Gen Z Drives 148% Flip-Phone Sales Jump as Mental Health Worries and Nostalgia Grow
Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · Aug 1
Gen Z Drives 148% Flip-Phone Sales Jump as Mental Health Worries and Nostalgia Grow
3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Aug 1
Summary
Sales of flip phones among 18- to 24-year-olds rose 148% from 2021 to 2024, reflecting Gen Z’s shift away from smartphones toward simpler devices focused on calls and texts.
A 2025 Pew report found 45% of adolescents think they spend too much time on social media, reinforcing concerns that constant alerts and scrolling worsen anxiety, isolation and depressive symptoms.
Nostalgia is also fueling demand, with younger buyers embracing “dumb phones” as retro tech much like vinyl, CDs and disposable cameras.
Newer models such as Nokia’s 2660 Flip and 2780 Flip, typically priced around $60 to $100, offer 4G LTE, GPS and basic apps, while budget options like Best Buy’s $24.99 Blu Flex broaden access.