Topic Wiki

List of Many Flip Phones. (No smartphones)
A lot of the descriptions is my opinion.
Feel free to let me know if you differ, or if there is info missing/wrong.
Please like if this helps you.
Service plans for Flip phones-Click here.

Alcatel/TCL Go Flip (6)
Alcatel TCL Flip 2, From Tracfone or Amazon
TCL Classic 4058C, Sold on TCL
TCL Classic, From Cricket
TCL Flip Go, From UScellular
TCL Flip Go, From T-Mobile

Probably the successor to the LG Classic. $20 for the Tracfone version. Runs very well.
TAG can Kasher, Also @kosher_cellutions kashers, and there are people working on a free filter as well.

Update (9/22/22): A free talk/text filter is available. Filter with Waze (and maybe more) coming soon!

Not to be confused with the tcl 4056 phones which look the same but run KaiOs and are much buggier.

LG Exalt LTE VN220 – Verizon
•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)
•   ATT (3g),
•   T-Mobile (2g, bad reception)

One of the most popular flip phones. Well-known Brand. No button lag. Overall decent phone.
 No outside screen, awkward shape, delicate, suffers from durability issues
Not sold anymore. Street price is over $400.

LG Classic Flip L125 – Tracfone (DDF Topic)
•   Can be  koshered: Yes
Decent phone from a well-known manufacturer
Successor to the LG Exalt, this phone added an outside screen (!!!) and an SOS button. Camera was downgraded to 2mp from 5, and lost autofocus (think Kyocera Cadence res).  Screen and body were shrunk a little to make it a little less unwieldly to hold . . The street price of $30 is has jumped and it now hovering at about $150.

Compatible Networks;
•   Tracfone (and all Tracfone sub-carriers, like: Net10, Total Wireless, Wing and possibly more)

Koshering services;
•   http://kosherlgclassic.com/ (Talk Only $24.99 or Custom $29.99, strong)
•   http://filterlg.com/ (free, strong, but has limitation READ INSTRUCTIONS)
•   https://www.apps4flip.com/lgclassicflip/ (Remove apps with ADB, no reset protection)
•   Tag, Geder, and Meshumer locations can install a block as well

Probably the best quality phone from all the cheap (you can get it for like $30) phones, but the big limitation is that it's carrier locked to Tracfone carriers and cannot be used with normal Verizon plans or other Verizon MVNOs, Until it has active service for a year two months.

LG Wine LTE (U.S. Cellular)
Can be  koshered: Yes

Same as the LG Exalt LTE but works with ATT 4g. Not compatible with Verizon (small changes  like different messaging app and fm radio) Also not sold. Replaced by the LG Wine 2 LTE

LG Wine 2 LTE (U.S. Cellular)
Not applicable


Kyocera Cadence LTE S2720 & S2720PP
•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)
•   ATT (3g),
•   T-Mobile (2g, bad reception)
PP Version must be unlocked before using with Verizon Postpaid/Other Networks

Overall solid phone by somewhat reputable brand. Has an outer screen to show show who is calling, but lacks video camera & playback. Camera quality could be better. Durability is pretty good. Software update finally fixed some t9 input issues Overall solid kosherable option. Also not sold by Verizon anymore. Street price of about $250

Kyocera DuraXV LTE E-4610
•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)
•   ATT (3g),
•   T-Mobile (2g, bad reception)

Similar to Kyocera Cadence above but in a slightly bigger, rugged package. And added video playback capability. Great choice if you can find a good one.

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme E-4810
MSRP: $240

•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)
•   ATT (3g),
•   T-Mobile (4g)

Successor to the DuraXV above. More rugged, Thicker, Heavier. Now with USB-C!
Message+ Replaced with a slower clunkier messaging app.

Kazuna eTalk
•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)

A cheap prepaid phone made by a company that has a Chinese website. Can be purchased for under $40 but must be activated in the prepaid network to work. Has poor reviews but seems to be an okay phone/operating system. Sluggish response to key presses. Cheap build quality


Alcatel Go Flip V
MSRP: $99

•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)

Slow & buggy Verizon phone. Changes back to ABC instead of T9 every time you create a new message, and no way to add words to t9 dictionary. Button presses take a while to register. Poor Quality. Seems to be a bit better than the competition in the "Easy to buy straight from Verizon" category


Orbic Journey V
MSRP: $99

•   Can be  koshered: Yes

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)

Another no-name brand with a slow buggy phone. Extremely poor quality. Avoid.


Schok Classic Flip
MSRP: $99 Available at Target

•   Can be  koshered: Yes (Tag-No, Meshimer-Yes)

Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)
•   ATT (4g),
•   T-Mobile (4g)

A large, highly compatible flip phone from a company that at least looks like its trying. Finally a viable T-Mobile option. Nice display, Impressive camera, and USB-C  docking/charging. Feels laggy and a bit buggy sometimes. A little bit more smatphone-ish than others as it has a, sometimes convoluted , Google Play store and a Virtual Mouse to input touches on apps. Software updates keep improving the phone so there is hope…

NUU Phone
Compatible Networks;
Verizon (4g)
ATT (4g)
T-Mobile (4g)
Cheap price, cheap quality. Buttons seem to wear out pretty quickly.

Alcatel Go Flip ATT  T-MOBILE
Sorry  don’t have exact models all the iterations of these.
Old version- Horrible. Contacts and calling app broken
New Version Go Flip 3- Big improvement
Has Google maps and assistant, will be removed when koshered though.
There is a cricket version that was advertised on Dansdeals.com already koshered on ebay for $60 seems to be okay.
Many many different iterations of these. Some can be filtered. Some cannot. Most are bad phones.

Coolpad Snap
4g Sprint Flip Phone. Bad Phone. Can’t be koshered

ZTE Cymbal
Different versions for Verizon prepaid and T-Mobile. Phone is Okay, Can’t be koshered, But available to buy already kosher in Lakewood.

Sonim xp3800
Compatible Networks;
Verizon (4g)
ATT (4g)
Unlocked versions available

Great phone, similar to the Kyocera DuraXV series
Can be kashered by TAG

Sunbeam
Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)
•   ATT (4g),
•   T-Mobile (4g)

Can be purchased kashered by TAG
Has a very good voice-to-text option @ $5 a month

Ans F30 Kosher
Offered by meshimer
Compatible Networks;
•   Verizon (4g)

Fig Kosher flip
Sold koshered

Nokia 6300 4G GSM
Sold koshered

Compatible Networks;
•   ATT (4g)
•   T-Mobile (4g)

Other niche options you may want to look into, and up and coming:

Keyphone  https://keyphone.tech
Mindphone  https://greentouchstore.com/pages/mind
Light phone ii $350 E-ink phone   https://www.thelightphone.com]T-Mobile
Punkt MP02    https://www.punkt.ch/en/products/mp02-4g-mobile-phone/

In Short (for most people)

Verizon- Find the Kyocera Cadence or Kyocera DuraXV E-4610
ATT- Schok /Alcatel Go Flip 3/Kyocera Cadence
T-Mobile- Schok /Alcatel Go Flip 3/
Sprint- Get a new service. You’re getting cheap service without a device to use it on

Site that allow you to search based on features and network -
https://dumbphones.pory.app/

Why is there so many garbage phones?
Why are the big brands reluctant to make decent phones?
Why did LG and Kyocera stop making such popular devices? 
Did Verizon ask for cheaper phones to make them more accessible? To make an even bigger profit?
And why can’t we get some normal phones like the old 3g devices? LG Revere, Samsung Gusto, etc. Durable, solid, reliable, NO BUGS! Maybe even… dare I ask for… a qwerty keyboard!
Why do people use sprint if there’s no phones?
What will happen to all the active old sprint 3g devices after T-Mobile/Sprint merger?

Full Disclosure: I currently use an LG OCTANE 3g Verizon Keyboard Phone and I love it. That’s gonna have to change by the end of 2020… but if you put things into perspective, that’s AFTER the November elections. Who knows if Trump will even be president?

I would love if someone knows the answers to some of these questions.

UPDATE: I switched to the Kyocera Cadence and overall, its pretty good.
I also have answers to my questions. To be very brief:
Real operating systems cost $$$$ and no one is willing to put in that much for a basic phone. They all use android (free) Or KaiOS (free and terrible) which dont come readily set up for a flip and have to be "stuffed in". Fulll android+cheapest hardware= Mess
Its hard for small companies to make their own phone due to the massive costs of certification approval and similar.


Author Topic: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE  (Read 579962 times)

Offline real-brisker

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #60 on: August 04, 2017, 01:11:59 PM »
VN360 or VN220?

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #62 on: August 05, 2017, 11:19:50 PM »
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #63 on: August 06, 2017, 12:18:34 PM »
I've finally taken the plunge and switched to an LG Exalt LTE.

After less than 24 hours with the device, there are some immediate pros and cons that I see. Hopefully we can work through some of the cons.

First the cons:

1. No outside screen. Need to flip the phone open to check time or see who's calling.
2. Lack of Hebrew input.
3. No Whatsapp or Telegram (that I'm aware of yet).
4. No (obvious, or possibly none at all) way to send voice notes.
5. No Jewish texts easily available (though I'm sure I will find a solution to this, at the very least, add them as notes to the notepad app).


And some of the Pros:
1. PHYSICAL DIALPAD!
2. No touchscreen.
3. Actually displays Hebrew in contacts and text messages - this was one thing I was afraid I would lose.
4. No urge to go online, as it isn't very practical.
5. Ability to go online when needed, and basic email access.
6. Light.
7. Flip phone - won't dial numbers by mistake while in my pocket.
8. Unlocked global phone (while LTE bands seem to be limited to Verizon bands, it seems to have support for 3G bands that will work almost anywhere).
9. Wifi hotspot capability.
10. Much better for שלום בית!
11. PHYSICAL DIALPAD!


From playing around with the phone, it seems to me like the phone firmware is some highly customized version of Android, which actually gives me hope of the ability to eventually get some of the cons I listed resolved.

Anyone else got this phone, any software solutions/upgrades?
As far as the keyboard, there is regular and t9, or is there anything newer/easier?

Do any android apps work?  What about it is android?

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #64 on: August 06, 2017, 12:22:40 PM »

As far as the keyboard, there is regular and t9, or is there anything newer/easier?

Do any android apps work?  What about it is android?
T9 or just regular abc (also gives Chinese input option, which gives me a very slight glimmer of hope for Hebrew eventually becoming available).

It is not Android. Haven't found any way to add or install apps (though it looks like it's based on android kernel- highly modified).
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #65 on: August 06, 2017, 12:26:52 PM »
Thanks.
T9 or just regular abc (also gives Chinese input option, which gives me a very slight glimmer of hope for Hebrew eventually becoming available).

It is not Android. Haven't found any way to add or install apps (though it looks like it's based on android kernel- highly modified).

thanks. Does it have a flashlight option?

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #66 on: August 06, 2017, 12:27:23 PM »

Thanks. thanks. Does it have a flashlight option?
No.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #67 on: August 06, 2017, 12:55:21 PM »
Can it open PDF and Docs?

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #68 on: August 06, 2017, 01:02:03 PM »
4. No (obvious, or possibly none at all) way to send voice notes.

https://ss7.vzw.com/is/content/VerizonWireless/Devices/LG/LG%2520Exalt%2520LTE/lg-exalt-lte-ug.pdf

See page 49 how to share a voice note.

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #69 on: August 06, 2017, 02:17:54 PM »
https://ss7.vzw.com/is/content/VerizonWireless/Devices/LG/LG%2520Exalt%2520LTE/lg-exalt-lte-ug.pdf

See page 49 how to share a voice note.
Link you posted doesn't work (maybe need to be logged in to VZW to view). Here's a link to the manual from LG: http://www.lg.com/us/support-mobile/lg-LGVN220#manuals

Yeah, one can share a voice note, but it's not as simple as responding to a text message or a whatsapp by just holding a button and recording a response.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #70 on: August 06, 2017, 02:19:43 PM »
Can it open PDF and Docs?
With the screen size, I don't see how that would be practical. Didn't try. Though even if one cannot directly, I'm sure one could use a web based workaround if really necessary.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #71 on: August 07, 2017, 01:49:52 PM »
So now I've got some proof positive that the OS is indeed a customized version of Android.



My only problem is that I haven't figured out yet any way to enter developer mode or debug mode or anything of the sort, that will let me install anything, but my hopes are up there that the developer community will figure out something down the road. Adding WhatsApp, Hebrew Input, and some essential jewish software (calendar, various texts, etc.) will really make this phone that much more useful.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #72 on: August 07, 2017, 01:52:11 PM »
So now I've got some proof positive that the OS is indeed a customized version of Android.



My only problem is that I haven't figured out yet any way to enter developer mode or debug mode or anything of the sort, that will let me install anything, but my hopes are up there that the developer community will figure out something down the road. Adding WhatsApp, Hebrew Input, and some essential jewish software (calendar, various texts, etc.) will really make this phone that much more useful.
Following

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #73 on: August 07, 2017, 01:55:07 PM »
Does it have filtering?
Who's the most ignored user on the forums?

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #74 on: August 07, 2017, 01:56:42 PM »
Does it have filtering?
ALOL

To quote the response from my son's yeshiva to certain phones that technically do have ability to browse the internet (paraphrasing): "We have no problem with that phone, it is a form of torture to browse online with that phone".
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #75 on: August 07, 2017, 02:32:35 PM »
Anyone know if the Samsung folder 2 could work on Verizon Wireless?

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #76 on: August 07, 2017, 02:35:36 PM »
Anyone know if the Samsung folder 2 could work on Verizon Wireless?
IINM that is currently only in the Korean market.

VZW uses unique LTE bands, so unless a phone was designed to be truly universal, not very likely.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #77 on: September 25, 2017, 10:59:48 AM »
IINM that is currently only in the Korean market.

VZW uses unique LTE bands, so unless a phone was designed to be truly universal, not very likely.
Wow, just what I need. Is it an unlocked phone? Would it work with GSM carriers in the US?>
You can say what you think when you think what you say.

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #78 on: September 25, 2017, 12:20:16 PM »
Wow, just what I need. Is it an unlocked phone? Would it work with GSM carriers in the US?>
This doesn't support GSM, it works only on LTE, and probably doesn't support LTE bands of carriers other than Verizon in the US.

I am almost ready to give up on this phone. The flip format with physical keypad and light weight are the major things still keeping me on it, but otherwise there are many cons (bad sound quality, bad reception, no outside screen to see who's calling or to see time).

I am actually toying with the idea to switch to the Apple watch, now that it can make phone calls and send and receive texts, but I'm afraid it might have some issues.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #79 on: September 25, 2017, 03:41:12 PM »
This doesn't support GSM, it works only on LTE, and probably doesn't support LTE bands of carriers other than Verizon in the US.

I am almost ready to give up on this phone. The flip format with physical keypad and light weight are the major things still keeping me on it, but otherwise there are many cons (bad sound quality, bad reception, no outside screen to see who's calling or to see time).

I am actually toying with the idea to switch to the Apple watch, now that it can make phone calls and send and receive texts, but I'm afraid it might have some issues.
I think this one does an outside screen, no? Also why would it have bad reception if it works on LTE?
You can say what you think when you think what you say.