I'm the parent of an elementary student who has asked for about a year now, when will they get a phone. But there's a risk/reward - if I got her an iPhone or Android, there's social media and all the risks of cyber bullying. I also have a concern about data overage and not understanding a phone is a privilege. Fortunately, I'm still in the good range - where a basic phone would win parent points, but it still has to be a cool phone. Enter the Barbie Phone by HMD. I didn't know who HMD are, so had to do some research - they're the company that bought all the old Nokia rights. And if you don't know Nokia... well you're younger than me!
-= In the Box =-
I hope your daughter likes pink! I had to write this review in the middle of their inboxing, so if I miss something - it's because I was making notes while she was excited.
- Barbie Phone
- Phone Charms/Lanyard
- Stickers (Sequins and Barbie stickers)
- Pink USB C Charger
- 2x Extra Barbie Rainbow Backplates
There are no included headphones, but there is a true proper headphone jack!
-= First Impressions =-
Technically second impressions, as my daughter got it first. This phone is pink, it's a Barbie phone - so you expect pink. It's a bright neon almost glows because it's so bright pink. The phone feels lightweight, but the flip phone hinge is solid. The front is mirror reflective, it does show the time and date behind the mirror when you turn it on... and when you turn it on it says "Hi Barbie". That made me laugh, my daughter thinks it's cute.
All of the menus are pink, the buttons are backlit but also have backlit flamingos, hearts, and the stylized Barbie B. It's definitely 100% all Barbie.
The screen is bright, rich. I'm not sure of the resolution.
-= Setup =-
The SIM slot is located behind the battery. It was easy enough to remove the backplate, then the battery (the battery is even pink! attention to detail!) I decided to use a prepaid plan, so picked up a H2O sim. The phone is unlocked - so any SIM should work. I had to setup the SIM on the H2O website, as the software on the Barbie Phone is KaiOS - so mobile apps are limited and without a touchscreen, I am slow to type using T9 (I could do it once!). But once the SIM was setup, put the battery back, backplate on, and ready to go! Oh, beside the SIM slot is room for a microSD card, although not sure my daughter or even other users would need that because, again, KaiOS is limited.
TIP: Make sure you hear a click when you push the backplate back on.
-= What's Good =-
As a first time user of KaiOS, the operating system on the phone - there are some good things. The phone does support WiFi. There are privacy controls and you can actually set a rule that the owner is under 18. It's a nice touch for parents who want to look after their kids. There is an app store, but it's limited - you won't find WhatsApp, TikTok, Snap. There are games (the phone has Snake!) and you don't need an account to download them. There are clones of popular games (Fruit Ninja) that are easy enough to play even without a touch screen. There's also Google, Maps, and weather and news. You can also setup email - although I didn't do that for my daughter.
-= What's Not So Good =-
I have a very specific use for this phone, my tween daughter. So to me, the phone is just the right mix of a phone she can use in emergencies with some Barbie fun and basic games. If you're an adult, this phone is probably not for you - as KaiOS is limited. If I had to pick something that's not so good, it would be it's not a phone for adults and HMD would need to make a different version for adults i.e. Android, Touchscreen, etc. If you're an adult Barbie fan, get yourself a Barbie case instead for your Android or iPhone.
-= Final Thoughts =-
The HMD Barbie Phone is a perfect first phone for the tween Barbie fan, where you, as a parent, don't want them exposed to social media and a full app store. It's well built, light, and has a good mix of privacy controls. If you're an adult though, this is not for you.