HMD Global, which makes Nokia-branded phones, said it has teamed up with toymaker Mattel to launch the HMD Barbie Phone – a pint-sized pink feature flip phone with a retro design.
The phone, priced at £99 (R2300), is available starting on Wednesday. The device allows users to make calls and send texts but gives no access to social media apps.
The Barbie-pink keypad has hidden designs featuring palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark, the company said.
The launch coincides with the Barbie doll’s 65th birthday this year and follows the success of last year’s “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie, which grossed $1.4 billion at the global box office.
The box includes:
- HMD Barbie Phone
- Two extra back covers
- Pink battery
- Pink USB-A to USB Type-C charging cable
- Stickers and gem stickers
- Beaded lanyard and attachable charms
- Cleaning cloth
- Quick setup guide
“I’d imagine quite a few people will be tempted to buy it as a bit of fun, but in reality, everyone is so dependent on their smartphones that anything more than the odd day of detox will be a stretch,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst at research firm CCS Insight.
Research firm CCS Insight estimates that HMD could sell more than 400,000 Barbie phones in the UK, where it will be available through Vodafone and Argos.
Finnish firm HMD, which is backed by Alphabet’s Google and Qualcomm, has launched several feature phones, including reissues of classic Nokia phones such as the 3210 and 3310.
No confirmation if it will be sold in South Africa, yet.
Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee, Reuters
Related posts
ABOUT
Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 16-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. info@recharged.co.za