Thanks to Greta Gerwig’s hit 2023 film, Barbie is suddenly a big thing again. And now, in 2024, Barbie fans can add a bright pink flip phone to their collection. It will definitely take you back to the 90s/00s, but could it also help you overcome your smartphone addiction?
HMD’s Barbie phone is here (without Ken)
After first being announced at MWC in February 2024, HMD’s Barbie Phone is now official. And as you might have expected, it’s a bright pink feature phone that comes with a variety of Barbie-inspired accessories.
The phone itself comes in a jewelry box, has a mirrored front, interchangeable covers, a beaded phone strap, and vintage Barbie stickers to decorate your handset with.
When you turn the phone on, you’re greeted with “Hi Barbie” and can play a beach-themed Malibu Snake game. You can make calls, send texts, and use the handful of pre-installed apps. You can also use the 5-megapixel camera to take Y2K-style photos, which are currently trending among GenZers who are looking to the past for inspiration.
HMD’s Barbie phone is not only a feature phone (i.e. it lacks the ability to add the third-party apps you normally use on a daily basis), but it’s also a flip phone. These were particularly popular in the ’90s and ’00s, so this design choice makes it clear that this is an homage to an earlier era.
Are feature phones the key to digital detox?
One of the ways HMD is marketing its Barbie Phone is by extolling the virtues of switching to a feature phone like this one. In its press release, HMD states that it is “designed for less browsing and more fun” and is “perfect for a smartphone break.”
Since there are no social media apps, streaming apps and games, using a feature phone won’t take up as much time as using a smartphone. And to help even more, HMD has put together some “digital wellbeing tips” for anyone who chooses to do so.
In the US, HMD’s Barbie Phone will be available for pre-order on HMD.com starting September 23rd, with shipping beginning October 1st. It works with all three major networks (AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon) and costs $129.
