Fans React to 'Wild' New Barbie-Themed Flip Phone: 'Full Circle'
Hi Barbie! Your new flip phone has arrived.
In a totally "full circle" moment, Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has teamed up with Mattel to launch the HMD Barbie Phone, a retro flip phone designed for less browsing and more fun—transporting users back to the simpler days before smartphones came along.
The nostalgic new device, designed in the iconic shade of Barbie pink, features the ability to call and text without social media apps, making it the dream phone for anyone needing a smartphone break.
Users will soon be able to call up their besties on the cute pint-sized flip phone, which even greets you with a "Hi Barbie" voice message when you turn it on.
Its features include a hot pink keypad, which has hidden palm tree, heart and flamingo designs that light up in the dark. Plus, it brings back replaceable covers, as the phone comes with two alternative cases: the vibrant swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll and a vintage "shooting heart" design.
Barbie X HMD
As if that wasn't enough excitement, the flip phone also comes with a beaded phone strap that can be decorated with iconic Barbie phone charms including a tiny roller skate, and a Barbie doll-sized ice cream. Users can choose from a selection of dazzling stick-on gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers to add even more embellishments.
"The way we’ve gone full circle here with cell phones is WILD," one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after hearing the news.
Barbie X HDM
“In our fast-paced digital world, it can often feel like the online buzz never stops," HMD's Global Chief Marketing Officer, Lars Silberbauer said in a press release. "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.
Silberbauer continued: "Barbie is as popular as she’s ever been, and feature phones are continuing to go from strength to strength – we’re bringing two brilliant things together. We cannot wait for people to get their hands on the device and take a holiday from their smartphone."
The U.S. version of the HMD Barbie Phone is $129 and works on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon wireless networks.
It will officially arrive on Oct. 1, 2024, with pre-orders beginning on HMD.com Sept. on 23.
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