Commodore is embracing nostalgia with its latest offering, the Callback 8020. This retro flip phone aims to carve a niche between traditional dumbphones and fully-fledged smartphones. The concept is refreshingly straightforward: retain essential features like maps, messaging, music, calls, and useful applications, while eliminating the distractions of browsers and social media platforms.
On its official Callback page, Commodore describes the device as a smarter flip phone devoid of social media. It operates on Sailfish OS rather than the more common Android, yet the company assures users that the Callback 8020 can run over 99% of Android apps through a sandboxed Android AppSupport layer.
Not Android, but Android-app friendly
The Callback 8020 does not function as a Google Play phone. Instead, Commodore plans to provide apps via its Commostore and other compatible Android app sources. Notably, the device lacks Google Play Services and the Play Store. However, it comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports a variety of other applications, including Signal, Telegram, WeChat, mapping services, rideshare apps, music, podcasts, calendar, notes, QR scanning, and voice notes.
A defining feature of the Callback 8020 is its stringent restrictions, which Commodore markets as a benefit. The phone blocks web browsers at the system level, along with major social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, Discord, and Roblox. Additionally, email and work-related apps are excluded from the app store, though some may still be sideloaded unless they fall within the blocked categories.
The retro hardware is doing the selling
The Callback 8020 showcases a familiar clamshell design, complete with T9-style texting, tactile buttons, a front status display, dome LED notifications, and a removable battery. It features a 48MP Sony rear camera alongside an autofocus selfie camera, FM radio, SID-inspired ringtones, a headphone jack, bundled IEM earphones, and HD audio hardware.
In a nod to its storied brand history, Commodore offers the Callback 8020 in several vibrant colorways, including ProtoPET White, SX Silver, BASIC Beige, Starlight Edition, and Founders Edition. The design is anything but subtle, reminiscent of the playful aesthetics seen in products like the Kodak Charmera’s Y2K styling. The Callback 8020 utilizes retro hardware language as a key aspect of its appeal.
The price makes it a niche phone
Preorders for the Callback 8020 will commence on June 30 at 10:00 CEST, with the ProtoPET White model priced at 9.99. A waitlist discount brings the price down to 9.99. If all goes according to plan, shipping is set to begin this winter. Commodore has indicated that pre-production samples are already operational, although compliance testing and final software optimization are still in progress.
The price point is noteworthy; this is not a budget burner phone. Instead, it positions itself as a specialized second-device option for those seeking modern essentials without the overwhelming presence of the internet in their pockets. For others, the most delightful aspect may simply be the resurgence of the flip phone, now infused with a sense of whimsy and fun.
