opening them with one hand requires maneuvering your finger between the two parts and then slashing, and wiggling the device until it unfolds. It may take a few minutes to master, but it never quite achieves the same level of coolness.

However, that’s perfectly fine. Numerous other compelling reasons exist for opting for a flip phone, as it aligns better with what people truly desire from their smartphones in 2023.

Thanks to devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Motorola Razr Plus, and Oppo Find N2 Flip, we are gradually witnessing the remarkable potential of the flip phone’s future. Nonetheless, we eagerly anticipate further advancements and innovations in this domain.

Smaller and More Portable

One notable advantage of a flip phone is its significantly smaller size compared to a traditional slab phone. Take the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 as an example: while it features a 6.7-inch main screen, larger than the S23 Plus, Google Pixel 7, and roughly the same size as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, it measures only 3.3 inches in height and 2.83 inches in width when closed.

This makes it roughly half the height of your typical high-end smartphone, giving it a deck-of-playing-cards-like feel when held. Although it may still have a comparable weight and thickness when closed, the reduced surface area makes it more conducive to fitting comfortably in a tight pocket.

It’s simply convenient, hassle-free, and occupies only half the space of a regular bar-shaped phone. Additionally, you’ll get to experience the satisfying “clamshell clap” sound every time you close it. Trust us, it’s a delightful sensation.

Designed for longevity

While flip phones are renowned for their flexibility, it’s crucial to consider the essentials as well. Naturally, you’d prefer a phone that doesn’t require frequent charging throughout the day, and most individuals are not keen on investing in a new device every year or two.

By utilising the smaller screen for certain tasks instead of constantly activating the entire display, the battery drain from frequent phone usage is significantly reduced.

Reduced Screen Exposure

In today’s digital age, taking a break from technology has become a popular practice known as a, “digital detox.” With screens permeating our lives—from work computers, to TV screens during leisure time and constant smartphone usage—it’s essential to address screen time exhaustion.

While managing screen time at work may present challenges, one effective solution is transitioning to a flip phone, which can significantly limit overall screen exposure. By switching to a basic flip phone, you can noticeably reduce your reliance on smartphones, thereby offering a respite from excessive screen time both at work and at home.

Hands-free functionality

One of the lesser known yet compelling aspects that contribute to the allure of flip phones is their superior photography capabilities. The unique design of flip phones allows for a convenient half-open position, enabling users to prop them up on a table and capture videos without the need for hands.

This hands-free functionality opens up exciting possibilities for capturing moments from various angles, offering a fresh and creative approach to photography. Whether you want to record a stable video or experiment with innovative perspectives, flip phones provide a distinct advantage that sets them apart from traditional smartphones.

Your phone, your way

Smart devices are now essentially PCs in your pocket, so they, of course, should be personal to you. The Flip features all the customization options you would expect from an Android phone: wallpapers, photos, icons, backgrounds, etc. But there’s an added benefit.

You can also express your personality in new ways with a range of cover screen options. Gone are the days of relying solely on phone cases. Now, your friends can catch a glimpse of your chosen wallpaper or background on the back while you engage with the main display. Let your phone become an extension of your unique style and personal flair.

How big is the demand?

Like the market for feature phones, foldable phones make up a small segment of the mobile market — but it’s growing quite rapidly.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), global shipments of foldable phones, encompassing both flip and fold form factors, are anticipated to reach 21.4 million units in 2023. This projection indicates a remarkable growth rate of over 50% compared to the 14.2 million units shipped in 2022.

In an updated forecast by IDC, it is projected that foldable phone shipments will further escalate to 48.1 million units in 2027, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.6% from 2022 to 2027. These statistics highlight the surging demand and increasing popularity of foldable phones in the global market.

“I personally also think the attractiveness of the nostalgic clasping sound the Flip gives us when ‘shut’ — has an impact and shouldn’t be underestimated,” IDC’s Popal said. “It’s a nice reminder of the ‘good old days.’

So, did we convince you? Bar phones are certainly not going away anytime soon, and brands have a great selection to choose from. But why not embrace innovation and flip the script?