Flip mobile phones explained

As the term suggests, 'flip mobile phones' are two-part handsets that are opened and closed with a flipping motion. Their unique form factor means that they’re much, much more compact than most other phones.

Newer flip phones also feature expansive, and not to mention very handy, physical QWERTY keyboards for easy text-input, which is brilliant for responding to messages and working on the go.

Compare the latest mobile phones at uSwitch now.

Why choose a flip phone?

Robust construction
Most mobile form factors leave displays exposed, meaning they can be susceptible to cracks if dropped. However, flip phones’ shape means that the screen is enclosed, shielding it from unfortunate accidents.

Compact
Flip phones are much smaller than the majority of phones. So if you choose a flip phone, you’ll have more room in your pocket or bag to store your keys, wallet and other essentials.

QWERTY keyboards
Touchscreens don’t suit everyone. If you prefer a physical keyboard, one of the newer flip phones may be exactly right for your needs. Many people find they make it much easier to enter large amounts of text quickly and easily.

Battery life
Closing up a flip phone puts the screen in a lower power-using mode. This means they can stay charged for longer.

Easy access to caller information
Many flip phones feature a small screen on the exterior that lets you see incoming calls and alerts without even opening up the handset. So they're super convenient for when you're otherwise engaged and want to screen your calls easily.

Which are the best flip phones?

Flip phones were pioneered by Motorola and in the form of handsets such as the ROKR range, the company still enjoys a reputation for making some of the best flip phones around.

Nokia is also responsible for some great QWERTY flip phones. Among the best are those in the NSeries. These are high-end phones with push email functionality and state of the art mobile messaging capabilities and the kind of processing power that you'd normally only encounter on a netbook.

Meanwhile, BlackBerry flip phones are consummate business and messaging devices, that team the advanced email functionality for which BlackBerrys are known with QWERTY keyboards and the compact dimensions and form factor of a flip phone.

Considering a QWERTY phone? Find and compare deals for QWERTY mobile phones at uSwitch now.