What are clamshell phones?

Clamshell phones are handsets that resemble clams - because they come in two parts with a hinge mechanism that enables them to be folded up when not in use.

Clamshell mobiles are popular for their compact dimensions as they take up much less room in your bag or pocket.

Who makes clamshell phones?

Clamshell phones have come to market from most of the world’s major phone makers, including Nokia, Sony Ericsson and BlackBerry. However, perhaps the most prominent supporter of the clamshell form factor has been Motorola, whose huge-selling RAZR range were state-of-the-art phones in the earlier part of the 2000s.

Compare deals for clamshell phones at our dedicated clamshell handset page.

Advantages of clamshell phones

Clamshell phones aren’t just lauded for their sleekness, they’re also well-regarded because they are often very robust. This is because when the handset is folded up, the upper part of the phone protects the screen and keypad inside from any manner of mishaps.

Fans of the clamshell phone form factor also cite the fact that you can see call information without opening the handset as a key factor of their appeal. A smaller screen on the front of the handset show the identity of the caller, allowing you to screen your calls more easily.

Clamshell phones also offer considerably longer battery life than other form factors – especially compared with some of the latest battery-hungry, high-end smartphones. The reason clamshell phones are so power-efficient is because the screen which generally drains battery quickly on a mobile phone is only activated when the handset is open. Therefore, power is mostly used to light up the smaller, external screen that is visible when the phone is folded up.

Flip phone or clamshell? What's the difference?

The terms flip phone and clamshell phone are totally interchangeable. There is no difference at all between the two form factors.

Compare flip phone deals and offers at uSwitch now.

Buying a clamshell phone

Clamshell phone deals can be found on most major UK networks, with a range of pay as you go and pay monthly options available.

Clamshell phones are also on offer with free gift deals, offering everything from games consoles to complimentary vouchers to spend on mobile phone accessories.

The future of clamshell phones

Although the advent of touchscreen-based 'candy bar' phones have meant that clamshell phones are not nearly as popular as they used to be, there will always be a market for them for users who like their classic look and feel.

Compare all the latest mobile phones at uSwitch now.