HMD shows Barbie flip phone for 130 euros
HMD has presented a Barbie flip phone without apps that is very reminiscent of the 2660 Flip. The battery is replaceable.
(Image: HMD)
HMD's new cell phone is pretty in pink: The Barbie Phone was developed in collaboration with Mattel and will be sold for 130 euros. It is a classic "feature phone" in a flip phone design that can be used to make calls and send text messages. Apps cannot be installed on the S30+ operating system.
Accordingly, HMD is marketing the phone as a "time-out from the smartphone". Technically, the Barbie Phone largely corresponds to the Nokia 2660 Flip (ab 56,69 €), also built by HMD, which is available for less than half the price, but also looks significantly less pink.
There are at least a few upgrades compared to the 2660 Flip: USB-C is used instead of micro USB, and HMD has improved the Bluetooth standard to version 5.0. The Barbie phone uses the LTE network and dual SIM is possible. The battery is 1400 mAh, pink and can be replaced.
Luminous buttons and Barbie voice
Otherwise, the Barbie Phone is mainly defined by cosmetic gimmicks. According to the announcement, the phone's buttons are decorated with "hidden designs" such as palm trees, hearts and flamingos that glow in the dark. When the phone is switched on, users are greeted with a "Hi Barbie" voice, HMD adds.
The scope of delivery also includes two additional covers for the back, a pink charging cable and a number of stickers and glitter stones that can be used to personalize the cell phone. A pearl cell phone strap and "attachable charms" are also included in the package. A cleaning cloth is also included. Its color is not clear from HMD's press release.
The Finnish-Chinese manufacturer HMD is primarily known as the manufacturer of Nokia cell phones, but now also wants to produce smartphones under its own brand name. The Barbie phone was already announced at the MWC in Barcelona.
(dahe)