These days, most smartphones are kitted out with facial recognition technology, multiple cameras and wireless charging systems.
But back in the 90s we were much more easily impressed, with handsets causing a stir if they had a camera at all.
However, classic phones are having somewhat of a comeback with Gen Z users, who have dubbed the simple devices ‘dumbphones’.
Amid this retro revival, Nokia has launched a new, hot pink flip phone called the Nokia 2660 Flip.
Its launch comes exactly 25 years on from the launch of Nokia’s first ever flip phone back in 1998.
Nokia has launched a new, hot pink flip phone called the Nokia 2660 Fllip. Its launch comes exactly 25 years on from the launch of Nokia’s first ever flip phone in 1998
Nokia first announced the new phone last year, but has released it in two new colours today – Pop Pink and Lush Green – to celebrate the 25-year anniversary.
‘There’s been a surge of interest in flip phones, and we believe that the interest is coming from a need to take a break from the constant flow of incoming digital notifications, social media posts and more,’ said Lars Silberbauer, Chief Marketing Officer from HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones.
‘People want more simplicity, more face-to-face time, more time to think, and time to have an uninterrupted conversation!
‘I’m sure we all have examples where a beautiful life moment has been spoiled by a distraction or notification.
‘That’s why we are re-introducing the Nokia 2660 Flip, to give people these important beautiful life moments back.’
The Nokia 2660 Flip features a clamshell design and is just 4.25 inches long when folded.
It flips open to reveal a 2.8-inch display alongside large physical buttons, without a touchscreen in sight.
While it does feature a rear camera, this is just 0.3MP – significantly lower than the iPhone 14’s 48MP lens.
The Nokia 2660 Flip features a clamshell design and is just 4.25 inches long when folded. It flips open to reveal a 2.8-inch display alongside large physical buttons, without a touchscreen in sight
Nokia first announced the new phone last year, but has now released it in two new colours – Pop Pink and Lush Green – to celebrate the 25-year anniversary
However, Nokia hopes this will be one of the greatest selling points for the phone, claiming the low quality camera is perfect for ‘lo-fi Y2K style pictures.’
The phone may also appeal to festival-goers, thanks to its whopping 26-day battery life and drop-proof polycarbonate shell.
And before you panic, thankfully Nokia has confirmed that its fan favourite feature has been included in the Nokia 2660 Flip – the classic Snake game.
The Nokia 2660 Flip will be available to buy in Pop Pink this week and in Lush Green next week for £64.99 ($80.24).
Retro phones have been making a comeback since 2017, when Nokia released a new version of the 3310 phone, 17 years after the original version was launched.
That same year, Motorola revealed that it was bringing back its iconic RAZR phone, joining forces with British firm, Binatone, to create the Binatone Blade.
Experts claim that one of the biggest draws of these basic phones is the nostalgia associated with them, as well as the significantly lower price tag than smartphones.
People are also finding they don’t need all the functionalities offered by more expensive smartphones, and would rather have the simplicity of a paired-back device.
Speaking to CBS Philadelphia, Darren Zygadlo, creator of onecutreviews.com, said: ‘I think there’s a lot to be said for a product that makes you nostalgic.
‘We’ve hit a point where we can pretty much do everything with these phones and I think some people are finding themselves saying, “What do I need all that for?”‘