What's good
- Compact, clam-shell design
- Offers some basic apps
- Battery life
- Speaker quality
What's bad
- Tiny screen
- Horrible camera
- No personalized ringtones
Resembling phones from days gone by, the Alcatel Go Flip 3 is one of the latest basic flip phones on the market. It has some abilities we associate with the smartphones of today, and the price is great, but is the experience enough to make it competitive?
Design
The design for the Alcatel Go Flip 3 couldn’t be simpler. It’s a flip phone like you might remember from years ago. It is a simple clamshell design made of plastic with a removable battery.
Display
The phone has two displays, one for use when it’s closed and another on the inside. The outside case screen is 1.44-inch and the one on the inside is 2.8-inch. This is considerably smaller than any smartphone on the market, but perfect for slipping in a pocket.
Despite this, reviewers commented that not only was the screen too small for any real use that it was also incredibly grainy. So if you’re looking for anything more than basic calls, texting, and looking up the occasional website or social media post, you probably won’t find the phone suits your needs.
Performance
The Alcatel Go Flip 3 performed as well as can be expected from a flip phone but the reviewers said it works a lot faster than the company's previous flip phone. It’s a little sluggish on startup but chugs along well enough after.
Software & Storage
You have 4GB of storage to work with which isn’t too terrible given apps are limited and it comes with a MicroSD slot. The phone uses the KaiOS operating system with a small selection of ultra-basic apps and services.
Cameras
There’s not much that could -- or should -- be said about the camera on the phone. It doesn't have a selfie cam, so you won't be able to video chat and the 2MP rear camera mostly results in blurry, grainy pictures.
Battery Life
When tested, reviewers found the Alcatel Go Flip 3 phone battery lasts around 7 hours when used heavily.
Audio
Reviewers said call quality on the phone is great. There were issues with the phone at top volume such as clipping and distortion. But in general, it did what it does best -- make phone calls.
Specs at a Glance
- Plastic clamshell chassis
- 1.44-inch outer screen
- 2.8-inch inner screen
- 1.1 GHz Snapdragon 210 processor
- 512MB of RAM
- KaiOS
- 4GB of storage space with microSD expansion option
- 2MP back-facing camera
- 1350 mAh battery
Bottom Line
Nostalgia and affordability are what this phone offers.However, each phone has its place. This is one among the best for people looking for a phone that’s more about connections and communication and less about having a fun device to play with.
PC Magazine says, “The Alcatel Go Flip 3 is the feature phone we've been waiting for, with just enough smart features to make it convenient to use.”
TechAeris said, “It was fun using a flip phone again since the last time I used one was back in 2005. It brought back some memories but it doesn’t make me want to go back to one. With that being said, I did like the phone and what it could do.”
Digital Trends remarks, “The flip phone has returned. Again.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Canadian ReviewerThe hinge mechanism is solid and clicks open (or close) with a resounding flick. Its refreshing to have a phone that feels solid and doesn’t need a case, I forgot what that reassurance feels like. Alcatel’s done a fine job at building a hybrid device that’s primarily for voice calls but also integra...
- Kyle Funk, TechaerisIt was fun using a flip phone again since the last time I used one was back in 2005. It brought back some memories but it doesn’t make me want to go back to one. With that being said, I did like the phone and what it could do. Even if you’re not into social media or watching videos, the big buttons...
- Matthew Miller, ZDNetSeveral years ago, flip phones were all the rage and it was tough to beat the feeling of flipping the lid closed to end a call. Alcatel's latest model brings modern software elements, including Google Assistant, and make this an excellent backup phone or one for those who don't want to mess around w...
- Andrew Allen, Android GuysThe nostalgia of this phone is undeniable; however it’s built for a certain user base that Alcatel stills sees as viable in today’s market. I enjoyed my time with this device and would easily recommend this to my parents who will never fully use a smartphone.
- Sascha Segan, PC MagazineThe Alcatel Go Flip 3 is the feature phone we've been waiting for, with just enough smart features to make it convenient to use.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Alcatel Go Flip 3 user manual here.
Alcatel backs up the Go Flip 3 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Go Flip 3 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Alcatel support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Alcatel's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
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