The flip is a luxury lifestyle device. Though it is surprisingly well built and relatively rugged, it does have moving parts and will wear out faster than a normal slab phone, most likely. The battery is honestly less than average, and will only get worse with age. The camera is less than average. This phone is for minimalists who have money to spend on something weird that they will use for maybe two or three years max, and then upgrade. Though some have had their flips and folds for years on end, and it is possible they can survive, I don't think it's something you can depend on. There are lemons in the lot, and some people here who baby their phones will have them break months after purchasing, and others (such as myself) treat them like bricks and they somehow survive. But the fact is that they have higher failure rates than regular slab phones, no other way to cut it. I hope this information helps you. As for recommendations, unless you have money to spend on insurance or a new phone, or just don't really care, I'd advise against it. If your looking for a dead reliable, strong, long lasting phone no matter what, and your on a budget, I'd look elsewhere.