Top 5 Flip Cell Phones

Top 5  Wireless Flip Phones

Ever since cell phones have become main stream, flip phones have been hugely popular with consumers. A flip phone is essentially a phone that has a closed shell appearance, and opens up to reveal a color screen and touch screen number pad or QWERTY keyboard on bottom. These phones are so well received by consumers because of their compact size and pocketability, along with ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a new flip phone, here are a few highly recommended new models to choose from.

5. Sanyo Incognito

Design: 4/5

The exterior of the Sanyo Incognito shows off a sleek, dark reflective surface with an OLED screen and backlit number pad. It opens up to feature a full QWERTY keyboard and a high resolution 2.6 inch interior display. However, the phone is a fingerprint magnet, which may annoy some users who don't enjoy glossy finishes.

Performance: 4/5

The Incognito doesn't offer astonishing performance, but the QWERTY keyboard allows for easy messaging and Email. The phone is quick and responsive, and the EV-DO network provides quick network speeds.

Features: 5/5

The Incognito has a very complete set of features that will please almost anyone. The main features include a 2.0 megapixel camera, text messaging, music/video playback, sprint navigation and access to the web over the EV-DO network. Further features consist of Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter integration, Sprint Mobile Email, NFL Mobile Live, NASCAR Nextel Cup Live, Instant Messenger, and microSD memory.

Value: 3/5

The Incognito can be purchased for $200-$250 without contract, or at a significant discount for first time and existing customers with Sprint's upgrade plan. Some may not feel comfortable paying such a high price for a phone without Wi-Fi, but others will have no concern and are happy with the full feature set.

4. LG Lotus Elite

Design: 5/5

The LG Lotus Elite includes a sporty 2.4" touch screen exterior display, and flips open to reveal a QWERTY keyboard along with another 2.4" interior display. Its compact size fits easily into pockets and is very easy to hold.

Performance: 4/5

Calls on the Lotus Elite are clear, although still distinguishable as a cell phone from a landline or wireless home telephone. The main problems lie with the speakerphone, which is often not loud enough or hard to understand. The QWERTY keyboard is spacious enough for quick text messaging and the OS is snappy when switching between applications. The battery talk time is a very respectable 5.9 hours. However, one feature that could be improved is the photo quality of the camera.

Features: 4/5

The Lotus Elite incorporates 3G, Sprint TV, Music, Navigation, Email, Bluetooth, IM/text messaging, Radio, and a 2.0 Megapixel camera/video recorder into one compact device. While many users will be more than satisfied with this feature set, there are not many improvements over its predecessor.

Value: 5/5

The LG Lotus Elite can be found at some retailers for about $150. Even better, the phone can probably be obtained for $50 or less through one of Sprint's many discounts for new and existing customers. Either way, this is a great value for such a well rounded and complete device.

3. Motorola RAZR2 V9

Design: 5/5

The original RAZR revolutionized the industry when it comes to flip phones because of its attractive design. The RAZR2 is no exception. It stays true to the original plan, while incorporating larger screen and even sleeker looks. The RAZR2 is by far the most attractive looking traditional flip phone.

Performance: 5/5

Although the RAZR2 is the oldest phone on this comparison, it still holds its own in the industry. Voice calls are loud and clear. According to Motorola, consumers can expect an average of 3.4 hours of talk time, and 3G capability allows quick download speeds.

Features: 4/5

The RAZR2 features a full HTML web browser, 2.0 Megapixel camera, music, Bluetooth, Motosync, and 3G capable video and data services based on the wireless provider. Overall, it is a great set of features for a traditional flip phone, regardless of its slim and slender size.

Value: 4/5

The RAZR2 can be found at most retailers for about $150. As long as you like the vertical flip phone design, this is the best you can get, and it is very well worth it. Buyers can't ask much more from a phone that looks and performs so well.

2. LG enV3

Design: 4/5

While the enV3 isn't exactly flashy, it offers a simple and elegant design that will appeal to the masses. The small LCD screen and number pad on the exterior open up to a 2.6" display and full QWERTY keyboard.

Performance: 5/5

The enV3 does everything it's expected to do; Offer a reliable messaging flip phone. A very impressive talk time of 5.45 hours, EV-DO network capabilities, and good voice call quality all contribute to this.

Features: 5/5

The enV3 features a 3.0 Megapixel camera, Bluetooth capability, music, web browsing, GPS navigation, data services through the EV-DO network, and most importantly, MMS and IM/SMS messaging services.

Value: 5/5

1. LG enV Touch

Design: 5/5

The enV Touch features a similar design to the enV3 except for one part; the exterior touch screen. The touch screen makes the otherwise bland exterior quite striking.

Performance: 5/5

Once again, LG has delivered a phone that does everything the consumer wants and more. Respectable battery life, great voice quality, and messaging with the full QWERTY keyboard is quick and responsive.

Features: 5/5

A 3.2 Megapixel camera, 3 inch touch screen, MP3 music player, Bluetooth, HTML web browser, access to Verizon's VCAST services, and much more make this phone the real deal.

Value: 4/5

For the price, a better messaging flip phone won't be found anywhere. The enV Touch is expensive when bought at retail price, but most people will be smart and get the phone by renewing their contract or becoming a new customer to Verizon. Through this method, expect to see prices from $40-$80.

LG Electronics. LG enV3 VX9200 Cell Phones & Mobile Phones. lge.com.
LG Electronics. LG enV Touch VX11000 Cell Phones & Mobile Phones. lge.com
Sanyo Wireless. Sanyo Mobile Cell Phones, Mobile Phones, Wireless Phones. sanyowireless.com
Motorola. Motorola RAZR2 V9. Motorola.com.
LG Electronics. LG Lotus Elite LX610 Cell Phones & Mobile Phones. lge.com