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 471116 times)

Offline Mikes@Micro

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 994
  • Total likes: 328
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: US
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #560 on: May 07, 2020, 03:17:30 PM »
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.
I dont have numbers but I'm sure he could sell if he had the right LTE bands for the major carriers 4 (or 3) and got verizon to sell.

https://www.thelakewoodscoop.com/news/2019/11/lakewood-residents-demand-upgrades-to-verizon-network-petition-launched.html
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

Offline yesitsme

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 5020
  • Total likes: 2237
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #561 on: May 07, 2020, 11:35:13 PM »
how would I know if this is compatible with twigby service?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sonim-XP3-Flip-Phone-8GB-ROM-1G-RAM-Black-Sprint-A/193047512382
["-"]

Online bznt

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 2613
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #562 on: May 07, 2020, 11:55:42 PM »
how would I know if this is compatible with twigby service?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sonim-XP3-Flip-Phone-8GB-ROM-1G-RAM-Black-Sprint-A/193047512382
If it’s a sprint phone. It should work.
Try to message the seller and ask for the imei

Offline yesitsme

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 5020
  • Total likes: 2237
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #563 on: May 07, 2020, 11:58:06 PM »
If it’s a sprint phone. It should work.
Try to message the seller and ask for the imei
I did he responded
Unfortunately we don't have that information
["-"]

Online bznt

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 2613
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #564 on: May 08, 2020, 12:00:26 AM »
I did he responded
Unfortunately we don't have that information
Tell him to remove the back cover and remove the battery and send you a picture of the phone.
Or ask him to dial *#06#.
If they can’t provide you this info then you should not buy from them

Offline MoYS

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 805
  • Total likes: 85
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #565 on: May 08, 2020, 11:22:08 AM »
Tell him to remove the back cover and remove the battery and send you a picture of the phone.
Or ask him to dial *#06#.
If they can’t provide you this info then you should not buy from them
I dont know about that model phone, but in my experience flip phones will not give the device info by dialing *#06#

Offline ae123

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 2164
  • Total likes: 183
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #566 on: May 08, 2020, 03:39:13 PM »
I dont know about that model phone, but in my experience flip phones will not give the device info by dialing *#06#
My ZTE Z223 does.

Offline Mikes@Micro

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 994
  • Total likes: 328
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: US
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #567 on: May 08, 2020, 04:18:53 PM »
My ZTE Z223 does.
I think that's a GSM thing.... sprint would be cdma
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

Online bznt

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 2613
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #568 on: May 08, 2020, 05:59:39 PM »
The zte z223 is a AT&T Phone. Won’t work with sprint

Offline helpinghand

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 89
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood, NJ
  • Programs: Fairmont Lifetime, Hertz PC, National EE, Avis Chairman, Hilton Diamond
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #569 on: May 14, 2020, 12:40:32 PM »
Can the Kyocera Cadence Verizon Prepaid phone be used for Sprint?
I tried putting in a postpaid Sprint Sim but Sprint says they are unable to activate it. I do have the unlock code already despite that I haven't been active for 60 days (or $50). Perhaps I need to wait it out even though I already have unlock code.
did anyone have success with activating the Kyocera Cadence on sprint/tello?

Offline Kosher_Cellutions

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Mar 2017
  • Posts: 245
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • KosherLGClassic
  • Location: USA
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #570 on: May 20, 2020, 10:50:55 PM »
I have been building Kosher software for mobile phones for over 10+ years. It's very expensive to build a phone yet along RnD to build your own firmware. I personally have made around 40+ phones kosher. From the Alcatel 4044 all the way to the Koycera models. I can remote flash alot of phones if anyone needs to turn their phone into a kosher or talk and text device.

wwww.kosherfone.com
www.kosherfonewireless.com
www.kosherlgclassic.com
www.koshertclflip.com
KosherCellutions@gmail.com
Cellutions® is a registered trademark

Offline Kosher_Cellutions

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Mar 2017
  • Posts: 245
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • KosherLGClassic
  • Location: USA
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #571 on: May 20, 2020, 10:55:48 PM »
Does anyone know if this phone can be kosherized?
NUU F4L 4GB Feature Phone (Unlocked)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1552325-REG/nuu_f4l_us_black_f4l_2_8_vga_lte.html

It is I did it with Hebrew for Wireless Experts.

MWH SALES INC.
140 Rodney St
Brooklyn NY 11211
www.kosherlgclassic.com
www.koshertclflip.com
KosherCellutions@gmail.com
Cellutions® is a registered trademark

Offline davidd75

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 3875
  • Total likes: 120
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: new jersey
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #572 on: May 21, 2020, 11:46:02 AM »
I have been building Kosher software for mobile phones for over 10+ years. It's very expensive to build a phone yet along RnD to build your own firmware. I personally have made around 40+ phones kosher. From the Alcatel 4044 all the way to the Koycera models. I can remote flash alot of phones if anyone needs to turn their phone into a kosher or talk and text device.

wwww.kosherfone.com
www.kosherfonewireless.com

maybe you can push/implement a 4g basic phone with keyboard?  From what I understand there is NONE i the market  and seems to be a lot of demand among the frum crowd etc....

Offline davidd75

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 3875
  • Total likes: 120
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: new jersey
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #573 on: May 21, 2020, 11:46:54 AM »
I have been building Kosher software for mobile phones for over 10+ years. It's very expensive to build a phone yet along RnD to build your own firmware. I personally have made around 40+ phones kosher. From the Alcatel 4044 all the way to the Koycera models. I can remote flash alot of phones if anyone needs to turn their phone into a kosher or talk and text device.

wwww.kosherfone.com
www.kosherfonewireless.com

also where are you located and can you give  range of prices?

Online bznt

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 2613
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #574 on: May 21, 2020, 01:47:51 PM »
also where are you located and can you give  range of prices?
It’s all on the website
$25 per phone.
Based on the phone number he is in Los Angeles

He does it remotely, you need a computer with internet access and teamviewer installed

Offline Kosher_Cellutions

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Mar 2017
  • Posts: 245
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • KosherLGClassic
  • Location: USA
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #575 on: May 21, 2020, 07:41:36 PM »
maybe you can push/implement a 4g basic phone with keyboard?  From what I understand there is NONE i the market  and seems to be a lot of demand among the frum crowd etc....

Its to expensive to go out and build a good quality handset and still affordable.
www.kosherlgclassic.com
www.koshertclflip.com
KosherCellutions@gmail.com
Cellutions® is a registered trademark

Offline Mikes@Micro

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 994
  • Total likes: 328
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: US
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #576 on: May 21, 2020, 09:25:47 PM »
Its to expensive to go out and build a good quality handset and still affordable.
What about a licensing and existing phone? If I understand correctly the earlier Java based OS cant handle 4g but how expensive would it be to partner with LG to implement their *excellent * version of ASOP for flip phones on hardware they already have like the Cosmos or Extravert?
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

Offline MoYS

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 805
  • Total likes: 85
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #577 on: May 21, 2020, 10:41:40 PM »
maybe you can push/implement a 4g basic phone with keyboard?  From what I understand there is NONE i the market  and seems to be a lot of demand among the frum crowd etc....
+1
Its to expensive to go out and build a good quality handset and still affordable.
How much would it be... people are already spending upwards of 100 on flip phones that they dont like.

I feel that most people that have flip phones are frustrated with the lack of integration, you need a phone for call/text, (which the flip phones are not very good at providing, at least not as well as the older model slide phones in my experience), ipod for music and a camera for pictures and gps for directions, (although i dont know if that can be easily replicated on a basic phone), things that should all be able to be put on a single kosher device. This is the purpose of this thread to find that device, and if someone develops it and controls the market, it seems to have a lot of potential. My two cents
« Last Edit: May 21, 2020, 10:45:36 PM by MoYS »

Offline Mikes@Micro

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 994
  • Total likes: 328
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: US
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #578 on: May 21, 2020, 10:52:48 PM »
Those things can be easily replicated on flip phones and have been for years and would have continued to evolve with the market if not for corporate schemes to make more money.

 Basically, people spend more time on smartphones and Carriers can sell them for more so they want to push you to spend more on the device + more service usage. 
They (particularly Verizon) hold tremendous sway over phone makers and basically decide what they manufacture. Look at the Korean versions of the LG Exalt/folder/ wine. -- much more functionality!


Additionally the way the market has developed most phones (with the exception of flagships) are subsidized by the carriers....


About spending on flip phones.... Look at eBay literally thousands of LG Exalts have been sold in the $300-400 range! Crazy! (Peer pressure or s/t)  this is prob due to Verizon discontinuing it and being by far the best option. Verizon may have been motivated bc they were able to release a new kyocera for $240 while they couldn't raise the exalt from $150
« Last Edit: May 21, 2020, 10:58:38 PM by Mikes@Micro »
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL

Offline Mikes@Micro

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2020
  • Posts: 994
  • Total likes: 328
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: US
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #579 on: May 21, 2020, 10:56:23 PM »
Quote or engagement  equals full throated endorsement and vote!
H/t PinchosL