-
The Motorola StarTAC
The StarTAC was the first mobile phone to utilize the flip or "clamshell" design and incorporate a lithium-ion battery. Motorola first released the StarTAC on January 3rd, 1996, gaining almost instant widespread consumer adoption. Approximately 60 million were sold! -
Motorola Razr V3
What was unique about this phone was its slim aluminum body, a design that had yet to be tapped into. It was positioned in the market as a high-priced, highly desirable premium phone. It was the most popular cellphone in the U.S. from 2004-2008. -
Nokia 6101
After Motorola's great success, various companies started creating their own clamshell flip phones in an effort to compete with Motorola's new popularity. One of the most notable competitors at the time was Nokia, which started an entire line of clamshell flip phones, later coined by employees as the Ediphix line. The 6101 was one of the last Nokia phones with an external antenna. -
Sony Ericsson W380a
Another notable competitor in the early 2000s was Ericsson, specifically the Sony Ericsson W380 flip phone. The W380 was a stylish mobile phone belonging to the Walkman series. -
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
After many years of distancing ourselves from the clamshell flip phone design, there has been a modern comeback! Samsung released their very first foldable smartphone which folds horizontally using a hybrid glass coated branded as "Infinity Flex Display."