HMD Global, the Finnish brand known for bringing back the iconic Nokia mobile phones, has teamed up with Mattel, Inc. to launch a unique, nostalgia-inspired feature phone—the HMD Barbie Phone. Contrary to most mobile phones today, this flip phone—which comes in rad pink, because, obviously—is designed for users who want to take a break from constant smartphone distractions and enjoy simpler, more mindful communication.
The Barbie flip phone combines retro design with a modern twist, offering basic functionalities like calling and texting while removing social media and other internet browsing options. It’s an ideal companion for those looking to take a digital detox, allowing users to reconnect with friends and themselves.
One of the standout features of the HMD Barbie Phone is its charming, pink keypad with hidden designs such as palm trees, hearts, and flamingos that light up in the dark. A delightful “Hi Barbie” greeting plays when you turn on the phone, accompanied by a playful missed call notification from Ken. The phone’s replaceable covers and a range of accessories, including crystals, stickers, and a beaded phone strap, allow for personalised style.
HMD Barbie Phone: Price
The Barbie flip phone is priced at €129 in Europe and $199 in the US. However, the price and availability for the Indian market are yet to be announced.
What’s inside the box
The Barbie phone comes in a jewellery box-inspired packaging, complete with two interchangeable Barbie covers, stickers, crystals, and a stylish beaded lanyard featuring Barbie charms.
HMD Barbie Phone: Specifications
The Barbie phone sports two screens: a 2.8-inch primary display on the inside and a 1.77-inch cover screen, which doubles as a mirror. It’s powered by a Unisoc T107 processor with 64MB of RAM and 128MB of storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. The device runs on the S30 Plus operating system, with some regions possibly receiving KaiOS.
Though it supports 4G connectivity, the Barbie phone is built for minimalism, with no social media apps. Instead, it offers a dedicated Barbie meditation app, self-care reminders, a custom Malibu Snake game, and a special “bestie key” feature.
The phone is equipped with a removable 1,450mAh battery that charges via USB Type-C, though no charger is included to reduce e-waste. Other features include Bluetooth 5.0, a headphone jack, and a VGA rear camera with LED flash.
For those who miss the days of simpler, more mindful tech, the HMD Barbie flip phone offers a charming trip down memory lane.
