Come on Barbie, lets go social gathering with this new $129 flip cellphone from HMD

We’re going again to the early 2000s, due to Human Mobile Devices’ (HMD) new Barbie-inspired cellphone. Tapping into the nostalgia of flip telephones, T9 SMS messaging, and sizzling pink, the Mattel-licensed Barbie Cellphone launches October 1st for $129.

To say the world was caught up in Barbie fever final 12 months can be an understatement. Whereas the discharge is a bit of late to capitalize on the thrill from Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster Barbie film, HMD has designed a retro flip cellphone with an entry-level price. This brings us again to a time earlier than social media, sensible residence apps, and streaming was attainable on a cellphone.

The Barbie cellphone is a blast from the previous with a smattering of pink

For a flip cellphone, HMD consists of modernized options and connectivity

As anticipated, the HMD Barbie cellphone mimics the design and look of an early 2000s Nokia cellphone. HMD is the present proprietor of the Nokia cellphone model, so it is sensible that the corporate is leaning into the Nokia look. The flip cellphone contains a 2.8-inch principal show and a 1.7-inch show on its clamshell exterior. The machine itself is available in one coloration and it’s appropriately dubbed energy pink.

On the subject of pictures, HMD is constructed with a 5-megapixel rear digital camera. So, you’ll be forgoing a selfie digital camera. Though, if we’re going again to the post-Y2K period, we would as nicely embrace it absolutely. Powered by a Qualcomm 215, the Barbie cellphone helps 512MB of RAM and contains a 1,450mAh battery. This implies it isn’t a powerhouse of a tool. Nonetheless, it does function Bluetooth assist and USB-C charging.

HMD’s new flip cellphone received’t assist trendy social media platforms, so you’ll be able to’t doomscroll.

HMD

The Barbie-inspired flip cellphone is launching as a solution to “give your smartphone a vacay and reside your dream life,” in accordance with HMD. The corporate isn’t shying away that its machine would not assist Instagram or TikTok. Its web site and advertising marketing campaign decide to the concept of no “distracting apps” and encourage customers to “disconnect.” Nonetheless, when opening the machine, you’ll discover a particular Malibu version of Snake and different easter eggs.

As a substitute, the HMD Barbie Cellphone is extra in regards to the vibes. Partnering with Mattel, the quilt of the clamshell sports activities the Barbie emblem. The keyboard, which makes use of a T9 structure, additionally options symbols like a flamingo, a palm tree, and the ‘B’ image. The machine ships with two further again covers, permitting you to customise your cellphone relying in your fashion. HMD additionally throws in a set of stickers and crystals to make use of to specific your self. The cherry on high is the beaded lanyard with Barbie charms.

The Barbie Cellphone misses the cultural zeitgeist of the movie

Sadly, HMD couldn’t align its launch with final 12 months’s Barbie film

HMD

Final summer season featured the enduring Barbenheimer theater expertise. Theaters around the globe noticed attendees speeding to see Oppenheimer and, extra importantly on this context, Barbie. Gerwig’s movies grossed $1.4 billion on the world field workplace. It went on to win an Oscar award for greatest unique music. Had HMD been in a position to align its launch with the recognition of the cellphone, there’s no telling what gross sales would have been like. That being stated, there’s now a broad stream of consciousness across the Barbie model. Youngsters and adults have a unified touchstone for Barbie outdoors the toys and cartoons.

HMD’s Barbie Cellphone particularly faucets into an older era that clamors for a throwback to their youth (that’s me). It’s doubtless not a tool that’ll make customers drop their iPhone or Android machine totally. Nonetheless, it’s definitely a distraction from the overabundance of apps and social media platforms that bombard us continuously.