The makers of the new Barbie phone have explained why it’s actually a great idea
The phone manufacturing company behind Nokia has released a Barbie flip phone.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie may’ve been released in July 2023, but we’re clearly not over the hype just yet.
Human Mobile Device (HMD) – the manufacturer behind the phone of the Noughties, the Nokia – has revealed its designed a ‘Barbie flip phone’ in partnership with Mattel which doesn’t feature any ‘distracting apps’.
Prepare to feel like you’re back in Barbie’s Dreamhouse:
The design
If you hadn’t already guessed already, the flip phone is very much pink. And not only that, but following in the footsteps of the finesse of the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, it’s only natural it’s ‘chic’ and ‘sleek’ too.
However, HMD notes: “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!”
Open the phone up and HMD explains ‘everything on the screen feels like it’s straight out of The Barbie DreamHouse’. Oh, but with ‘a few hidden surprises for you to find,’ it teases.
Although, you certainly won’t find – or be able to download – most of the popular apps which currently sit on your smartphone – think Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok. Or use the internet either. Don’t worry though, there’s still a camera for ‘shoots with friends,’ you can call, text, listen to music and even better, you can also play Snake on it.
But why?
Wave goodbye to social media (HMD)
Why?
Well, you’ve probably admitted in the last year or so that sometimes life just gets a bit too much, and when speaking to a friend have lamented: “I wish I could just take a break, leave my phone and run away to a desert island for a few months.”
So think of the Barbie phone as a more bank-account friendly alternative and giving your smartphone ‘a vacay’ instead.
HMD states: “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.”
And the sentiment is echoed in a statement from HMD’s chief marketing officer Lars Silberbauer too.
Why not take a break from the virtual world and start embracing the real one a bit more? (HMD)
Silberbauer said: “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.”
And it’s not taken long for people to weigh in online, many echoing a similar sentiment.
One Twitter user said: “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 added.
And a third resolved: “Yup I’m unplugging from the internet after buying this.”
The phone is currently advertised as being sold for £99.99 ($130) – with 64 MB RAM, 128 MB storage and a dual sim – and it launched in the UK on Wednesday (August 28).
A US release date is yet to be announced, reportedly set to be revealed soon on HMD’s social media, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image Credit: Nokia
