P-UP World has released a flip phone that returns to the roots of the form factor. Rather than using a foldable OLED display, the Mode 1 Retro II has a pair of small displays and physical controls for equivalent to US$199 in Japan.
I like it so far, although it does have some quirks. I find that I tend to ignore the bottom half and just hold the top bit like I would hold a normal phone. Not super fast, but it goes easily in my pocket, and now I have the nickname "Flip phone".
It will not work on Verizon, no.
I am using it on Bell Canada, which has a lot of bands in common with T-Mobile, but the cell bands it has and what Verizon has are basically totally different. Looks like you may get a bit of 2G coverage, but oof.
I can't say for certain, as I haven't done a radio test, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Next time I'm across the border, I'll check though.
When I was in Japan last February I considered getting something like this. I just couldn't get enough info. I'll keep looking. You've renewed my interest.
It's funny, the screen is just edging on "too small to use", but not quite. I had a Unihertz Jelly 2, and it was "a tiny bit too small to use." Also, it's stupid wifi stupid cut out all the stupid time. I'd be doing something and then realize I was on data and not wifi while I was sitting in the same room as my router!