HMD Global, known for Nokia-branded phones, has partnered with toy giant Mattel to reveal the HMD Barbie Phone. Priced at 99 pounds, this pink feature flip phone boasts retro aesthetics and offers calling and texting functions without social media access.
Photo Courtesy: WIRED
The phone features a Barbie-pink keypad with whimsical hidden designs like palm trees, hearts, and flamingos that illuminate in darkness. The launch celebration aligns with Barbie’s 65th anniversary and follows the success of the “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie last year, grossing $1.4 billion globally.
Despite the playful appeal of the Barbie Phone, analyst Ben Wood from CCS Insight believes its use may be limited due to our reliance on smartphones. Research firm CCS Insight forecasts potential sales of over 400,000 units in the UK through Vodafone and Argos. HMD, supported by Google and Qualcomm, continues its line of feature phones, including nostalgic re-releases of Nokia classics like the 3210 and 3310.
Photo Courtesy: WIRED