TikTokers are making 2023 all about the ‘vintage’ flip phone

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We all know that everything in life is cyclical. Trends go in and out of style all the time. Normally, this applies to fashion or design trends, but Gen Z is applying it to technology as well.

Gen Zers in 2023 are bringing flip phones back.

On TikTok, the hashtag #bringbackflipphones has over 24.6 million views. The charge for switching to the older phone is led by Sammy K (@skzzolno). She said that a conversation with her friends about kids suffering from depression and the effect smartphones had on them inspired her to make the switch.

@skzzolno

Replying to @girlbosstown flip phones are everything we need as a generation & more #flipphones #bringbackflipphones #goingout #nightout #girlbosstown #prmoves #gbtstampofapproval

♬ original sound – skzzolno

In the video, she gives a detailed breakdown of going to the store, buying her flip phone and also buying a prepaid minutes card for it as well. 

The late 90s and early 2000s aesthetic is chased often. Recently, vintage technology has made a comeback, with disposable cameras and film video cameras becoming a staple in several young creative’s lives.

The idea of having a flip phone isn’t a new trend either. One of Samsung’s main phones right now is the Galaxy Z Flip, which is a smartphone but has the ability to fold and feel like a flip phone. The return of the older flip phone simply leans all the way into the trend.

Even younger celebrities, like Camila Cabello, are jumping on the vintage phone bandwagon.

Part of the appeal of owning a flip phone is for going out at night. While smartphones have immaculate cameras, flip phones still have lower-quality cameras. However, they are able to naturally produce the aesthetic younger people seek.

The newest iPhone 14 Pro has a 48-megapixel main camera, whereas the phone Sammy K boasts on TikTok has 2 megapixels for its main camera.

@tatumponzer87

10/10 recommend #greenscreen #flipphone @madsgerak @ashley.glover01

♬ The Spins – Mac Miller

On top of wanting a certain aesthetic (like @tatumponzer87) for photos when going out, some have tried using a flip phone in order to detox themselves from smartphone life.

This specific TikTok creator spent 30 days at the end of 2022 using a flip phone. He titled his journey and chronicled the events.

@imacrispynugget

I spent 30 days with a flip phone: here’s a complete recap of my experience. Now, right off the bat, this has by far been one of the healthiest things I’ve ever done and I’d ABSOLUTELY encourage you to try it. So if you’ve been following along, thank you, and I really hope this helps #health #wellness #lifestyle #dopamine #focus #satisfaction

♬ Yume Utsutsu – Lamp

“This has by far been one of the healthiest things I’ve ever done and I’d ABSOLUTELY encourage you to try it,” said @imacrispynugget in his recap post.

According to CNN.com, foldable phones in general are going to be more prevalent in the near future. Whether the upgraded Samsung version of the flip phone or the more traditional versions, expect to see more foldable phones.

The post TikTokers are making 2023 all about the ‘vintage’ flip phone appeared first on In The Know.

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