HMD Unveils Retro Barbie Flip Phone: Is It a Nokia in Disguise?

The highly anticipated Barbie phone is finally set to make its grand debut on August 28, according to its manufacturer. This revelation comes after months of speculation and teasers that left many enthusiasts on tenterhooks. The whispers suggest that this Barbie-themed device will bear a striking resemblance to the Nokia 2660 Flip, a classic model that has charmed users for years.

Earlier this year, HMD, the custodian of the Nokia mobile brand and current smartphone manufacturer, announced its partnership with Mattel to create a dedicated Barbie phone. The announcement was made at the Mobile World Congress in February, where they unveiled some basic details and teaser images. These teasers featured Barbie herself flaunting a flip phone, but beyond that, the specifics were kept under wraps. This left a lot of room for speculation, with at least one sharp-eyed commenter noting that the visible corner of the device strongly hinted at a rebadged Nokia handset.

HMD has been busy recently, not just with its Barbie collaboration but with the launch of its own Pulse range and the newly introduced Skyline mid-range Android phone. Additionally, the company has reinvigorated its focus on feature phones—more affordable devices tailored for emerging markets and for those wanting a respite from the relentless pace of social media and app notifications. The Barbie phone appears to fit snugly into this category, aiming to offer users a much-needed “Digital detox” while still keeping them connected to friends and family.

Drawing inspiration from Nokia handsets of yesteryears isn’t new for HMD. The company’s recent devices, such as the Skyline, owe their designs to iconic models like the Nokia Lumia 920. They’ve also revived classics like the beloved Nokia 3310. The 2660 Flip, available in “Pop pink,” seems to be the likely candidate for the Barbie phone’s design base. If this is the case, the Barbie phone will boast two displays— a 2.8-inch main screen when opened, and a secondary 1.77-inch screen on the outside. While the original 2660 Flip features a modest 0.3-megapixel camera, there’s a possibility of an upgrade for the Barbie variant.

The Nokia 2660 Flip is a 4G device, and it’s plausible that the Barbie phone might see enhancements in this regard. One can also expect some Barbie-themed preinstalled content to sweeten the deal. As we eagerly await more details later this month, it’s becoming clear that this phone is designed for those who want to push back against the AI-driven complexities of modern smartphones.

Stay tuned as the Barbie phone promises to bring a splash of nostalgia wrapped in a pink, flip-phone package, appealing not just to Barbie fans but also to anyone looking for a simpler, more tactile connection to their digital world. This launch could very well mark a delightful intersection of retro charm and contemporary need, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.