We tried the Barbie flip phone (and took a smartphone break)

I’ve been curious about the ‘dumb phone’ lifestyle for some time now. I first heard of it from a podcast host who turned their smartphone into a ‘dumb phone’ by removing everything potentially distracting or novel about it – social media, access to their debit cards, emails, etc. The idea is to alleviate smartphone addiction, which I’m pretty certain most of us have.
Even if my screen time isn’t highly problematic (I think four hours a day on my phone isn’t so bad), it is alarming how close I need to keep it, and how often I touch it. I’ve lost count since starting to write this article.
Luckily, the new HMD Barbie Phone slid across my desk last week, which was perfect timing to give this lifestyle a spin.
Here’s what I thought of the ‘dumb phone’ lifestyle, and my adorable Barbie-themed companion.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publication.
The HMD Barbie Phone is a great product. It’s small and cute, reminding me of the purple flip Sony Ericsson I was gifted when I started high school. It’s also easy to use. I texted my friends, feeling childlike excitement when it chimed with a reply. I called my mum and heard her with perfect clarity. I played a few games of Malibu Snake, and just enjoyed the movement of flipping it open and closed. It also has a little app that gives you tips for digital balance, which are very sweet and reassuring.
The Barbie theme tugged right on my nostalgic heartstrings, and I don’t think it’s any accident that the people who are most annoyed by their reliance on their phones (millennials) are the ones who would most likely buy a Barbie-themed phone.
I also think it’d be perfect as a first phone for a tween starting high school, but it is incredibly pink and girly, so may not suit all teens.
The most difficult aspects of setting up the phone were what you’d expect.
When I eventually coaxed myself out sans smartphone, I realised it was a weird experience. You definitely notice how many people are glued to their devices, which creates a certain smugness usually reserved for grandparents who chide their grandkids over their screen addiction.
However, it was nice to notice things, like leaves on trees and scrub turkeys meandering down my street. My thoughts were buzzy and at times overwhelming, but I eventually got into the rhythm of just listening to them.
Is this the mindfulness everyone says is so good for you? I can see why.
Overall, space from my iPhone ended up feeling great, but the struggle of managing the ‘dumb phone’ life is probably too overwhelming for me. I prefer the idea of a mix, having my smartphone on hand when I need it, but also the option to turn it off and walk away, knowing I have a less engaging phone for any emergencies.
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