The human race has never been more connected, yet in a twist of paradox, has also never been more disconnected. In today’s hyper-connected world, the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates, the HMD Barbie Phone offers a refreshing escape from this digital overload, promoting a simpler, more mindful way of living. And we love it.
Table of Contents
Minimalist Features for Maximum Impact
The HMD Barbie Phone is designed with simplicity in mind. It strips away the distractions of modern smartphones, focusing on basic functionalities like calling and texting. You won’t be doing any Web browsing, email checking, or social media scrolling on this phone. There is no mobile data, no WiFi, and even no GPS.
This minimalist approach to mobile phones encourages users to be more present in their daily lives, reducing the urge to constantly check their devices.
Improve Your Real-World Interactions
By limiting access to social media and other online distractions, the Barbie Phone fosters real-world interactions. You get the chance to engage more with your environment – talk with your date, watch birds, and take a walk through the neighbourhood without your head buried in your phone.
Even the camera is so limited, at a mere 0.3MP resolution, that the constant need to take photos and record videos will fade away. And, no, there is no selfie camera here. What?! Indeed, there isn’t. Give it a try and see for yourself.
Rita, a member of our team who recently purchased an old-school flip phone, discovered the joy of striking up conversations with fellow commuters on the train. It is a whole new life for her, she reported back to us.
Initially skeptical, she soon found herself enjoying the freedom from constant emails and social media updates. Instead of scrolling through her phone during her morning commute, she simply relaxes to enjoy the ride. Sometimes, she strikes up conversations with fellow passengers and finds the experience refreshing and wholesome.
Rita says she has not felt more relaxed and connected to her surroundings. Perhaps, truly, less really is more. The Barbie Phone is a part of this new movement of escaping from the clutches of the matrix of the Internet.
Specs Sheet
Network
- 2G mobile network bands: GSM, GPRS, EDGE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz.
- 3G mobile network bands: UMTS, WCDMA, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 MHz
- 4G mobile network bands: LTE.
- 5G mobile network bands: No.
- SIM Type: Nano-SIM, Dual SIM
Body
- Dimensions: 201 x 55.1 x 10.9 mm unfolded; 108.4 x 55.1 x 18.9 mm folded.
- Weight: 124g
- Cover Display: 1.7 inches.
- Main Display: 2.8 inches, 240 x 320 pixels, TFT LCD screen
- Colours: Power Pink.
- Physical Build: Plastic.
Processor
- Operating System:
- CPU: 1.0 GHz
- Chipset: Unisoc T107 (22 nm)
- GPU: No.
Memory
- RAM: 512 MB
- Internal Storage Memory: 4 GB
- External Storage: microSD, up to 256 GB (dedicated slot)
Cameras
- Main Camera: 0.3 MP lens, LED flash, VGA video recording
- Front Camera: No.
Sound and Video
- Music Support: PCM, AAC / AAC + / eAAC + / MP3 / AMR – NB / WB / APE
- Audio: 3.5 mm audio jack
- Loudspeaker: Mono speaker
- Video Support: H.264/MP4/MPEG4 player
- FM Radio: Wireless.
Sensors
- Digital Compass: No.
- Accelerometer: No.
- Proximity Sensor: No.
- Ambient Light Sensor: No.
- Barometer: No.
- Pedometer: No.
- Heart Rate Monitor: No.
- Gyroscope (G-Sensor): No.
- Fingerprint Scanner: No.
- Face Unlock: No.
- Iris Scanner: No.
- Motion Sensing / Gesture Control: No.
- Voice Control: No.
- Intelligent Digital Assistant: Yes; Google Assistant.
- Infra-red Sensor: No.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP
- WiFi: No.
- GPS: No.
- USB: microUSB v2.0. Type-C.
- NFC: No.
Other Specs and Features
- Battery Type and Capacity: Removable 1450 mAh
- Battery Charging: 5W charging
- Wireless Charging: No.
- Reverse Charging: No.
- Model Version/Number: TA-1681.
Launch & Release Dates
- Announced: August 28, 2024
- Release Date: 2024
Price
The HMD Barbie Phone sells for £99.99 in the United Kingdom (UK), about €130 in the European Union (countries like Germany, Norway, the Netherlands), and in Switzerland.
In Nigeria, the price is expected to hover just below ₦200,000 naira, which is crazy for a feature phone. But then, the Nokia 2660 Flip which it is roughly based on costs around ₦165,000. It can be purchased at stores around the country. These include Jumia, Slot, Pointek, Swot, 3C Hub, Finet, and others.
Disclaimer: While we take the pains to ensure accuracy, we can not guarantee that the specs and information on this page are 100% correct. If you think that any information for the current phone is wrong or missing, please leave a comment below.
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