What you need to know
- Commodore steps forward after its Callback 8020 debut to address a major consumer issue: its price.
- The company says it has managed to reduce the phone's price by $100 just in time for pre-orders to begin on June 30.
- Commodore had to address several issues across accessories, RAM, and privacy, but states it will introduced "tiered pricing" and choices during checkout.
Commodore's Callback 8020 was a blast from the past when it debuted, but the issue wasn't the phone. It was the price. The company comes forward to fix that.
A week ago, the Callback 8020 surprised consumers with its Y2K aesthetic, bringing back the classic flip phone style. However, the device launched at a high price point: $500. Today (June 24), Commodore reached out in a press release, stating it will drop the Callback 8020's price by $100, meaning the "BASIC Beige, ProtoPET White, SX Silver, and the translucent blue Starlight Edition" will now start at $399.
Commodore International's CEO and president, Peri Fractic, commented about the public's reception, stating, "The worldwide response to the Commodore Callback has been an incredible endorsement of our vision. Alongside that excitement, many of you told us you wanted a more accessible entry point. We listened."
The company says this past week has been filled with communications between it and its partners to fix this clear pricing issue. However, this wasn't cut-and-dry. Commodore states it had to identify key areas that contributed to the higher phone price: privacy, the current worldwide RAM issue, and accessories. While the Callback 8020 is dropping by $100, Commodore says this was possible by introducing "tiered pricing."
If you want to add the brand's custom-designed Hi-Def IEM earphones, you will have that choice. Additionally, Commodore will give the option to add "premium memory." Both of these choices will be available during checkout once pre-orders open on June 30. This date is important, as consumers looking to pre-order day one can save another $50, meaning the price would be $349.
Sign up for a launch day code to be eligible for this extra money off.
Wake up, it's almost 2000
Commodore's Callback 8020 debuted a week ago. The company wanted to solve a couple of issues with tech nowadays. The flip phone cuts off doomscrolling, so you're not going to hop on Twitter (X) all day, nor will you lose yourself in Instagram's Reels. What's more, the phone is de-Googled. Fret not, Commodore's Sailfish OS can run 99% of Android apps. You'll still have access to WhatsApp, Signal, Spotify, iMessage, and more.
The company's patent-pending blocks internet browsers alongside social media apps. Commodore also redesigned alerts into its dome-shaped LED notification system to help reduce daily distractions.
Android Central's Take
There's a nostalgia itch that Commodore's Callback 8020 scratches for me. Aside from that, the phone looks damn cool. The privacy tech it's worked into the phone is a breath of fresh air, but also it tries to help limit the user's phone exposure. Some of us might need that. A tech cleanse, if you will.
