HMD Announces HMD Barbie™ Phone – A Flip Phone Designed for Less Browsing and More Fun
Live your best life – take a vacay from your smartphone in true Malibu style with the HMD Barbie™ Phone from Human Mobile Devices
- Human Mobile Devices has teamed up with Mattel, Inc. to launch the HMD Barbie™ Phone; a cute, pint-sized feature flip phone designed for less browsing and more fun
- The adorable phone features a retro design with calls, texts and no social media – perfect for taking a smartphone break
- The flip phone brings back the joy of simpler, sweeter days. Call your besties, set up a catch-up date, and text them the meeting spot
- It comes with digital wellbeing tips, beach-themed Malibu Snake, and a “Hi Barbie” voice welcomes you as you turn on the phone
- The keypad, in the iconic Barbie pink, has hidden designs featuring palm trees, hearts, and flamingos that light up in the dark
- This device brings back replaceable covers, and includes dainty accessories from crystals to stickers and a Barbie-style beaded phone strap
- The US version of the device will become available in the US in October – just in time for the holidays
Stop whatever it is you are doing right now and get ready to flip out, the HMD Barbie™ Phone is here. Features include calling, texting, and living in the real world without digital distraction.
Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has partnered with Mattel, a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, to create the new HMD Barbie™ Phone, which brings a burst of nostalgia and a splash of glam to your everyday life in the form of a retro flip phone.
It’s pink, it’s chic, it’s sleek, it’s got a mirror on the front (so you can touch up on the go) and it is the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.
Bringing back replaceable covers, it comes with two alternative cases: the brightly colored swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie™ doll and a vintage ‘shooting heart’ design. There is also a beaded phone strap that can be adorned with iconic Barbie phone charms including a tiny roller skate, and a Barbie doll-sized ice cream. In addition, you can choose from a selection of sparkly gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers to decorate it.
Commenting on the launch of the Barbie Flip Phone, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Human Mobile Devices, Lars Silberbauer, said; “In our fast-paced digital world, it can often feel like the online buzz never stops. 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. 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”.
Head of Licensing at Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez, added; “At Mattel we have an unwavering commitment to design and innovation and this exciting new phone is a great example of that, tapping into important insights into how people want to limit their screen time. HMD has created amazing easter eggs which will make the user experience even more special and playful, sure to delight Barbie fans all over the world”.
In recent years more and more GenZ’s and young people have embraced the digital detox movement and across the globe they’re actively choosing to limit their screen time and switch off from time to time. Since 2021, talking to friends online has dropped by 13 percent, while seeing friends in person has shot up by 28 percent.1
Developed in close collaboration with the in-house design team at Mattel, the new HMD Barbie™ Phone is redolent of the original, vintage-chic Barbie world, albeit with a load of added modern sparkle, and it is a homage to one of the most enduring and famous toys in history. And while it screams Barbie, it also allows for epic customization too.
It comes in a bold pink Barbie cover, but also has two fabulous interchangeable back covers; you can rock the brightly colored swirls of the 1992 iconic Totally Hair BarbieTM doll one day and switch to the vibrant Barbie™ ‘shooting heart’ design the next. It’s like having a new phone every day, matching your mood and your outfit!
But wait, there’s more! This pocket-sized wonder comes with a dazzling set of stick-on crystals and adorable retro Barbie stickers including flowers, flamingos and rainbows, allowing customers to customize their phone. It also comes with a pastel beaded phone strap in hues of pink, yellow and blue which is adorned with phone charms inspired by the doll’s most iconic looks, from a mini pair of the chic 1959 sunglasses to a Malibu roller skate, a palm tree, an ice cream and a heart with a branded ‘B’. All packaged within an adorable Barbie and HMD branded jewelry box for your precious new accessory.
This phone also comes with a bespoke user interface including Barbie wallpapers and Barbie app icons to support digital wellbeing including ‘Digital balance tips.’
The 5MP camera with flash (that doubles as a flashlight) delivers authentic Y2K style images which is the latest trend amongst GenZers who are taking photos with classic phones and vintage cameras.
When the phone is flipped open – a truly satisfying act in itself – everything on screen feels like it’s straight out of the DreamHouseTM. Besides the beautifully familiar ‘Hi Barbie!’ boot up sound that plays when the device is switched on, the pared back, Barbie-style user interface is achingly easy to navigate. Everything’s been built with Barbie in mind, it’s even got Malibu Snake switching apples for watermelons – the only game you’ll need this summer but do try to take a screen vacay!
The US version of the HMD Barbie™ Phone, priced at $129 USD, works on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon wireless networks. It is coming on October 1, 2024; pre-orders on HMD.com will begin on September 23. Follow @hmd.unitedstates for the latest updates.
What’s in the box:
- HMD Barbie™ Phone
- Two extra back covers
- Pink battery
- Pink USB Type-CTM charger
- Stickers and gem stickers
- Beaded lanyard and attachable charms
- Cleaning cloth
- Quick setup guide
*ENDS*
BARBIE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2024 Mattel.
TM and © 2024 HMD Global. All rights reserved. Variations on offering may apply. Check local availability. All specifications, features and other product information provided are subject to change without notice. All images are for illustrative purposes only.
Notes to editors
1Source GWI Social Behind the screens 2023, internet users all locations, 16-64, all locations
About Human Mobile Devices
We are Human Mobile Devices, and we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out. Coming this year, you can expect to see a new portfolio of Human Mobile Devices original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships. For further information, see www.hmd.com.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
