long story short
- Nokia handset maker HMD Global has partnered with Heineken to launch The Boring Phone.
- This transparent feature phone is a limited edition device.
- It only focuses on basic functions such as making and receiving calls and texting.
I’m a millennial, and when I was a teenager, cell phones were cool. They don’t have touch screens, app stores or high-end cameras. Even mobile Internet is rare. But they’re tough as nails and come in a variety of funky shapes, which is a far cry from the ubiquitous slabs we’re used to now. So when a device like “The Boring Phone” is released, it takes me back to the sweet days of living off text messages, single-tone ringtones, and no social media.
No, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke played too late. Nokia handset maker HMD, Heineken and Boston-based streetwear curator Bodega have teamed up to create this clear flip phone with holographic stickers “designed to take you back in time.” It definitely takes me back to my childhood.
Boring Phone gives off all kinds of ’90s vibes. It’s largely featureless and as basic as ever. It has a 2.8-inch QVGA display on the inside and a 1.77-inch overlay screen on the outside. To be clear, this isn’t a foldable flip phone. It’s an old-school clamshell with a physical keyboard and no touchscreen whatsoever.
Expect super-pixelated photos with the device’s 0.3MP camera. It’s sure to make you appreciate any smartphone you have in your hands right now. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack here, though.
In terms of connectivity, The Boring Phone supports 2G, 3G and 4G. However, don’t expect any internet-connected features. Boring Phone is designed to focus only on basic functions such as making and receiving calls and texting. Thanks to its HMD and Nokia roots, you’ll be able to play Snake on your phone.
If you’re looking to buy Boring Phone just for fun or nostalgia, the bad news is that you won’t be able to do so. The device will be unveiled at Milan Design Week on April 18. The limited edition device will be distributed as a giveaway in select markets. You can try your luck at winning one by signing up on Heineken’s website. The companies will also launch an app in June that will take the boredom out of your smartphone.