HMD Introduces the “Barbie” Flip Phone to Combat Addiction to Smartphones

detoxifying from digital media. HMD and Mattel collaborate on the HMD Barbie flip phone, which excludes social media and mobile browsing.

The HMD Barbie flip phone, which aims to combat smartphone and social media addiction, was released by HMD Global in collaboration with Mattel, a manufacturer of toys.

The new throwback gadget was dubbed “a cute, pint-sized feature flip phone designed for less browsing and more fun this summer” by Human Mobile Devices.

It explained the HMD Barbie phone is designed for “living in the real world without digital distraction” and “features a retro design with calls, texts and no social media – perfect for taking a smartphone break,” the firm explained.

HMD Barbie Phone

The new HMD Barbie phone “brings a burst of nostalgia and a splash of glam to your everyday life in the form of a retro flip phone,” according to Human Mobile Devices.

The company explained, “It’s pink, stylish, sleek, and equipped with a mirror on the front for touch-ups on-the-go. It’s the ideal tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.”

It includes two additional cases: a classic “shooting heart” design and the vividly coloured swirls of the iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll from 1992. Additionally, there is a beaded phone strap that can be customised with classic Barbie phone charms, such as a miniature roller skate and an ice cream cone the size of a Barbie doll.

The user may also customise it with a variety of glittering diamonds and antique Barbie stickers.

Digital detox

HMD explained that in recent years more and more GenZ’s and young people are choosing to limit their screen time and switch off from time to time.

According to the firm (using statistics from GWI Social), since 2021, the percentage of friends spoken to online has decreased by 13 percent, while the percentage of friends seen in person has increased by 28 percent.

The Barbie phone also has a customised user interface with Barbie app icons and wallpapers to promote digital wellbeing. Other features include “Digital balance tips,” “Barbie Meditation,” and “Self-care reminders” under the settings.

When users turn on the phone, a “Hello Barbie” voice greets them and they notice a missed call alert from Ken.

Relaxing ringtone options for the alarms and sounds include “floating,” “Coastal,” “DreamHouse,” “Azure Barbie,” and “Surf Chimes.”

Additionally, the gadget has secret easter eggs for significant Barbie dates and phrases.

Specs, prices

The HMD Barbie Phone has a 1.77-inch cover screen in addition to its 2.8-inch primary screen. Its internal chipset, the Unisoc T107, has 64MB of RAM and 128MB of storage, which can be expanded to 32GB by using the microSD card port.

It has one VGA (0.3MP) camera, Bluetooth 5, a headphone jack, and a USB-C connection for data transfer and charging.

The phone is reasonably priced at €129, or £99, and is currently available in Europe and the UK.

It will cost $129 for US customers, go on pre-order on September 23rd, and arrive on October 1st.