The Commodore Callback 8020 flip phone looks like it’s from decades ago but its price was definitely a sign of today’s times. That’s changed, with Commodore’s announcement today that it will drop the price $100 for most models before pre-orders start next week.
The phone caused a stir when it was announced a week ago. First, there was the thrill of 80s computing legend Commodore making a phone. Then the phone being retro in both look and function caught attention, with a flip-phone form factor combined with a focus on privacy. But one of the most unique features of the Callback 8020 is that it runs Android apps on Linux-based Sailfish OS instead of Android. Among all of the praise though, was criticism that a $500 starting price for the basic models was too high.
“The worldwide response to the Commodore Callback has been an incredible endorsement of our vision,” said Peri Fractic, CEO and president of Commodore International, in a statement. “Alongside that excitement, many of you told us you wanted a more accessible entry point. We listened.”
Commodore, the 80s computer legend, has made a flip phone, and it’s hugely exciting
Meet the Callback 8020
New prices for all but one model
The BASIC Beige, ProtoPET White, SX Silver, and the translucent blue Starlight Edition versions of the Callback 8020 are now available for a pre-order price starting at $399.
The price of the collectible Founders Edition phone remains the same at $640. Commodore said this is because of its gold coating and 24 karat gold-plated Commodore key, as well as extras that come bundled with it that other models do not have.
“Over the past week, we’ve worked tirelessly with our partners to find ways to lower the price while staying true to the product we’ve set out to build,” Frantic said. “We believe in being transparent with our community, so we’re sharing not only what’s changing, but why.”
Commodore said that three factors were the primary cause of what consumers felt was a high price for the phone. At the top of the list is the one plaguing the entire industry: RAM pricing.
Addressing what it calls the “massive silicon bottleneck,” the company said, “This factor was a significant contributor to the Commodore Callback’s original $499 pre-order launch price point.”
Another element contributing to the cost, according to Commodore, is that the company has pledged not to harvest customer data. “Commodore understands that the customer is not the product, and does not monetize your data,” it said in the announcement.
Commodore also cited accessories like earphones and chargers that contribute to cost.
New flexibilities in device configuration
Customers will now have configuration options that can cut how much they spend on a Callback 8020.
Premium memory is now optional. If it’s not chosen, the Callback 8020 will ship with what Commodore says are post-consumer, high-speed memory chips that are “rigorously stress-tested.”
Also the custom-designed Hi-Def IEM earphones that were going to ship in every box are now an option for customers.
Pre-orders for the Commodore Callback 8020 pre-orders start on June 30.
To receive an additional $50 off, customers can sign up at commodore.net/callback before launch day for a discount code.
