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 470761 times)

Offline 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 #2480 on: April 19, 2023, 12:08:45 AM »
Where can I get the original IMG file for the TCL flip 2 ? I have to return a phone for warranty and I want it to have the original software

Offline TBD

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 1316
  • Total likes: 206
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2481 on: April 20, 2023, 12:46:45 AM »
Have a sunbeam phone that stopped working. Company send already 4 replacement phones, all of them were broken (one of the phones they even send me back a second time as I still saw the calls I placed while I had it the prior time), Anyone with experience how to deal with them?

Offline saul613

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Jul 2019
  • Posts: 70
  • Total likes: 14
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
    • yourgelt.com
  • Location: Lakewood/Brooklyn
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2482 on: May 19, 2023, 02:08:28 PM »
If I redeem a $300 phone off promo code. Do I have to use it in 1 transaction? What if I use it for only $100 will I be left with the rest for future use?
You need to use it in one order, the order doesn't need to be $300, but you'll lose the rest. What I do is order $299.99 worth of phones, this way you use the whole code, pay no tax (because it's technically free), and you don't need to enter a credit card.

Do beware that I've seen order cancellation emails from a Verizon.com email address saying that I can't order more than 6 phones per month to the same address. I do think I once had a cancellation email after it shipped and it did arrive. I've also seen an order simply turn around in middle of the shipment (UPS) and go back to the Tracfone fulfillment center. UPS told me that the shipper requested the return. I was successful getting my 20k points back but only after 4 long drawn out attempts over 3 months and those points are pending...

Offline saul613

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Jul 2019
  • Posts: 70
  • Total likes: 14
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
    • yourgelt.com
  • Location: Lakewood/Brooklyn
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2483 on: May 19, 2023, 02:15:29 PM »
https://www.tracfone.com/phone/lg-classic-flip-reconditioned
how does this work on tmobile?
Some of the reconditioned LG Classics from tracfone.com will not unlock even after 60 days from activation, because they claim it was once officially activated before the rules changed, so it needs 12 months of active service as opposed to simply waiting 60 days from any activation.
Some do unlock and some don't, and it didn't seem to make a difference how many lifetime minutes there were. I had ones with 0 minutes that couldn't unlock after 60 days, and some that were actually used that were able to be unlocked after 60 days. So buying those and using the $19.99 plan to unlock is a hit or miss.

Offline saul613

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Jul 2019
  • Posts: 70
  • Total likes: 14
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
    • yourgelt.com
  • Location: Lakewood/Brooklyn
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2484 on: May 19, 2023, 02:18:23 PM »
I have 20k points which I want to use to get new phones. I have 4 active lines with the annual plan. When I chose a phone. It forces me to choose a plan as well. Otherwise I can’t checkout, any ideas how I can get new devices without having to buy a plan?
It appears that all reconditioned phones require a plan to be purchased with the phone. Some new phones on sale also require a plan sometimes. Some phones become cheaper by including a plan at purchase.

Offline saul613

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Jul 2019
  • Posts: 70
  • Total likes: 14
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
    • yourgelt.com
  • Location: Lakewood/Brooklyn
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2485 on: May 19, 2023, 02:22:22 PM »
Tracfone chat agent says $150 or 12 months service, is that true or dropr ?
It may be the case in reconditioned phones, because they were supposedly once activated before the 12 month rule changed. Not sure if this is right, maybe complain to the FCC? Email to tracfoneunlocking@fcc.gov

Offline ez45

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2022
  • Posts: 16
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: spring valley
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2486 on: May 22, 2023, 11:11:23 PM »
TracFone now change their policy that after 2 months you can unlock it.

btw I found a kosher tcl on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5ZY5FGC?th=1

Online etech0

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 12862
  • Total likes: 3317
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: not lakewood
  • Programs: DDF
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2487 on: May 23, 2023, 11:20:09 AM »
Does LG Classic have an option somewhere to copy contacts to the sim card? I can't find one.

Does the "LG Transfer" tool work with the LG Classic?
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

Offline ez45

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2022
  • Posts: 16
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: spring valley
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2488 on: May 23, 2023, 12:40:21 PM »
Does LG Classic have an option somewhere to copy contacts to the sim card? I can't find one.
You can transfer to a SD card.

Offline sguitarist18

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 1781
  • Total likes: 884
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2489 on: May 24, 2023, 07:29:40 AM »
Just a quick update - I've been using the Qin F30 for 6 months and while it's not perfect, I'm glad I got it.

Online etech0

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 12862
  • Total likes: 3317
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: not lakewood
  • Programs: DDF
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2490 on: May 24, 2023, 10:28:21 AM »
You can transfer to a SD card.
Thanks!
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

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 #2491 on: May 25, 2023, 10:00:18 AM »
and good recommendations for a basic unlocked phone for a bachur (talk only) with no sd slot

Offline EliyahuF

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Feb 2022
  • Posts: 146
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2492 on: May 28, 2023, 01:18:19 PM »
Best plan for just & text?

Preferably based off Verizon network

Offline yungermanchik

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2018
  • Posts: 2668
  • Total likes: 2047
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Previous Signatures: If you chapped hana'ah from a post, like it; You think you know the answers and things are the way they seem.. it just ain't so -The Rebbe from Lublin-
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2493 on: May 28, 2023, 01:19:43 PM »
Best plan for just & text?

Preferably based off Verizon network
US Mobile
Small people talk about other people.
Average people talk about things
BIG PEOPLE TALK ABOUT IDEAS.

Offline EliyahuF

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Feb 2022
  • Posts: 146
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2494 on: May 28, 2023, 01:26:18 PM »
US Mobile
Would I have a cheaper monthly bill if I go with a non Verizon network?

Offline yungermanchik

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2018
  • Posts: 2668
  • Total likes: 2047
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Previous Signatures: If you chapped hana'ah from a post, like it; You think you know the answers and things are the way they seem.. it just ain't so -The Rebbe from Lublin-
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2495 on: May 28, 2023, 01:32:02 PM »
Would I have a cheaper monthly bill if I go with a non Verizon network?
Maybe a little bit with Tello and a bit more with Hello (0 customer service)
Small people talk about other people.
Average people talk about things
BIG PEOPLE TALK ABOUT IDEAS.

Offline EliyahuF

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Feb 2022
  • Posts: 146
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2496 on: May 28, 2023, 09:05:34 PM »
Maybe a little bit with Tello and a bit more with Hello (0 customer service)
What phone would you recommend that's compatible with the above service?

Offline yungermanchik

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2018
  • Posts: 2668
  • Total likes: 2047
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Previous Signatures: If you chapped hana'ah from a post, like it; You think you know the answers and things are the way they seem.. it just ain't so -The Rebbe from Lublin-
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2497 on: May 28, 2023, 09:07:56 PM »
What phone would you recommend that's compatible with the above service?
an unlocked LG Classic. If you can get your hands on one.
Small people talk about other people.
Average people talk about things
BIG PEOPLE TALK ABOUT IDEAS.

Offline EliyahuF

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Feb 2022
  • Posts: 146
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2498 on: May 28, 2023, 09:10:23 PM »
an unlocked LG Classic. If you can get your hands on one.
So my cheapest option would be a DuraXV for $170 on Amazon and then $10 a month service from US Mobile?

Offline easy

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Apr 2021
  • Posts: 11
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: REVIVE THE FLIP PHONE
« Reply #2499 on: May 28, 2023, 10:10:40 PM »
an unlocked LG Classic. If you can get your hands on one.
Dont do this. T-Mobile doesnt work especially well on the LG Classic, its missing a certain bands apparently.