Flip phones might appear to be a fad, but the camera functions are genuinely entertaining and practical.
There’s much to appreciate about contemporary flip phones, yet one of the most compelling aspects, at least in my opinion, is the diverse ways to utilize their cameras. Traditional candybar smartphones offer a fairly conventional experience for taking photos and selfies. However, the flip phone design and their ever-expanding cover screens provide a distinct enhancement to that experience.
After reviewing an array of Android flip phones over the last couple of years, I’ve observed that people are consistently thrilled to see the innovative ways I leverage the cameras and cover screens. It’s one of the prime avenues to demonstrate what flip phones are capable of, so here are how I maximize the flip phone’s design to secure superior photos and videos.
Securing the perfect selfies
In standard smartphones, capturing selfies typically requires using the front-facing camera. While this method is generally adequate, front-facing cameras often deliver lower quality than the main rear cameras. Smaller sensors and reduced resolutions can sometimes lead to noisier images that simply don’t look as appealing.
Flip phones do feature front-facing cameras, but honestly, I hardly ever employ them, and when I do, it’s mainly for video calls. If I’m aiming to take a selfie, I close the phone and activate the camera. This approach allows me not only to see myself on the cover screen, but it also lets me capture selfies using the superior quality of the main camera.
What’s fantastic is that you don’t need a high-end flip phone for this to work; even the less expensive models with smaller cover screens typically offer a selfie preview. Naturally, having a larger cover screen improves the overall experience.
The Razr also includes an entertaining Photobooth feature that automatically takes four pictures after a brief countdown. Once completed, it compiles them into an amusing 4×4 collage.
Capturing your finest angles
One of the most frustrating experiences is having someone else take your picture, only for it to turn out poorly or capture you at an awkward angle. You often find yourself reliant on the person taking the photo, hoping at least one of the shots is decent enough to share on Instagram.
With most flip phones, this concern is eliminated. Thanks to their large cover screens, devices like the Motorola Razr and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip allow you to activate a viewfinder preview. This way, when you’re photographing someone, they can see themselves and position themselves accordingly, ensuring you capture their best angle.
I make use of this feature every time I photograph friends, and they consistently mention how impressive and handy it is that they can see themselves.
For the TikTok enthusiasts
If you’re a TikTok user or a content creator, this is tailored for you. Rather than purchasing a tripod or another device to prop your phone up while filming a video, you can simply take a flip phone, set it down in a suitable spot, and fold it at an angle. With the cover screen viewfinder, you can see yourself as you film your videos. Plus, since you’re not utilizing the front camera, the video quality will be notably superior compared to a standard smartphone.
This is one of my preferred methods for capturing hands-free “selfies” that appear to be taken by someone else. This technique pairs well with Air Gestures, which trigger a short countdown when you raise your hand toward the camera. Additionally, for video recording, the Razr Ultra enables similar controls, letting you start, pause, or conclude video capture by displaying your palm or fist.
However, it’s also an excellent way to record footage of not only yourself but also other subjects. Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich recently took a Motorola Razr Plus 2025 while paddleboarding on a lake. He placed the phone in front of him on the board and simply began filming. It was beneficial because he could document his experience on the lake with the Razr while concentrating on steering the paddleboard (with the Razr secured to the board, of course).
If you own a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can benefit from a fascinating auto zoom feature. While utilizing the cover screen viewfinder, the camera will automatically zoom in or out based on your proximity to the camera, a task that typically requires manual adjustment.
Unleash your inner filmmaker
Recent Razr and Galaxy Z Flip models have introduced an exciting feature that simplifies video recording, especially when holding the phone. Camcorder Mode effectively transforms your device into a camcorder when you fold the phone at a 90-degree angle while the camera is active.
With Camcorder Mode, the user interface changes so the viewfinder is
