HMD Global, the maker of Nokia-branded phones, has partnered with toymaker Mattel to release a nostalgic new device. The HMD Barbie Phone is a pint-sized, pink flip phone with a retro design. It is set to make waves among Barbie enthusiasts. Priced at £99 ($131.24), the phone became available on Wednesday.
The Barbie Phone offers users a simple design, allowing them to make calls and send texts. However, it lacks access to social media apps, catering to those seeking a break from smartphone addiction. The Barbie-pink keypad has a unique touch: hidden designs featuring palm trees, hearts, and flamingos that light up in the dark, adding a playful element to the device.
This launch comes in celebration of the Barbie doll’s 65th birthday. It coincides with the massive success of last year’s “Barbie” movie, starring Margot Robbie. The film grossed $1.4 billion globally, reigniting interest in the iconic doll.
Ben Wood, chief analyst at research firm CCS Insight, commented on the launch. He noted that while the phone might be seen as a fun novelty, most people are too reliant on smartphones for extended use. Despite this, CCS Insight estimates that HMD could sell over 400,000 Barbie Phones in the UK alone. The device will be available through Vodafone and Argos.
HMD, a Finnish company backed by Alphabet’s Google and Qualcomm, has a history of launching feature phones, including reissues of classic Nokia models like the 3210 and 3310.
Photos: HMD Global