Yesterday, HMD announced the Barbie phone – a customized variant of the Nokia 2660 Flip with bright pink design and a new theme. We already knew the global version that is already on sale runs a different OS compared to the US, which is coming in October, but it turns out there are more changes in there. The changes include more RAM and storage, better camera, a domestic chipset and even Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) connectivity.
The US version of HMD Barbie comes with
Qualcomm 215 chip running KaiOS 3.1 on top, instead of the Shanghai-made Unisoc
chip with the basic S30+ operating system. It will feature 512 MB RAM and 4 GB
storage, a significant upgrade over the 64/128 MB on the global version. Both
have the same microSD support though – 32 GB. Another major change is the
camera on the cover – the US version has a 5 MP sensor, instead of a basic VGA
one. Battery capacity is the same, and the overall screens and footprint are
also the same. This means HMD dressed the Nokia 2780 Flip in Barbie colors,
instead of going for the 2660.
Connectivity options are also slightly
different due to the chipset change. The US version has Bluetooth 4.2, instead
of Bluetooth 5.0, but it has Wi-Fi support and GPS/AGPS – both lacking on the
global variant. There is also slight difference in cellular bands. The US
version also has a tiny hang holder on the flip bar, but both phones come with
extra covers, lanyard, attachable charms in the retail box. Also, Americans are
getting a USB-C charger in the box, which is absent from the Global version,
but some markets might still get an adapter.
HMD Barbie costs £ 99 in the United Kingdom
and € 129 in Continental Europe. The American version costs US$ 129, which is
cheaper than the other versions. Customers in the United States can start
placing pre-orders on September 23, and the product will officially launch on
October 1.
