Barbie's Getting A Retro Nokia Flip Phone That Can Call, Text, And Take Photos (2024)

The first Barbie doll was released in 1959 and the iconic character has remained popular ever since. However, Barbie's fame hit another level in 2023 when Margot Robbie played the doll in a blockbuster movie that made more at the box office than any other film last year. Barbie has been riding that wave ever since, everything from Funko Pops and Super Bowl dolls released to celebrate its success, but an officially licensed flip phone created by Nokia might be the most unique bit of Barbie merch so far.

HMD, Nokia's parent company, revealed the flip phone during Mobile World Congress, but as reported by The Verge, its launch is almost upon us. Pre-orders for the Barbie phone will begin on September 23, 2024, ready for its release in October. On the one hand, it feels like the perfect product for the summer, but on the other, an October release means the phone will be here just in time for the holidays.

Before you rush to check your current cellphone deal to check whether you're due an upgrade, Nokia's Barbie phone probably isn't something that's about to swoop in and replace your iPhone 15. The pink flip phone isn't just a throwback when it comes to its design, but also its features. You won't be able to flip it open and use it to share that you have a snazzy new pink phone since the Barbie handset has no internet connectivity. That also means no using it to stream the Barbie movie, or to check in on Ken's Instagram.

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You will be able to use the phone to get in touch with Ken though, provided you have his number. Just like the Nokia flip phones of old, the Barbie phone can be used to make phone calls and send text messages. It also has a five-megapixel camera meaning the photos you take with it will be circa 2010 in terms of quality, and even has a Barbie-themed version of Snake. That's kind of the point though as everything about this phone is meant to feel like a throwback. HMD is also using the term digital detox as a selling point. A way to take a break from your regular phone, and the constant reminders of the real world via social media that come with it, without being entirely unreachable.

The Barbie phone's limited functionality compared to most other phones in 2024 is also reflected in its price. It'll cost $129.99 when it goes on sale later this month, and you'll get more than just the phone for that price. It comes with covers, stickers, gems, and beads, all of which can be used to customize the phone and make it unique to you. A great first phone for the young Barbie fan in your life who's not quite ready for a smartphone, or a fun retro accessory you can switch to when the pull of your iPhone and everything that comes with it all gets a to be a little too much.