Nokia Maker HMD Is Launching A Barbie Flip Phone. Everything You Should Know

Transitioning from solely Nokia-branded products, the Finnish company, now rebranded as "Human Mobile Devices" (HMD), expands its horizons to introduce devices under its own label.

HMD is apparently trying to hit success with Barbie-themed handsets. After exclusively marketing phones under the Nokia brand for seven years, HMD Global has unveiled its collaboration with Mattel to launch a Barbie-branded flip phone this July, the media has reported. This release is part of a broader summer lineup, featuring a new Nokia-branded retro feature phone and an HMD-branded smartphone. Additionally, HMD teases early details about its upcoming development platform, "HMD Fusion," signaling its commitment to innovation.

This collaboration between Mattel and HMD marks a pivotal step in the latter's strategic evolution, following its September announcement. Transitioning from solely Nokia-branded products, the Finnish company, now rebranded as "Human Mobile Devices" (HMD), expands its horizons to introduce devices under its own label and forge partnerships with innovative allies.

Mattel's involvement is just the beginning, as HMD's CEO hints at forthcoming collaborations with other dynamic partners, says a report by The Verge.

Regarding the upcoming phone, details are still under wraps, but it's set to debut this summer.

Details regarding pricing, specifications, and features for the yet-to-be-named Barbie phone remain undisclosed.

However, anticipate a classic feature flip phone rather than a smartphone. Adam Ferguson, HMD's global head of insight, proposition, and product marketing, confirms in an interview, as quoted by The Verge, that it will be a completely new device, emphasising that Barbie's brand demands unique and customised solutions rather than off-the-shelf offerings. This revelation follows closely after leaked images surfaced on 91 Mobiles, showcasing a smartphone strikingly reminiscent of HMD's existing Nokia lineup, now adorned with the HMD logo in place of the former Nokia branding. 

HMD's decision to explore other brand names does not signify a complete abandonment of the Nokia branding. Ferguson refutes any notion that HMD is considering alternate brand names due to a decline in Nokia's popularity. He emphasizes that the move is driven by the company's desire to capitalize on additional opportunities through a multi-brand strategy.