Flip phones are making a comeback, though not exactly in the strict sense. Thanks to the magic of foldable screens, the stylish clamshell phones of the past have returned with a bigger screen that is better adjusted to the needs and trends of modern times. After all, we have all outgrown the tactile yet convoluted T9 keypad for typing and evolved to handle the cramped QWERTY keyboards on today’s phones.
That said, those “flip-style” foldables also took away the charm of what made those clamshell phones of the past handy and trendy. As a purveyor of retro phone designs, HMD Global is trying to bring back not only the charm but also the practical benefits of such a design. Yes, it’s the good old-fashioned T9 flip, but it’s trying to turn a perceived flaw into its key strength.
Designer: HMD Global
Retro phones have strangely gained momentum these days, even after the very last Nokia-branded handsets rode off into the sunset. Part of it is because of the nostalgia factor as well as the novelty in the eyes of younger generations. For HMD Global, however, a big factor is the way these phones let you do a digital detox by practically removing everything distracting without disconnecting you from the people who matter the most.
The new HMD 2660 Flip does that by retaining only essential functions for the most basic communication, which means calls and text. There are none of the social apps that distract you with their incessant notifications, only direct and straightforward chats. Of course, the T9 keypad makes typing less enjoyable by modern standards, so you are more likely to just call your friends anyway.
Beyond that, the HMD 2660 Flip just exudes that playful personality of its forebears, letting you relive or live for the first time that sophisticated flair of flipping a phone open or close. Unlike the really old clamshells, though, the aesthetics have been souped up for more modern palates, with a glossy, mirrored all-glass front plate and lively colors. Interestingly, it also brings back beloved features like an SD card slot and a removable 1450mAh battery.
As for the specs, well, let’s just say that the 0.3MP camera won’t take the most flattering selfies, and the 2.8-inch QVGA screen is going to be extremely basic. Of course, that’s by design, because the HMD 2660 Flip is meant not just as a nod to the past but also as a way to “flip” back time to simpler and less stressful days.
The post HMD 2660 Flip is a retro phone designed for simplicity and digital detox first appeared on Yanko Design.