A company called Dumb and Co. is running a program called Month Offline, encouraging people to ditch their smartphones for a month by providing a flip phone and support group, starting in Washington, DC, and expanding nationwide, as a way to combat loneliness and digital overwhelm.
Apple is rumored to introduce three new iPhone designs over the next three years, including a foldable model in 2026, a bezel-free phone in 2027, and a flip-style phone in 2028, with details about features and market targets, though these remain unconfirmed.
Aziz Ansari advocates for a low-tech, analog lifestyle, using a flip phone and avoiding email and AI tools like ChatGPT, citing benefits like increased space for thinking and concerns about AI's impact on critical thinking and human interaction.
Apple is rumored to be developing its first foldable flip phone, potentially revealing in September 2026, signaling a possible shift in smartphone design from traditional rectangular screens to more nostalgic and versatile foldable models, with experts suggesting it could enhance media consumption and reduce screen addiction, though its high price may limit accessibility.
Verizon is offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for free when trading in a qualifying phone and subscribing to their Unlimited Ultimate plan, which costs $55/month, with the device paid over 36 months. The flip phone features a foldable touchscreen, improved battery life, and competitive cameras, making it a nostalgic yet modern choice for smartphone users.
Motorola's 2025 Razr Ultra flip phone is available at significant discounts, with the 1TB unlocked model now $400 off at $1,099.99, the lowest price tracked, and features improved camera and battery life, making it a highly desirable flagship flip phone. Additionally, the mid-range Motorola Edge 2025 is also on sale at a new low price.
The article discusses the resurgence of flip phones and the evolution of foldable smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy Fold, highlighting how these devices are becoming more practical and interesting despite initial skepticism, signaling a potential return to simpler, more functional mobile devices.
The upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to feature a larger cover screen, but its success depends on Samsung addressing software limitations, especially with the keyboard and customization options, to compete effectively with Motorola's Razr series.
The Boring Phone, a collaboration between Bodega and Heineken, is a novelty flip phone based on HMD's Nokia 2660 Flip that aims to provide a feature-light phone experience by stripping out almost every feature, including Wi-Fi, selfie camera, push notifications, and social media. It features games like Snake and Tetris, a single-core T107 processor, 48 MB of RAM, 128 MB of internal storage, 320x240 pixel displays, a 0.3 megapixel outer camera, and a 1,450 mAh battery. The phone will not be sold at retail, with 5,000 units to be given away as a marketing stunt, and Heineken plans to launch an app that imitates the Boring Phone's UI.
Heineken, in collaboration with fashion brand Bodega and device-maker HMD, is launching the Boring Phone, a transparent flip phone designed for making calls and sending texts, aiming to bring users back to a simpler time before smartphones. The phone, debuting at Milan Design Week, is unable to download social media or other distracting apps, aligning with the trend of "digital detoxing." With a nostalgic design reminiscent of 90s and 2000s tech, the Boring Phone taps into the growing demand for simpler devices, as seen in the increased sales of basic call and texting phones.
HMD, the company behind Nokia-branded smartphones, is set to launch a Barbie-branded flip phone in July in partnership with Mattel, featuring a vintage chic design in hot pink with no internet connectivity. The move comes as a response to the rising popularity of "dumb phones" among Gen Z consumers seeking to limit digital activity. HMD, which spun out of Microsoft, aims to leverage the Barbie brand's international recognition and plans to collaborate with other big-name brands in the future, following a successful partnership with the James Bond movie "No Time To Die."
Fabuwood, a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, has implemented a no-phone policy during meetings and provided employees with flip phones as an alternative to smartphones. Employees have reported improved productivity, engagement in meetings, and better mental health. The company's CEO, Joel Epstein, believes that smartphones are detrimental to personal and professional lives and has seen positive results from using a flip phone himself. This move reflects a growing trend of individuals and companies seeking to reduce smartphone dependency for improved well-being and productivity.
The foldable Motorola Razr+ is currently available for $450 off its original price, marking its lowest price ever at $549.99 on Woot, with free shipping for Amazon Prime members. This unlocked device with 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 32 MP camera has garnered positive reviews and features three screens, making it a modern take on the classic flip phone. With a nostalgic appeal and practical functionality, the Razr+ presents a compelling option for those interested in a unique smartphone experience.
The Motorola Razr Plus (2023) is currently available at a 45% discount for a limited time, offering a significant price drop on the high-end flip phone with a large 6.9-inch internal display, Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and impressive camera capabilities. The deal is set to run for three more days, with free shipping for Amazon Prime members, making it a compelling offer for those interested in a sleek and powerful foldable phone.
Samsung Display has unveiled two new folding flip phone concepts at CES 2024, the Flex In&Out and the Flex Liple. The Flex In&Out is designed to flip further, while the Flex Liple aims for a lighter and simpler design by ditching the cover screen, potentially making it a more affordable option.