HMD Global, the company behind Nokia smartphones, is capitalizing on nostalgia with their latest collaboration projects. Following a partnership with Mattel to create a Barbie-themed flip phone, the Finnish company is now working with Heineken and creative agency Bodega on a new project known as the “Boring Phone”. This unique translucent flip phone ditches the usual array of apps to focus on a retro vibe meant to encourage connections with friends over a cold beer.
The “Boring Phone” features a 2.8-inch QVGA internal screen, a 1.77-inch external screen, a 0.3-megapixel camera, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supports telephony and messaging through 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. Surprisingly, this phone won’t be sold in stores. Instead, HMD and Heineken are opting to distribute it exclusively through social media competitions in the UK, with plans to expand to other markets later in the year. Only 5,000 units of the “Boring Phone” will be produced, adding to its exclusivity.
For those who miss out on winning the unique device, an app that “makes smartphones boring” will be available for download starting June. This promotion is an interesting departure from the typical smartphone marketing strategies, embracing simplicity and limited availability to create a quirky and engaging user experience.