To date, flip phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 have proven to be entertaining in their novelty, but ultimately difficult to sell due to their limited use when closed.

Large foldable phones like the Pixel Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 act like a standard cell phone when folded, but flip phones typically have only a strip of screen for notifications and little else. In other words, an extra step is required before the phone can be used as a phone.

We have already heard that the upcoming Motorola Razr 2023 may change this situation with a large 3.5" external touch screen. But now, thanks to leaked photos and videos from reliable leaker Evan Blass, we know how the company intends to utilize this large display.

In what looks like marketing materials for the upcoming June 1 release of the phone, Blass' video shows apps and games running on the cover display and a full keyboard popping up, allowing users to reply to messages without unfolding.

The video shows how the phone can skillfully transition between these without unfolding. It begins with the owner watching a TikTok stream and then moves to a marble rolling game. A notification then pops up, and tapping the "reply" prompt brings up an on-screen keyboard. Contacts share a map link, which opens in full screen when tapped. All of this is done without ever opening the phone.

Promo images scattered throughout this article show how effective the Flip Phone is for selfies and video calls. Not only can you stand the phone up and talk hands-free, but the superior rear camera, augmented by a screen, allows you to take much more detailed selfies than most phones.

While this all seems very promising, it is a big step up from the Galaxy Z Flip 4, the upcoming Flip 5 is reported to offer a similar experience, with Samsung also expanding the cover screen to a more user-friendly 3.4 inches.

All of this makes the flip phone a more attractive proposition, as long as battery life is not compromised. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 lasted only 8 hours and 33 minutes in stamina tests. The previous model, the Galaxy Z Flip 3, lasted 5 hours 33 minutes, so this is a significant upgrade, but not one we want to see hit any harder.

This year's flip phone battle should unfold soon. Motorola's latest Razr (known as the Razr Plus in the US but as the Razr 40 Ultra in the rest of the world, according to Blass) will be announced on June 1, and we hear that Samsung will show off its folding hand at an Unpacked event in late July.

Our list of best folding phones could look very different, very soon. Especially if Google decides it wants a foldable flip phone as well.