HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Commodore cuts Callback 8020 price to $399 ahead of pre‑orders

Android Central •
×

Commodore announced a $100 price reduction for its Callback 8020 flip phone, bringing the base models—BASIC Beige, Proto PET White, SX Silver, and Starlight Edition—down to $399. The move comes just before pre‑orders open on June 30, after consumer backlash over the initial $500 tag. CEO Peri Fractic framed the cut as a response to demand for a more accessible entry point.

To soften costs, Commodore introduced tiered pricing at checkout, letting buyers add optional Hi‑Def IEM earphones or premium memory. Customers who secure a launch‑day code can claim an additional $50 discount, lowering the price to $349. This flexible approach aims to address the RAM shortage and accessory expenses that initially inflated the phone’s price for adopters seeking value in today’s market.

The Callback 8020 runs Sailfish OS, a de‑Googled platform that supports 99% of Android apps, including WhatsApp, Signal, and Spotify, while its proprietary block‑list curtails browsers and social feeds. By pairing retro hardware with privacy‑focused software, Commodore targets users craving a tech detox, potentially nudging competitors toward similar minimalist designs in the increasingly crowded mid‑range smartphone segment for mainstream buyers.