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 471093 times)

Offline herb

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #540 on: May 03, 2020, 01:51:17 PM »
What plus side of exalt?
better operating ex: video capability.

Offline bznt

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REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #541 on: May 04, 2020, 04:49:03 PM »
Anybody has experience using the LG exault with a GSM carrier in the USA like T-Mobile or AT&T , or does anybody know the gsm bands this phone has ?

ETA I found the answer.
NetworkLTE, UMTS, GSMFrequenciesLTE Bands 13/4/5; UMTS 850/900/1900/ 2100 MHz; GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
« Last Edit: May 04, 2020, 04:52:41 PM by bznt »

Offline Jeremiah

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #542 on: May 05, 2020, 09:09:03 AM »

Offline ae123

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #543 on: May 05, 2020, 05:10:44 PM »
Anyone familiar with the Alcatel Smartflip/Go Flip 3?

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #544 on: May 05, 2020, 06:10:55 PM »
Anyone familiar with the Alcatel Smartflip/Go Flip 3?
Better than the old one for a couple reasons... not even close to exalt, kyocera... also DO NOT get for a kid without speaking to TAG they have full browser, youtube etc. Also whatsapp works well but no calling...
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Offline MoYS

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #545 on: May 05, 2020, 09:29:14 PM »
Anyone familiar with the Alcatel Smartflip/Go Flip 3?
I had one for a bit, not sure if its the same model though. If it is the same I wrote about earlier, don't get it, i was very frustrated with it

Offline ae123

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #546 on: May 05, 2020, 10:39:05 PM »
Better than the old one for a couple reasons... not even close to exalt, kyocera... also DO NOT get for a kid without speaking to TAG they have full browser, youtube etc. Also whatsapp works well but no calling...
1 - Is there any way to get rid of the icons on the home screen but not necessarily delete the app itself?
2 - Is there any way I can use the phone (text, calendar, etc.) while on a call?
I can't seem to find a way for these two issues.

Offline ae123

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #547 on: May 05, 2020, 10:39:40 PM »
I had one for a bit, not sure if its the same model though. If it is the same I wrote about earlier, don't get it, i was very frustrated with it
I think it is.
I already have it.
I thought this was my only 4G fliphone option for AT&T.
Are there others?
« Last Edit: May 05, 2020, 10:45:53 PM by ae123 »

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #548 on: May 05, 2020, 11:22:31 PM »
1 - Is there any way to get rid of the icons on the home screen but not necessarily delete the app itself?
2 - Is there any way I can use the phone (text, calendar, etc.) while on a call?
I can't seem to find a way for these two issues.
1 pretty sure not maybe something if you have a lot of coding skills and time to spare :)
2 also almost positive that it impossible if a new text comes in the first line will pop on the screen for a few seconds.
Some disadvantages are less dedicated buttons and IMHO feels cheaper.


The google assistant works fairly well especially for dictation and WhatsApp is pretty cool
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #549 on: May 05, 2020, 11:27:00 PM »
Plenty of people in the Frum community have extensive contacts both with executives as well as manufacturing.  Any thoughts if it would be profitable for them to sell a lineup of well designed dumb phones with all the input from people who actually use them?
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
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Offline yesitsme

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #550 on: May 06, 2020, 09:32:34 AM »
Plenty of people in the Frum community have extensive contacts both with executives as well as manufacturing.  Any thoughts if it would be profitable for them to sell a lineup of well designed dumb phones with all the input from people who actually use them?
if you're already heading that direction make it should be childproof, it should be able to withstand the kids throwing it like a ball

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #551 on: May 06, 2020, 10:20:05 AM »
if you're already heading that direction make it should be childproof, it should be able to withstand the kids throwing it like a ball
Maybe a flip phone that military grade (is that even strong enough?) And qwerty kne that can be a drop more delicate. A flip phone is more practical for that as it has a natural screen protector when closed.
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Offline Baruch

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #552 on: May 06, 2020, 11:33:47 AM »
Plenty of people in the Frum community have extensive contacts both with executives as well as manufacturing.  Any thoughts if it would be profitable for them to sell a lineup of well designed dumb phones with all the input from people who actually use them?
If they ever do, I would hope they'd add waze

Offline ae123

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #553 on: May 06, 2020, 12:18:37 PM »
1 pretty sure not maybe something if you have a lot of coding skills and time to spare :)
2 also almost positive that it impossible if a new text comes in the first line will pop on the screen for a few seconds.
Some disadvantages are less dedicated buttons and IMHO feels cheaper.


The google assistant works fairly well especially for dictation and WhatsApp is pretty cool
Thanks.

Offline MoYS

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #554 on: May 06, 2020, 02:23:47 PM »
Maybe a flip phone that military grade (is that even strong enough?) And qwerty kne that can be a drop more delicate. A flip phone is more practical for that as it has a natural screen protector when closed.
well once youre designing it, why not make a flip qwerty, its better than the slide ones, i think thats where they start to break by the slide connection. Unless you just meant to run a different os on it.

Offline MoYS

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #555 on: May 06, 2020, 02:31:26 PM »
Plenty of people in the Frum community have extensive contacts both with executives as well as manufacturing.  Any thoughts if it would be profitable for them to sell a lineup of well designed dumb phones with all the input from people who actually use them?
I remember seeing an ad in one of the frum publications a year or two ago for a frum market research study for this purpose, in a more general context but the same idea, I wonder if anything came of it. I couldnt find it on google but i dont recall the name.

Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #556 on: May 06, 2020, 03:37:31 PM »
I remember seeing an ad in one of the frum publications a year or two ago for a frum market research study for this purpose, in a more general context but the same idea, I wonder if anything came of it. I couldnt find it on google but i dont recall the name.
Anyone have more info?
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Offline Mikes@Micro

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #557 on: May 06, 2020, 03:40:21 PM »
well once youre designing it, why not make a flip qwerty, its better than the slide ones, i think thats where they start to break by the slide connection. Unless you just meant to run a different os on it.

well once youre designing it, why not make a flip qwerty, its better than the slide ones, i think thats where they start to break by the slide connection. Unless you just meant to run a different os on it.

IRC that makes for a pretty awkward form factor. Might be more acceptable now when we have the likes of galaxy Z and that motorola one.


Unless you mean similar to that old LG verizon one with 2 screens?

What do you mean by a different OS?
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Offline MoYS

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #558 on: May 06, 2020, 04:04:28 PM »
IRC that makes for a pretty awkward form factor. Might be more acceptable now when we have the likes of galaxy Z and that motorola one.
The military grade phones out there are pretty bulky to begin with, so i dont know how much more would need to be added on.
Quote
What do you mean by a different OS?
To keep the current hardware of a phone that is good quality and just develop a different OS to run on it.

Offline Definitions

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Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #559 on: May 07, 2020, 12:49:34 PM »
Anyone have more info?
I also heard someone was looking to make a special run of Verizon's cosmo 3  with 4g on it and special software but needed a minimum of 100,000 pieces.
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