Skip to main content

Samsung Strides to Mediocrity with New Flip Phone

No, not the Samsung Strive you may know from its release just a little over a month ago, but the Stride, as in, “to move with or as if with long steps.” In a sign that a cell phone manufacturers may have run out of new names and begun replacing letters in old ones – and possibly run out of new ideas as well – Samsung released the budget-priced Stride flip phone on U.S. Cellular on Thursday.

The Stride, also known as the SCH-r330, returns to Samsung’s dead simple flip phone roots with just the basics: an alphanumeric keyboard, 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and a 1-inch, 96-by-96 pixel display. Of course, it will also handle text and picture messaging, has a built-in speakerphone, and Samsung claims the battery is good for a solid 4.5 hours of talk time.

On the plus side, it weighs only 3.10 ounces and goes for just $30 on U.S. Cellular – with contract. On the down side, it’s probably still not a particularly compelling phone at the moment, considering U.S. Cellular customers can get a more capable LG Wine II UN430 flip phone or even a BlackBerry Curve 8530 for the same money, with rebate.

The Stride is available immediately on U.S. Cellular in one trim package: black and red.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…
5 ways the Samsung Galaxy S24 beats the Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy S24 (left) and Google Pixel 8 in hand.

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone, you have many options to consider. Google's Pixel phones are in better shape than ever, Samsung's Galaxy S range is killing it, OnePlus is on a tear, and Motorola has some very strong options, too.

Out of all the Android phones you have to choose from, there's a strong chance you're thinking about going with either the Google Pixel 8 or the Samsung Galaxy S24. If you're looking at both phones and are unsure which is the best overall pick, here are a few reasons we think you should opt for the Samsung handset.
A lighter and more compact design

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy Watch in 2024: Which one should you buy?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, side by side on a persons wrist.

While the openness of the Android ecosystem means there’s no shortage of options to choose in terms of smartwatches, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch family leads the pack by a wide margin.

The Galaxy Watch 6 marks the wearable’s fifth generation (there was never a Galaxy Watch 2), which means the line has had plenty of time to evolve and mature. Samsung’s decision to embrace Wear OS two years ago and expand the lineup in new directions with an adventurous “Pro” model and the return of the much-loved rotating bezel means that there’s now a Galaxy Watch for just about everyone.

Read more
How to fix the ‘Not Registered on Network’ error on a Samsung Galaxy phone
Someone holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Unlike our phones, the SIM cards that connect them to a network have barely evolved over the last decade or so. This can sometimes mean you'll have trouble connecting to a network, even when the phone and the SIM card are seemingly just fine. If you are using a Samsung Galaxy or another Android phone or tablet with cellular connectivity, you might see an error on your phone that says "Not Registered on Network."

Read more