HMD's Barbie flip phone ditches fancy AI & social media for retro charm

Remember the days when phones were just for calling and texting? HMD is bringing that simplicity back with a pink, glittery twist. The company has teamed up with Mattel to launch a Barbie-themed flip phone that’s all about nostalgia and digital detox.

This isn’t your typical smartphone. The Barbie Phone is a feature phone running on KaiOS, offering basic functions like calls, texts, and a handful of apps including WhatsApp and YouTube. But its real charm lies in its unapologetically Y2K aesthetic.

Decked out in Barbie’s signature pink, the phone sports a mirror-like exterior with a hidden digital clock. Flip it open, and you’re greeted by a 2.8-inch display and a backlit keyboard adorned with palm tree icons. It even chirps “Hi Barbie!” when you power it on – talk about a blast from the past.

HMD isn’t stopping at just the phone. The unboxing experience is designed to feel like unwrapping a Barbie doll. You get swappable back covers, stickers, and adhesive gems to customize your device. There’s even a beaded lanyard and charms to complete the early 2000s look.

But it’s not all about looks. The Barbie Phone is part of HMD’s mission to reduce screen time and distractions. It’s pitched as a second phone for when you want to unplug at the beach or during a night out. The company is even working on a “Detox Mode” for its smartphones, though this feature won’t be available on the Barbie Phone. This just goes to show that the world is really waking up to smartphone addiction. With the wave of AI-buzzword features taking over smartphones, the new Barbie Phone is indeed refreshing.

Priced at $129, the Barbie Phone hits stores on October 1. It’s compatible with major US carriers, so you can easily swap your SIM for a dose of pink nostalgia. Whether you’re a Barbie fan or just miss the simplicity of flip phones, this little pink number might be your ticket to a less connected – but more fabulous – lifestyle.