Barbie Flip Phone’s Missed Opportunity—’Sales Would’ve Skyrocketed’

The makers of an official Barbie flip phone have been admonished online for not timing its release with the record-breaking movie about the famous dolls.

Mattel—the maker of Barbie dolls—and Human Mobile Devices—the maker of Nokia phones—have teamed up to release a Barbie-themed phone complete with a missed-call notification from Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, every time you open the phone.

In a news release, HMD described the device as a “cute, pint-sized feature flip phone designed for less browsing and more fun.” The pink phone features a retro design that allows users to call and text. It is not a smartphone and does not have any social media apps.

On social media, users questioned why the device was not released at the same time as last summer’s Barbie. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie was a cultural phenomenon and the highest-grossing movie of 2023, earning more than $1.4 billion at the global box office.

Replying to a Pop Crave X post about the phone, one user wrote, “Wrong timing.”

Another added, “Where was this last summer????”

“They should’ve released this last year when Barbie was trending, those sales would’ve skyrocketed!” a user wrote in reply to a similar Pop Base post.

Newsweek contacted HMD via its online press contact form and Mattel by email for comment.

According to the news release, a “Hi Barbie” voice will greet users as they turn on the phone. The device also brings back Nokia’s iconic replaceable covers and comes with a number of phone charms, including a tiny roller skate and a Barbie doll–size ice cream. The phone also features a mirror, a camera and a bespoke Barbie app for digital well-being, including digital balance tips, “BarbieMeditation” and self-care reminders.

The more zen approach to the phone’s design was inspired by Gen Z’s digital detox movement, HMD said, citing a 2023 GWI report that found chatting to friends online had dropped by 13 percent since 2021 and catching up with friends in real life had increased by 28 percent.

“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,” Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s global chief marketing officer, said in a news statement.

“Barbie is as popular as she’s ever been, and feature phones are continuing to go from strength to strength—we’re bringing two brilliant things together,” he continued.

On social media, users balked at not only the timing of the device but also its $130 price point.

“Selling a flip phone for 130$ in 2024 is diabolical,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “Flip phone for 130 dollars is wild.”