Selfie cameras have been a thing on smartphones since the days of the iPhone 4 in 2010. But fourteen years later, their quality still varies wildly.
Most of the best camera phones have strong front cameras, yet many budget and mid-range phones still struggle. Ultimately, the selfie lens is always inferior to the main lens on the back, which can be very frustrating.
However, one type of phone emphatically solves that 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 forward. The cover screen can then be used as a viewfinder, ensuring you get the best shot possible.
On devices with an ultra-wide lens, you can switch to this camera and make sure everyone is in the frame for group selfies.
This is something you may have seen during medal ceremonies at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where athletes use the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to capture a ‘Victory Selfie’.
Samsung
Samsung
Samsung
This is a direct result of Samsung’s sponsorship of the competition, with each athlete receiving a special edition of the device. But it also makes a lot of sense.
On the Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can take selfies on the cover screen without unlocking the device, by tapping the screen or holding up your hand (you have three seconds to get into position). The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024), Samsung’s main rival, offers a very similar method.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
But now that Samsung has upgraded the Z Flip 6’s main camera to a 50Mp lens (almost identical to the one in the Galaxy S24 and S24+), it means you get true flagship-quality images. For selfie enthusiasts or people who spend a lot of time vlogging, a foldable flip phone is the perfect choice.
However, are they a good option for managing screen time? I switched to the Z Flip 6 to find out.
Or read more about the most popular flip phones in our reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr 50 Ultra.