# Iconic Feline Cell Phones The Hello Kitty Flip Phone Takes Consumers Back to the 90s By Malika Renee Butss | Published 2016-02-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitty-flip-phone References: [chiclaunches](http://chiclaunches.com/hello-kitty-flip-phone/) & [mashable](http://mashable.com/2016/02/01/hello-kitty-flip-phone/) Every day, tech companies are trying to top the latest smartphone innovations, but Ola and Sanrio are taking it back to the 90s with a Hello Kitty flip phone. Released during a time where smartphones are the ruling roost, the Japanese telecommunications company is battling advancement with adorableness. The Hello Kitty flip phone eliminates everything popular cell phones can offer and instead provides a [simplistic design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boring-phone) inspired by Hello Kitty. While consumers can't take pictures or update their social media accounts from this phone, it does feature a 1.54-inch color screen with a 240 x 240 resolution and it is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Hello Kitty flip phone isn't the most tech-friendly device of today but it makes a great [starter phone for small children](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmd-xploraone). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Nostalgia-driven Technology:** Creating retro-inspired devices that tap into consumers' nostalgia for a simpler time. - **Simplistic Design:** Emphasizing minimalist design elements to provide a stripped-down user experience. - **Child-friendly Tech:** Developing technology specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of young children. ### Who This Affects Most - **Telecommunications:** Exploring opportunities to release specialty phones with unique designs for niche markets. - **Consumer Electronics:** Designing and marketing minimalist devices that prioritize simplicity and functionality over advanced features. - **Children's Products:** Creating technological devices that are user-friendly and visually appealing to children, while also meeting safety and educational requirements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Social Media-Free Flip Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmd-barbie-phone.md) - [Iconic Doll-Inspired Pink Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbie-flip-phone.md) - [Cat-Inspired Camera Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawberry-kawaii.md) - [Nostalgic Colorful Flip Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2660-flip.md) - [Flip Phone-Inspired Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-z-flip5-retro.md) - [Tomato-Red Retro Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-35mm-camera.md) - [Pink Socialite Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razr-plus-1.md) - [Cowboy-Inspired Retro Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-howdy-partner.md) - [Distraction-Free Flip Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumer-cellular.md)