Commodore is riding the retro wave with a flip phone
Anyone who gets hold of the Commodore Callback 8020 will have more time to play on their C64. Social media, the browser and email are blocked on this flip phone.
In the summer of 2025, a fan named Peri Frantic took the helm at Commodore. Following two reissues of old C64 models, the company is unveiling a flip phone that does more than just ride the retro wave visually. As social media apps are blocked on the Callback 8020 and text input is only possible via T9, it is designed to help users spend less time on their mobiles.
No social media, but 99 per cent of all Android apps
Whether white, transparent blue or gold: all five colour variants of the Commodore Callback 8020 exude retro charm. The flip phone offers internet access via Wi-Fi or 4G, but imposes its own limits to ensure it isn’t a device for endless scrolling.
Source: Commodore
As a result, social media apps, browsers, email programmes and typical work apps such as Teams are blocked by default on the Callback. The screen does not respond to touch, and text is entered via T9 using the dial pad. This means you’ll want to keep your chats brief.
The device runs Sailfish OS from Jolla. This continuation of former Nokia software from Finland is designed to keep your data private whilst still ensuring that 99 per cent of all Android apps run on the flip phone. The exceptions are the blocked categories mentioned above. It remains to be seen which apps can be usefully controlled via the buttons.
Source: Commodore
When opened, you’re greeted by a 3.25-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels. If that’s not retro enough for you: the 1.77-inch screen on the lid is a fluorescent or Digitron display. To prevent the entire display from lighting up, Commodore has fitted a notification LED on the lid.
The sound is retro too. The Callback features an FM radio, supports HD audio and plays the sounds of the C64’s SID chip. A wired pair of headphones is included in the box.
Source: Commodore
The device is powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 processor. It is supported by four gigabytes of RAM. The internal storage capacity is 64 gigabytes and can be expanded by up to 256 gigabytes using a microSD card. A 32-gigabyte card is included in the box. This may soon be needed, as a selection of classic and modern C64 games, as well as ‘ «’ ‘Snake’» – in memory of Nokia – are pre-installed. You can also take photos with a 48-megapixel camera. The only drawback: the memory card takes up the same space as the second SIM card slot.
The Callback 8020 is charged via USB-C, and the 1550-mAh battery can be removed without tools, just like in the old days. You can also swap the flip phone’s cover for different colours. Incidentally, its hinge has been tested for 200,000 movements. If you open and close it 50 times a day, it should last for almost eleven years.
Source: Commodore
Price and availability
At present, you can only join a waiting list on the Commodore website, but you’ll at least receive a $50 discount off the price of $549. However, you’ll still be paying more than you would for one of the new C64s. The pre-order phase is expected to begin on 30 June, and delivery of orders is scheduled for the winter.
Source: Commodore
Commodore also ships to Europe and converts the reduced price to a round figure of 397.77 francs or 431.75 euros. Taxes and customs duties will be added on import, and there is no information yet on delivery costs.
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
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