When you think of Barbie, you probably think of pink, retro, fun patterns and the Y2K model. Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has teamed up with Mattel to bring all of these feelings into a flip phone – the new HMD Barbie Phone.
On Wednesday, HMD unveiled its new Barbie Phone, which combines Barbie nostalgia into a sleek pink flip phone that only makes calls and send texts, allowing users to unwind like the old days.
Also: Why you shouldn’t buy the iPhone 16 because of Apple Intelligence
“In our fast-paced digital world, it can often seem like the online hype never ends,” said Lars Silberbauer, Global Chief Marketing Officer at HMD. “This phone encourages you to put your smartphone aside during times when you want to browse less and have more fun – all with the help of a true cultural icon: Barbie.”
It wouldn’t be a Barbie phone without the aesthetic to match, so the phone features a mirror on the front and is pink, including the T9-style keyboard where each number represents three letters.
The phone was also designed to bring back the flip phone experience, including the ability to customize it, so it includes interchangeable snap-on covers: a bold Barbie pink, the colorful swirl pattern of the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie doll, and a “shooting heart” design.
Also: Why the NSA advises you to turn off your phone once a week
The accessories are just as fun and include a beaded phone strap, phone charms, stickers and gems for embellishment.
Even the phone’s pink battery and charging cable fit the theme. The user interface also matches the aesthetic: a “Hi Barbie” voice greets you when you turn on the phone, Barbie wallpapers, and Barbie app icons designed to promote digital wellbeing, like BarbieMeditation.
The Barbie phone features a 5-megapixel camera that, according to HMD, “delivers authentic Y2K-style images, the latest trend among Generation Z who take photos with classic phones and vintage cameras.”
Also: This 20-in-1 Accessory Kit Is My New Favorite Tech Essential (And It’s Only $13)
This phone launch follows a larger GenZ movement that is encouraging people to switch to a flip phone to live more in the here and now. The flip phone still offers the basic features for on the go, including contacting emergency contacts or driving safely, and taking cute Y2K-style photos.
The HMD Barbie Phone costs $129 and will be available in the US from September 23rd on HMD websiteIt will launch on October 1 and will work with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon cellular networks.
