The flip phone is back, and Gen Z is leading the charge. With screen fatigue and endless notifications pushing young people away from constant smartphone use, old-school devices are making a huge return. From the Motorola Razr to the Nokia 3310, retro phones are now a flex for a generation tired of always being online.
Google searches for “dumbphones” jumped 89% from 2018 to 2021, and between 2021 and 2024, sales of brick phones among 18 to 24-year-olds went up 148%. At the same time, smartphone use in the same group dropped 12%. This isn’t just nostalgia it’s a statement. Here are the nine retro phones Gen Z can’t get enough of in 2025.
1. BlackBerry Classic Q20 – The Keyboard Queen
The BlackBerry Classic Q20 brings back physical typing and the once-iconic BBM messaging platform. On TikTok, over 125,000 posts are tagged with “#blackberry,” showing how popular it’s become again. On resale markets like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, it sells from $40 to $200. Once upon a time, BlackBerry had more than 50% of the U.S. smartphone market.
2. Motorola Razr V3 – The Ultra-Thin Icon
The Motorola Razr V3 is maybe the most famous flip phone ever. Known for its aluminum design and slim Y2K style, it has strong appeal with fashion-conscious Gen Z. A viral unboxing video of the Razr at a Y2K party helped bring it back into the spotlight. The phone sells online for $20 to $50. More than 3 million units were sold in its prime.
3. Nokia 3310 – The Indestructible Legend
The Nokia 3310 remains a symbol of durability, endless battery life, and the Snake game. When HMD Global relaunched it in 2023, its market share doubled. Today, you can buy new ones for around $50 to $60 or vintage models for $20 to $40. Originally, 126 million units were sold, making it one of the most iconic devices ever.
4. T-Mobile Sidekick – The Socialite’s Choice
The Sidekick, with its swivel screen and QWERTY keyboard, was the must-have phone of the early 2000s. It was linked with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Collectors now buy it for anywhere between $50 and $300. The Sidekick defined messaging culture before apps like WhatsApp and Instagram existed.
5. TCL Flip 3 – The Modern Minimalist
Not all popular flip phones are old. The TCL Flip 3 offers dual screens, long battery life, and costs under $100. Pop star Camila Cabello called herself “team flip phone,” adding to its trend status. Available at Walmart, Verizon, and Amazon, the TCL Flip 3 is the go-to device for people who want digital detox without losing all modern features.
6. Palm Pilot Professional – The Productivity Pioneer
The Palm Pilot Professional wasn’t just a phone, it was the early PDA that ruled the late 90s. With stylus-based Graffiti input, it once held 74% of the market in 2000. Today, collectors pay $30 to $100 on eBay, while it originally launched for $399 in 1997.
7. Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 – The Android Flip Hybrid
The Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 mixes retro design with Android OS. It has a 3.8-inch screen, Android 6.0, 2GB RAM, and a 1950mAh battery. Prices range from $260 to $525. Gen Z likes it because it offers the classic flip style while still being usable for modern apps.
8. Motorola DynaTAC 8000X – The OG Brick
The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X was the first handheld mobile phone back in 1983, weighing 2.5 pounds. It shows up often in Gen Z TikTok collections about vintage tech. It’s very expensive now, with prices going from $500 to over $2,000. This is truly the father of mobile phones.
9. Hello Kitty Flip Phone – The Kawaii Champion
The Hello Kitty flip phone blends Y2K looks with cute customizable design. On TikTok, it appears in burner phone hauls and Y2K-core content. It sells on AliExpress, Etsy, and boutique shops for $20 to $60. Gen Z loves it because it matches their style while keeping things simple.
The Analog Future of Phones
These phones are not only nostalgia pieces, they also reflect a cultural shift. Nearly half of U.S. teens say they are online “almost constantly.” With searches for dumbphones rising 89%, the flip phone movement is about control, self care, and standing out.
Studies show heavy screen use can lead to anxiety, low mood, and poor focus. For Gen Z, going analog is a choice about identity being mindful, independent, and free from the constant pull of notifications. Still, using a flip phone comes with trade offs, like losing GPS navigation, mobile banking, and services such as reverse phone lookup for unknown calls.
But the message is clear: for many young people in 2025, a flip phone isn’t just a gadget, it’s a lifestyle.
