At first glance at this phone, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it as one of Margot Robbie’s props from her blockbuster movie, Barbie.
But the adorable flip phone is very much real, and is the brainchild of Human Mobile Devices (HMD).
HMD has joined forces with Mattel to develop the real-life Barbie Phone, complete with a built-in mirror, beaded strap, and even a selection of sparkly gems.
While the phone is undeniably cute, it’s pretty basic, with a grainy 0.3MP camera, and – shock horror – no social media.
As it goes on sale today for £99, MailOnline’s Shivali Best tested the flip phone out – and it could finally be what it takes to force her to take a much-needed digital detox.
At first glance at this phone, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it as one of Margot Robbie ‘s props from her blockbuster movie, Barbie. But the adorable flip phone is very much real, and is the brainchild of Human Mobile Devices (HMD)
Retro flip phones, otherwise known as ‘dumbphones’, have been making a comeback in recent years, particularly among Gen Z seeking a life without any digital distractions.
HMD, the maker of Nokia phones, has previously launched several reimagined dumbphones, including the Nokia 3210, Nokia 3310, and Nokia 6310.
However, its latest offering is arguably its most appealing yet.
The Barbie Flip Phone features a classic clamshell design, and comes with two replaceable back covers – a vintage ‘shooting hearts’ design, and one with brightly coloured swirls – as well as a mirror on the front.
HMD, the maker of Nokia phones, has previously launched several reimagined dumbphones, including the Nokia 3210, Nokia 3310, and Nokia 6310. However, its latest offering is arguably its most appealing yet
The Barbie Flip Phone features a classic clamshell design, and comes with two replaceable back covers – a vintage ‘shooting hearts’ design, and one with brightly coloured swirls – as well as a mirror on the front
As it goes on sale today for £99, MailOnline’s Shivali Best tested the flip phone out – and it could finally be what it takes to force her to take a much-needed digital detox
As if that wasn’t jazzy enough, there’s also a beaded strap adorned with Barbie phone charms, and a selection of sparkly gems and vintage stickers.
This design is instantly eye-catching (if a little kitsch), and I had several colleagues eagerly stopping by my desk to ask what the toy-like device I was testing out was.
Once I’d finished admiring myself in the mirror, I flipped open the phone and switched it on, at which point a voice announced ‘Hi Barbie!’.
As someone whose day-to-day smartphone is the iPhone 15 Pro, I’m used to having access to almost any app at my fingertips.
In contrast, the Barbie Flip Phone has just 21 basic apps installed – and absolutely no social media.
That being said, the apps it does have are great fun.
As someone who grew up in the 90s, I was delighted to discover that HMD has included the Snake game in the phone, with watermelons instead of apples.
During my limited time with the dumbphone, I didn’t find myself longing for the technical prowess of my iPhone once
It’s not going to replace my iPhone 15 Pro as my permanent phone any time soon, but at £99, it could finally be what I need to make me do a digital detox
Admittedly, I’m out of practice and my first foray back into the world of Snake doesn’t last long.
However, the game certainly has lost its charm, and I reckon I could easily wile away the hours trying to hit the same expert levels that I’d mastered as a child.
While there is a camera, the 0.3MP lens isn’t exactly great.
As a millennial, I’m not impressed with the grainy photos, although my Gen Z colleagues reassure me they’re actually ‘much cooler’ than my usual, more refined snaps.
What I enjoyed the most, however, were all the Barbie Easter Eggs I came across as I played with my new device.
Within the Phone app, I discovered a missed call from ‘Ken’ who I could even add to my contacts.
Meanwhile, the ringtones and alarms included retro tunes titled ‘DreamHouse’, ‘Azure Barbie’, and ‘Surf Chimes’.
The smartphone features a retro clamshell design, and ’embodies the vintage chic of the original girl empowerment brand’, according to HMD
Sticking with the Barbie theme, within the Camera app, I discovered a Barbie camera frame for my pictures.
With no social media apps installed, sharing these isn’t as straightforward as it is on my iPhone.
However, the hidden gems truly make the Barbie Flip Phone a joy to play with, with several colleagues even remarking that they’re itching to get their hands on it.
During my limited time with the dumbphone, I didn’t find myself longing for the technical prowess of my iPhone once.
I’m very aware that, over time, these novelty features would quickly lose their charm, and I’d be longing to return to TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
It’s not going to replace my iPhone 15 Pro as my permanent phone any time soon, but at £99, it could finally be what I need to make me do a digital detox.
