Selfie cameras have been around on smartphones since the iPhone 4 in 2010. But 14 years later, their quality still varies wildly.
Most of the best camera phones have a powerful front-facing camera, but many budget and mid-range phones still struggle to do so. Ultimately, the selfie lens is always inferior to the main rear camera, which can be very frustrating.
There is, however, one type of phone that solves this problem by using the rear cameras to take selfies. You guessed it: flip phones.
The modern folding design allows you to fold the device in half, bringing the main lenses to the front. The protective screen can then be used as a viewfinder, ensuring you get the best possible shot.
On devices with an ultra-wide lens, you can switch to this camera and make sure everyone fits in the frame for group selfies.
It’s something you may have seen during the medal ceremonies at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where athletes are using the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to capture a “victory selfie.”
Samsung
Samsung
Samsung
It’s a direct result of Samsung’s sponsorship of the competition, with each athlete receiving a special edition of the device as a gift. But it also makes a lot of sense.
On the Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can take selfies with the screen cover on without unlocking the device, either by tapping the screen or raising your hand (this gives you three seconds to get into position). The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024), Samsung’s main flip phone rival, offers a very similar method.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
But with the Z Flip 6’s main camera upgraded to a 50MP lens (nearly identical to the Galaxy S24 and S24+), that means you get truly flagship-quality images. For selfie lovers or people who spend a lot of time vlogging, a foldable flip phone is the perfect choice.
But are they a good option for managing screen time? I upgraded to the Z Flip 6 to find out.
You can also read more about the most popular flip phones in our reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr 50 Ultra.
