At the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024), HMD Global announced that its first self-branded phones will arrive this Summer. Among these is a Barbie-branded flip phone which will be a retro flip phone.
HMD Global Smartphones and Barbie Flip Phone
The company hinted at its smartphones with blurred photos of the devices and a month. The photo reveals a yellow device set to launch in May and three devices in July with a very distinct Barbie pink device.
The Barbie flip phone was done in partnership with Mattel and the goal of the device is to bring style, nostalgia, and a break from smartphone addiction.
Along with the Barbie flip phone is one dubbed the HMD Fusion which will offer hardware customization and allow you to switch out the shell to meet your needs. Among these include a standard cover, one with card slots, and one with camera controls.
Another device was revealed with the goal of simplifying screen repairs. The company didn’t reveal much about the device but a device with repairability in mind in 2024 is nice to hear.
Nokia will Still Continue
The company also clarified that despite the self-branded devices, it will continue to release Nokia-branded devices. This contradicts earlier reports that the HMD-branded devices will fully replace the Nokia phones.
”We are very excited to announce the new HMD multi-brand strategy which opens infinite collab possibilities. Our global association with Mattel to launch a Barbie co-branded device is a prime example. HMD will have ‘easy repairability’ and ‘sustainability’ as part of its brand promise always. We are confident about a strong smart 5G portfolio for India and other markets which we will announce very soon.”
Ravi Kunwar, HMD Global India & APAC Vice President
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
