HMD Barbie

The HMD Barbie, announced and released on August 28, 2024, is a vibrant addition to the world of feature phones, designed with a unique twist to appeal to a specific market segment. This retro-inspired device combines essential mobile phone features with a playful and iconic Barbie-themed design, catering to those who appreciate simplicity and nostalgia in a modern world dominated by smartphones.

Design and Build

The HMD Barbie’s design is both nostalgic and innovative, drawing inspiration from classic flip phones while incorporating contemporary elements. When unfolded, the device measures 201 x 55.1 x 10.9 mm, and when folded, it becomes a compact 108.4 x 55.1 x 18.9 mm, making it easy to slip into a pocket or small purse. Weighing only 123.5 grams, the phone is lightweight and portable. The Barbie theme is evident in the phone’s color—Power Pink—giving it a playful and distinctive appearance that stands out in a sea of monotonous black and gray devices.

Display

The HMD Barbie features a 2.8-inch TFT LCD primary display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, offering a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi. While the screen is relatively small compared to modern smartphones, it is adequate for basic tasks such as texting, calling, and viewing simple media. Additionally, the phone includes a secondary 1.77-inch external display, which provides quick access to notifications and time without needing to open the flip.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the HMD Barbie is powered by two different chipsets depending on the region. The international version uses the Unisoc T107 (22 nm) chipset paired with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, while the U.S. version is equipped with the Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) chipset and a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The U.S. version also benefits from the Adreno 308 GPU, enhancing the phone’s ability to handle basic graphics tasks. Running on KaiOS 3.1 (in the U.S.), this phone provides a simple yet functional operating system tailored to users who prefer feature phones.

Memory and Storage

The HMD Barbie offers modest storage options, with the international version providing 128MB of internal storage and 64MB of RAM. In comparison, the U.S. version includes 4GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM. Both versions support expandable storage via a microSDHC card, allowing users to store more photos, music, and other media.

Camera and Multimedia

The phone features a basic camera setup, with the international version sporting a 0.3 MP rear camera and the U.S. version equipped with a 5 MP camera. While these cameras are not designed for professional photography, they are sufficient for capturing simple, everyday moments. The inclusion of an LED flash helps in low-light conditions.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The HMD Barbie supports essential connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable communication capabilities. The phone also includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support in the U.S. version, offering more ways to stay connected. A removable 1450 mAh Li-Ion battery powers the device, providing ample battery life for a full day of usage.

Conclusion

The HMD Barbie is a fun and functional feature phone that blends nostalgic design with modern essentials. It is ideal for users who want a straightforward device with a touch of personality and charm, all while staying connected in the modern world.