The company behind Nokia phones has introduced a Barbie-themed flip phone.
Despite Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie being released in July 2023, the excitement surrounding Barbie is still very much alive.
Human Mobile Device (HMD), the creator of the iconic Noughties Nokia phone, has collaborated with Mattel to create a ‘Barbie flip phone’ that intentionally omits ‘distracting apps’.
Get ready to feel like you’ve stepped into Barbie’s Dreamhouse:
As you might have guessed, the flip phone is predominantly pink. Inspired by the elegance of the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the phone is also described as ‘chic’ and ‘sleek’.
However, HMD emphasizes: “This may be the HMD Barbie Phone, but this is about your style, too! It comes with Barbie covers, each with a different design.
“Switch them up as often as you like, then make them your own with the included stickers and crystals. It even has a beaded lanyard with iconic Barbie charms for added style.
“We all have a unique sparkle to show the world. Make it your own!”
When you open the phone, HMD assures that ‘everything on the screen feels like it’s straight out of The Barbie DreamHouse’. Plus, there are ‘a few hidden surprises for you to find,’ it hints.
However, you won’t find – or be able to download – many of the popular apps you currently use on your smartphone, such as Snapchat, Instagram, or TikTok. You also can’t browse the internet. But don’t worry, the phone still includes a camera for ‘shoots with friends,’ and you can call, text, listen to music, and play Snake on it.
But why this design choice?
In recent years, you might have felt overwhelmed and expressed to a friend: “I wish I could just take a break, leave my phone, and disappear to a desert island for a while.”
Think of the Barbie phone as a more economical way to give your smartphone ‘a vacation’.
HMD explains: “Nothing beats spending real time together. That’s what the HMD Barbie Phone is all about! No distracting apps here. It’s time to disconnect to reconnect.”
This sentiment is echoed by HMD’s chief marketing officer, Lars Silberbauer.
Silberbauer stated: “In our fast-paced digital world, it can often feel like the online buzz never stops. This phone encourages you to ditch your smartphone in times when you just want less browsing and more fun, all with the help of a true cultural icon, Barbie.”
People have been quick to share their thoughts online, with many expressing similar views.
One Twitter user commented: “This is the type of phone kids really should be allowed to have if they’re not over a certain age.”
“This is perfect for kids actually, you can contact them easily & no unneeded internet exposure,” another user added.
Another user concluded: “Yup I’m unplugging from the internet after buying this.”
The phone is priced at £99.99 ($130) and features 64 MB RAM, 128 MB storage, and a dual sim. It launched in the UK on Wednesday, August 28.
A US release date has yet to be announced, but it will reportedly be revealed soon on HMD’s social media channels, so stay tuned.