Foldable phones used to feel like something only hardcore tech folks would buy. You know, early adopters with deep pockets. But things have changed. There are more models now, better software, and prices that aren’t completely out of reach.
And if you’ve spent even five minutes looking at them, you’ve probably noticed the split: big foldables that open like a book, and smaller ones that flip open like the old Motorola Razr—just way smarter.
People love to hype up the big ones, but I think the flips deserve more credit. Honestly, I think they might be the more practical option for most of us.
1
They Actually Fit in Your Pocket
First of all, book-style foldables have gotten way better at being pocket-friendly. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, for example, is impressively slim when folded—it still feels like a phone, not some bulky mini tablet. So yeah, it’s not like you’re lugging around a brick.
But when it comes to true portability—like shrinking your phone down as much as possible—flip phones still have the edge. Phones like the Z Flip series or the Moto Razr series fold down to basically half the height of a regular phone. That square shape? It’s ridiculously easy to slide into a pocket, no matter what you’re wearing.
You don’t have to think about where to keep it, or whether it’ll jab into your leg when you sit. It just disappears when you’re not using it. And for a lot of people, that kind of convenience is hard to beat.
2
You’re Not Paying Two Grand to Try One
Foldables used to be out of reach for most people. Some still are. The Z Fold 7, for example, starts at $1,999. That’s not pocket change.
But flip phones are kind of changing the game here. The Z Flip 7 starts at $1,099, which is still pricey, but a big drop from the Fold. The Flip 7 FE brings it even lower to $899. And Motorola’s Razr 2025? That starts at $599.
You’re still getting a premium device. Good cameras, solid performance, modern Android experience. But you’re not dropping nearly two grand just to dip your toe in the foldable world.
If you’ve been curious but cautious, flips make it a whole lot easier to jump in.
3
They’re Just Fun to Use
There’s something about a flip phone that feels… satisfying. Snapping it shut after a call. Flipping it open one-handed. That physical interaction feels good in a way slabs never did.
But it’s not all nostalgia. These phones are genuinely fun to use today. The Moto Razr Ultra 2025, for example, has a massive outer screen where you can check texts, control music, and even run apps. You don’t always need to open the phone to get stuff done.
Same with the Z Flip 7—Samsung’s making the cover display more useful with each version.
And even if you don’t care about the bells and whistles, the folding experience itself still adds a little charm to everyday phone use.
4
They Might Actually Help You Use Your Phone Less
One of the more unexpected things about flip phones is how they can help reduce unnecessary screen time. Not by locking you out of apps or limiting your usage, but simply by changing how you interact with the phone in the first place.
Most flip-style foldables today have surprisingly functional cover displays. The Moto Razr Ultra 2025, for example, has a 4-inch outer screen that can run full apps. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 also supports widgets, notifications, and even app previews. You can technically open Instagram, reply to texts, check Google Maps, control music—pretty much anything you’d normally do.
But here’s the thing: just because you can do all that doesn’t mean you’ll actually want to.
Scrolling through social media, reading long messages, or watching videos on such a small display isn’t exactly enjoyable. These cover screens are great for quick tasks, not for spending long stretches of time. You’ll check a notification, maybe reply to a short message, and that’s usually it. You’re probably not going to scroll through your feed or binge content on a 4-inch screen.
And that’s kind of the point.
When you close a flip phone, the main display is tucked away. You’re not staring at an always-on screen. You’re not constantly seeing notifications pop up or app icons glowing in your face. If you want to dive into something, you have to open the phone physically. That one small step adds a bit of separation—and it makes you pause for a second.
That pause matters.
It gives you just enough time to ask yourself if you really need to open that app or check that feed. Sometimes you will. Other times, you’ll probably just move on.
It’s a small design difference, but it can make a noticeable shift in how you use your phone. And once you start noticing how often you reach for your phone out of habit, that extra layer of friction starts to feel pretty useful.
5
If Something Breaks, the Repairs Hurt Less
Foldables are more fragile than regular phones. That’s just the trade-off. You’ve got hinges, foldable glass (kind of), and more things that can go wrong.
But with flip phones, you’re dealing with less screen overall. Smaller display on the inside. Smaller cover screen. If something cracks, there’s less surface area to replace—which usually means lower repair bills.
Also, when the phone’s folded, that main screen is protected. You’re not exposing it to the world every time you pull it out. Less exposure means fewer chances for accidental damage.
So yeah, foldables aren’t indestructible. But flips give you a better chance of surviving day-to-day life without blowing hundreds on repairs.
Flip phones aren’t trying to be tablets or multitasking machines. They bring back a nice mix of simplicity without giving up what matters—and they still manage to feel cutting edge while doing it. For a lot of people, that might be exactly what a phone should be.