Barbie phone that promises a ‘vacation from your smartphone’

While 2023 was the year of Barbie, 2024 might be the year of the Barbie phone.
Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has partnered with Mattel to create and release the HMD Barbie Phone, a nostalgic flip phone that promises to be the antidote to the smartphone and its addictive qualities. Encouraging users to ‘take a vacation from their smartphone,’ the ultra-cute and pink device will be available in Australia next week.
Many people are trying to consciously uncouple from their smartphones as research continues to prove that they’re bad for us. 
“A growing body of evidence shows that the more time a person spends consuming digital media each day, the more likely they are to struggle with depression and anxiety,” Dr Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry at the Stanford School of Medicine, told The Guardian.
“Social media invites comparisons between ourselves and other people, leaving many of us feeling that we can never measure up to the illusory standards of achievement, beauty or happiness that are portrayed online,” she added, describing a feeling many digital natives would be familiar with.
The ‘dumb phone’ is a call back to the days of the Nokia bricks our parents bought us when we started taking the bus home from school. They can text and call, and they have Snake (or ‘Malibu Snake’ on this Barbie-themed device), but they don’t do much else. Having a phone like this frees the individual from the desire to look at their phone constantly, something most of us have to manage every day.
“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,” shared Lars Silberbauer, the Global Chief Marketing Officer at HMD. 
“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.”
This phone plays into the nostalgic aspects of the Mattel brand that millennials love. It’s no coincidence that these are the people who are likely trying to cut down on their screen time.
The phone has replacement covers inspired by former popular Barbies, plus stickers and wrist straps that also lean into the doll’s girly domain.
It’s also designed to keep the focus on mindfulness, with app icons offering ‘digital balance tips’, ‘BarbieMeditation’, and ‘Self-care reminders’ in the settings.
The HMD Barbie Phone is available in Australia from September 5 at both Amazon and The Good Guys, for $199. In the meantime, you can check out these ‘dumb phones’ below and consider whether it’s time to make the switch.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
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