The lately resurrected Commodore is getting again into telephones, however fairly than taking over the likes of Apple and Samsung at their very own sport, the Commodore Callback 8020 is a proudly non-conformant flip telephone that would not have appeared misplaced within the ’90s.
Billed by its maker as a “retreat from Black Mirror expertise,” the Callback 8020 (the primary telephone to hold the Commodore identify since 2015’s PET) makes use of patent-pending tech to implement a system-level block on social media apps, internet browsers and electronic mail shoppers. What you are allowed to have is the Linux-based Sailfish OS working system, which Commodore says gives a “fully de-Googled expertise appropriate with over 99 p.c of Android apps” because of the Runtime compatibility layer. These embody WhatsApp, Maps and Spotify. Sailfish OS was developed by Jolla, a Finnish firm based by a staff of Nokia veterans.
In an announcement to Ars Technica, Commodore mentioned it helps sideloading of practically something that is not obtainable on its “Commostore,” aside from the “doomscrolling” apps round which it has “drawn a agency line within the sand.” It is so dedicated to its anti-social media coverage that it is even blocked undesirable software program on the DNS degree, so even in case you do discover a workaround for getting sure apps on the telephone, you continue to will not be capable to entry their servers.
Commodore additionally guarantees to not acquire your information with out consent, and says it will not monetize any information you do hand over, observe cookies or monitor the way in which you utilize the telephone. Regardless of banning browsers, it does keep an web connection, so you should use it for issues like scanning QR codes and navigation whenever you’re out and about.
Commodore says the Callback 8020 “celebrates actual communication” with its help for companies like WhatsApp, Sign and apparently even iMessage after you have accepted it on a Mac (though there isn’t a proof that that is going to work primarily based on the historical past of individuals making an attempt to get iMessage on non-Apple units). It additionally has a very good old school predictive textual content characteristic in-built, and as a substitute of pop-up on-screen notifications, the telephone makes use of a dome LED mild to let you know when you might have a brand new message.
On the specs entrance, you may be not utilizing Instagram on a 3.25-inch IPS essential show, with a mini 1.77-inch VFD-style show on the entrance. The telephone makes use of a MediaTek Helio G81 processor, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. A 32GB microSD card can be included and comes pre-loaded with some music, with the slot supporting expanded storage as much as 256GB. The Callback 8020 has a 48MP rear digicam with flash and a selfie digicam with autofocus when flipped open. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are supported and GPS is in-built. The telephone fees by way of UBS-C.
All the things from the 1550 mAh battery to the covers could be swapped out if you wish to add a burst of coloration to the gadget, and Commodore is leaning closely on its heritage with a collection of pre-loaded Commodore 64 video games (plus Snake) and an exterior show impressed by its Seventies calculators.
The telephone has a full 8-bit SID music participant and SID ringtones, which Commodore mentioned are a mixture of formally licensed traditional tunes and a few new ones. Audiophiles are served by a built-in DAC and included HD in-ear monitor (IEM earphones) that you could plug into the three.mm jack. There’s even an on-board FM radio.
Commodore CEO and President, Peri Fractic, mentioned the Callback 8020 was impressed by his personal expertise of shunning his smartphone after turning into a dad or mum, which allowed him to be extra current in his daughter’s early years. However after discovering that the choice units he tried have been “too minimal,” the corporate got down to create the “not dumb dumbphone” that embodies the spirit of each retro and futurism.
“The Commodore Callback is the telephone I wanted had existed once I began my journey, and the one we now need to put within the fingers of everybody who’s prepared to flee the doomscrolling and distractions, with a pace bump for the thoughts,” Frantic mentioned in a press launch.
The Commodore Callback 8020 shall be available for purchase later in 2026 for $500 in its Primary Beige, ProtoPET White or SX Silver colorways. There’s additionally a translucent Starlight Version for $550 and a PVD gold Founders Version, which contains a 24k gold plated “C+” button. That one prices $640, putting it firmly in very respectable smartphone territory. Pre-orders open quickly with Commodore concentrating on This fall for transport.
