Do you want a mobile phone that doesn’t require an always-on social media, email, or Internet connection? Well, Commodore, one of the companies that made home computers back in the 1970s, is bringing back the flip phone with the Callback 8020, aimed at anyone who wants a break from always being online. Launching later this year, the Callback 8020 skips social media, email, and web browsing, making it a good pick for those looking to stay present and cut down on distractions.
The Callback 8020 is Commodore’s answer to the growing pressure of always being connected. The company wants to bring back the idea that tech should help, not distract. CEO Peri Fractic says using a simpler phone made him feel more present, which inspired the Callback. It is designed to be practical, with just enough features to be useful, but without the addictive parts of modern smartphones. The phone mixes a Y2K-inspired look with up-to-date tech, thanks to a partnership with Jolla. It runs on Sailfish OS, a privacy-focused system with roots in Nokia’s mobile history.
This isn’t Commodore’s first phone. Back in 1983, the company sold a rotary dial phone in Canada. The 8020 model number nods to Commodore’s 80s roots and the 8010 modem, while also capturing the early 2000s tech vibe.
The Callback 8020 works with almost all Android apps, including WhatsApp, Maps, and Spotify, but skips Google’s tracking. It does not collect or sell your data. Browsers and social media are blocked at the system level to help you stay focused. There’s no email or Slack, which can help with work-life balance, but you can still message with SMS, Signal, WhatsApp, and iMessage. The phone covers the basics like maps and QR codes, lets you swap out batteries and covers, and even includes classic Commodore 64 games, Snake, a retro display with just the essentials, an 8-bit SID music player, and high-quality audio with in-ear monitors and FM radio.
Commodore sees the Callback as a way to help people take back control and privacy, with a phone that does what you need and is easy to put down. Fractic says today’s smartphones can be distracting and addictive, and the Callback is meant to help you reconnect with the world. You can use it as your main phone or just for certain times when you want less digital noise. The Callback 8020 will come in five styles, with pre-orders opening soon and shipping expected later this year. You can find more details at commodore.net/callback.
We want one for ourselves.
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