The evolution and return of the flip phone

The flip phone began as a practical solution rather than a novelty. In January 1996, Motorola released the StarTAC, the first widely adopted clamshell mobile phone. Its folding design reduced size when closed, protected the keypad and screen and made mobile phones easier to carry.

The StarTAC’s design is often linked to earlier industrial concepts, including the Grillo clamshell phone from the 1960s. It was also one of the first mobile phones to use a lithium-ion battery, helping keep weight and thickness down. The device sold over 60 million units worldwide, proving that compact design and usability could drive mass adoption.

By the late 1990s, competitors entered the space. Nokia and Ericsson both released flip phones with their own interpretations of the format. The clamshell design quickly became associated with convenience and personal style.

Flip phones dominated the early 2000s. Colour displays, built-in cameras and music playback became common. The Motorola Razr defined this period, combining a slim profile with a design-led approach that turned phones into fashion objects as much as communication tools.

Just a few years after the launch of Motorola Razr and along the rise of touchscreen smartphones, the appeal of folding designs faded. By the mid-2010s, most major manufacturers had stopped producing flip phones, outside of limited or regional releases.

However, interest in the format never fully disappeared, particularly in markets such as Japan and South Korea. What changed was the technology. Instead of physical keypads, modern flip phones returned as foldable smartphones with flexible displays.

Samsung reintroduced the clamshell form in 2020 with the Galaxy Z Flip. Early models focused on proving durability and usability, using Ultra Thin Glass and hinge systems that supported partial folding.

Over successive generations, hinges became flatter and more robust, water resistance was added and cover screens expanded from basic notification panels to fully usable displays.

By the mid-2020s, the Galaxy Z Flip had evolved from a niche product into a mainstream option. Performance improved, multitasking became practical and AI-driven features were introduced to support photography and everyday use.

The modern flip phone is a response to growing demand for compact devices that do not evade capability. From the StarTAC to today’s foldables, the purpose has remained consistent: reducing size without reducing usefulness.