Reviewed by Ishan Bathla
April 4, 2022
What We Love About TCL Flip
- Intuitive interface
- 4G LTE connectivity
- Dual display
- Large buttons
- Long-lasting battery life
- Bluetooth support
- Wi-Fi support
- HD voice
- Expandable storage
TCL Flip Overview
Combining the timeless design of a classic flip phone with smartphone-like features, this TCL phone brings a new take on mobile devices. Over the years, we’ve grown accustomed to smartphones; however, some still prefer using flip phones for their simplicity. This TCL device bridges the gap between basic cell phones and smartphones, offering simplicity with advanced features.
Along with basic tasks like calling and texting, you get 4G LTE support for fast internet access as well as hearing aid compatibility. A smart Qualcomm Snapdragon processor allows you to browse the internet, stream videos, play games, and do much more on this basic device. It also has a rear camera so that you can snap precious moments and share them with your loved ones. It runs on the KaiOS operating system, which mimics the experience of a smartphone, and enables it to run apps such as Google Maps. For more information, let’s jump into the TCL Flip review.
TCL Flip Unboxing
The cell phone arrives in a white package with its picture on the front and TCL Flip branding on the top. Opening the box reveals the mobile device covered in a protective cover. The external screen also has a transparent sticker to prevent scratches. You also get a quick start guide, charging adapter, USB Type-C cable, and removable battery.
What’s in the box:
- TCL Flip phone
- Quick start guide
- Charging adapter
- USB Type-C charging cable
- Removable battery
TCL Flip Design
TCL Flip is available in Dark Grey color on US Cellular. It has a textured body that provides a firm grip while holding the phone. The front of the device hosts the external display with a camera on top. External display adds a modern touch to the device.
Opening the flip reveals the bigger internal screen and keypad. The keypad has large keys so that you can type seamlessly. It also has dedicated buttons to access your favorite contacts and messages quickly. The feature will be appreciated by less tech-savvy users and senior citizens who want to make a quick phone call and send a text urgently.
The back of the feature phone has a speaker grill on top and TCL branding in the middle. The right side has the volume rocker button. A 3.5 mm headphone jack and Type-C charging port are on the left, whereas the microphone is on the bottom edge.
TCL Flip Camera
Capture the moment whenever you want with the TCL Flip’s 2MP main camera. It is capable of producing both photos and videos. Under good lighting, images had less noise and more detail. You can click and share important pictures with others. For video, the camera can record at upto 480p resolution at 30 frames per second. The camera app is user-friendly, even for non-technical users. Overall, the camera performed according to our expectations.
TCL Flip Display
Similar to Alcatel flip phones, TLC Flip has a dual-display design. The external screen is 1.44-inch, whereas the internal screen is 2.8-inch. The external display shows the name of the caller and important notifications without having to open the flip. It also shows the battery level, time, date, and day. You can access the main menu of the device from the internal display. Text and icons were easily visible. You can customize the size of text and level of brightness according to your liking. Overall, the TCL Flip display works well and is identical to other budget flip phones.
TCL Flip Battery
The TCL Flip comes with a powerful 1850 mAh battery that lets you use it for days on a single charge. According to TCL, this device offers up to 15.93 days on standby mode, 11 hours of talk time, and 29 hours of usage. It takes 2.6 hours to charge the battery completely. With normal usage, the device can last for multiple days. Even power users can use it for more than a day on one full charge. The excellent battery life is one of the best features of TCL Flip.
TCL Flip Storage
TCL Flip comes with 4GB internal memory, out of which 1.7GB is available for personal use. For basic tasks, 4GB will be sufficient for most users. However, if you need more storage, you can expand it up to 32GB with an external microSD card. In our opinion, 32GB is plenty of space for storing your favorite apps, music, and files on this flip phone.
TCL Flip Performance
Enjoy a simple, fast, and fluid experience on this flip phone that’s packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor and 512MB of RAM. It allows you to run and switch between multiple apps effortlessly. Powered by KaiOS, the device features a straightforward interface.
You can access all notifications right from the home screen. KaiOS allows you to run smart apps like Google Search, Google Maps, Email, and much more. TLC Flip phone also has KaiStore pre-installed so that you can download additional apps or games according to your liking. The KaiStore has multiple categories for apps like Social, Games, Sport, and more.
4G connectivity ensures excellent call quality. We didn’t experience any issues during the call. You can easily type and send important texts to loved ones through the messaging app. It also keeps you connected to Email so that you can send and receive important information. The 3.5mm headphone jack allows you to connect a wired headset. The device also has Bluetooth support so that you can take calls or listen to music wirelessly. Feel free to share your internet access with friends and family through a mobile hotspot. In our opinion, TCL Flip performs well and can carry out basic tasks with ease.
Final Words About TCL Flip
Even with the rise of smartphones, flip phones are still available on the market, as some people prefer them over smartphones or as a secondary device. The reasons why flip phones have survived all these years – they’re easy-to-use, durable, and reliable.
The TCL flip phone is compact and lightweight, which makes it very comfortable to carry around. The phone can last an entire day without needing a recharge. KaiOS provides all the basic functionality of a smartphone without breaking the bank. Compared to a smartphone, there are fewer distractions for kids. It’s also a safer choice for elderly grandparents and those who aren’t too tech-savvy. If you’re looking for a convenient cell phone, one that you can use as a secondary device, or something that you can give to grandparents or kids, the TCL Flip is a compelling option.
TCL Flip Specifications
- KaiOS 3.0 operating system
- 2.8-inch display QVGA 320×240
- 1.44-inch TFT external display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor
- ROM/RAM: 4GB/512MB
- Expandable memory: Up to 32GB
- 2MP camera
- 1850mAh battery capacity
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 4.22 x 2.19 x 0.78 inch
Frequently Asked Questions About TCL Flip
Yes, the TCL Flip has 4G connectivity.
Yes, the TCL Flip has Wi-Fi support.
No, the TCL Flip runs on the KaiOS operating system.
TCL Flip is available with US Cellular.
No, the TCL Flip does not have wireless charging.
