We’re taking a trip back to the early 2000s thanks to the new Barbie-inspired cell phone from Human Mobile Devices (HMD). Licensed by Mattel, the Barbie Phone evokes the nostalgia of flip phones, T9 SMS messaging, and bright pink, and launches October 1 for $129.

To say the world has been in Barbie fever for the past year would be an understatement. Although the release comes a little late to capitalize on the hype surrounding Greta Gerwig’s Barbie blockbuster, HMD has designed a retro flip phone at an entry-level price, taking us back to a time before social media, smart home apps, and streaming were possible on a phone.

The Barbie phone is a blast from the past with a touch of pink

For a flip phone, HMD offers modern features and connectivity

Barbie phone

This is a nostalgic Barbie-inspired flip phone designed by HMD. It comes in power pink and features a 2.8-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera, and a built-in Malibu-inspired Snake game.

As expected, the HMD Barbie phone mimics the design and look of a Nokia phone from the early 2000s. HMD is the current owner of the Nokia phone brand, so it makes sense that the company would take cues from the Nokia look. The clamshell phone features a 2.8-inch main display and a 1.7-inch display on the clamshell exterior. The device itself is available in a single color, aptly named Power Pink.

When it comes to photos, HMD has equipped it with a 5MP rear camera, so you’ll have to do without a selfie camera. However, if we’re heading back to the post-millennium era, we might as well make full use of it. The Barbie phone is powered by a Qualcomm 215, supports 512MB of RAM, and has a 1,450mAh battery, meaning it’s not a powerhouse of a device. However, it does offer Bluetooth support and USB-C charging.

HMD’s new flip phone doesn’t support modern social media platforms, so you won’t be able to navigate by doomscrolling.

HMD

The Barbie-inspired flip phone is designed to “give your smartphone a break and live your dream life,” according to HMD. The company makes no secret that its device doesn’t support Instagram or TikTok. Its website and marketing campaign play on the idea of ​​not using “distracting apps” and encourages users to “switch off.” However, when you open the device, you’ll find a special Malibu edition of Snake and other Easter eggs.

Instead, the HMD Barbie Phone is more about vibes. In collaboration with Mattel, the clamshell device’s case features the Barbie logo. The T9 layout keyboard also features icons like a flamingo, palm tree, and the “B” symbol. The device comes with two additional back covers so you can customize your phone depending on your style. HMD also includes a collection of stickers and crystals to help you express yourself. The cherry on top is the pearl-encrusted lanyard with Barbie charms.

The Barbie phone misses the cultural zeitgeist of the film

Unfortunately, HMD was unable to coordinate its launch with last year’s Barbie movie

HMD

Last summer saw the legendary Barbenheimer theatrical experience. Moviegoers around the world flocked to theaters to see Oppenheimer and, more importantly, Barbie. Gerwig’s films grossed $1.4 billion at the box office worldwide. The film won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Had HMD been able to time its launch to coincide with the phone’s popularity, there’s no telling what sales would have been. Still, there is now widespread awareness of the Barbie brand. Children and adults alike have a consistent reference point for Barbie that includes more than just toys and cartoons.

HMD’s Barbie Phone specifically appeals to an older generation yearning for a return to their youth (that’s me). It’s probably not a device that will make users put down their iPhone or Android device entirely. However, it’s certainly a distraction from the overabundance of apps and social media platforms that constantly bombard us.