Flip phones to flip for (roundup)
Though seen as relics by some, flip phones have top-notch call quality and the most user-friendly design.
Don't get me wrong, I still love my smartphones as much as any modern 21st century kid. But there's something about whipping out a flip phone and then shutting it closed that is very gratifying. And while many phone manufactures pump out high-tech handsets every season, it's nice to see that once in a while, a simple flip phone still makes it through the pipeline.
Not only do these handsets have the best call quality (and really, isn't that what phones are made for?), but they also are extremely simple to use and can withstand a good knock or two. Below, we've gathered our favorites in recent memory.
The Kyocera DuraXT by Sprint is a rugged flip phone.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)Built extra tough, the DuraXT can survive pretty much anything you can throw at it. Encased in rubber, the device is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Not to mention, it has great call quality and comes with push-to-talk direct connect. Read the full review.
The easy-to-use Samsung Chrono 2 by U.S. Cellular.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)Shaped like a shiny black pebble, the Samsung Chrono 2 is extremely user-friendly and has voice-dialing features. Though its 1.3-megapixel camera can't shoot video, it takes decent outdoor photos from far away. In addition, you can get it for free after you sign a two-year contract with U.S. Cellular. If you like the prepaid route, the handset is still reasonably priced at $19.99. Read the full review.
Verizon's Samsung Gusto 2 is comfortable and reliable.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)Compact and smooth, Verizon's Samsung Gusto 2 is a winner both in design (again, in terms of flip phones) and call quality. Despite not having a standard 3.5mm headset jack, users can still appreciate its added accessibility features and Fake Call app, which lets you time a simulated call to escape awkward social situations.
Verizon's Casio G'zOne Ravine 2 can survive a dunk underwater.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)Though its confusing name leaves something to be desired (is it pronounced guh-zone, or G-zee-one?), the Ravine 2 from Verizon still has solid call quality and a durable build. It also has an eye-catching external display, and its easy-to-use navigational buttons make handling it a breeze. Read the full review.
The Samsung Convoy 2 has a sturdy design.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)Rounding off this list is the Convoy 2, another rugged, Samsung sequel phone. It's one of the more attractive durable phones we've seen, and the fact that it comes with a flashlight and push-to-talk capabilities is an added bonus. Read the full review.
Compare these phones head-to-head.
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