Welcome to the Internot
Smartphones? Too smart.
Dumbphones? Too dumb.
Commodore built the phone in between.
Does everything you want, nothing you don’t.
It’s the not dumb dumbphone, with privacy first.
Watch The Launch Ad
The next step forward is a Callback
Runs 99% of Android apps (without running Android)
Flip closure + T9-style texting adds mindful friction to usage
Audiophile HD Audio, FM Radio, SID Chiptune Ringtones, stub antenna, + IEM earphones (worth $50)
Worldwide network compatibility, Free worldwide shipping (limited time) + Wi-Fi & Hotspot
Blocks social media & browsers* – for a calmer digital life
No data selling – Commodore x Sailfish OS puts privacy first
Dome LED notifications + tactile physical buttons†– an end
to doomscrolling
Privacy kill-switch – double-tap rear button to go off-grid
Get The Message
WhatsApp & SMS preinstalled.
Supports Signal. Telegram. WeChat, and more. Even iMessage.‡
All at the speed of predictive text input.
Smart Where It Counts
Callback may be designed to help you spend less time staring at a screen, but when you need to capture something, it makes it count – so it can truly be the only phone you need to take with you. The 48MP Sony rear camera includes flash and intelligent autofocus, while the autofocus front-facing camera keeps video calls clear.
For music, Callback goes properly old school in the best possible way. Its audiophile-grade DAC supports HD audio and lossless files, with HQ IEM earphones included in the box.
Even better, its audio heritage runs deep, using hi-def DAC chips from ESS & Cirrus Logic – companies with strong Commodore connections. ESS, for example, created the speech synthesis in Commodore games like Ghostbusters and Impossible Mission. That’s why the phone is packed with Commodore SID ringtones.
And when you want more music without algorithms, accounts, or another monthly subscription, just launch the built-in FM radio. Unlimited songs in your pocket, all powered by the stub antenna and MediaTek Helio G81 processor, with efficient passive cooling.
Mark your calendar
Pre-orders flip live 30th June 10:00 CEST
Commodore Callback 8020: ProtoPET White
This pure, metallic white shell with cool blue highlights celebrates our original spirit and your new digital life through a clean, calm, minimal design. Like every model, its engraved logo lets the five dome LED light shine through, so you can disconnect from the cloud and reconnect with the crowd.
Shipping starts this Winter
Free worldwide shipping (limited time)
Price Comparison: More is less
| Model | WhatsApp / Rideshare? | Quick-swap battery & back cover? | Blocks social media? | Price with earphones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commodore Callback 8020 | âś… | âś… | âś… | From $499 |
| Light Phone III | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | $739 |
| Balance Phone Pro | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | $839* |
| Minimal Phone | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | $539* |
| Clicks Communicator | ✅ | Cover only | ❌ | $539* |
| Fairphone 6 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | $899 |
| Commodore 64 (in 1982) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | $599 |
A Proven Approach
Smartphones are mindlessly seamless by design. Callback is built around a simple research-backed finding: remove features designed to pull you back in, & reintroduce physical friction like a speed bump for the mind.
A 2025 PNAS Nexus study found that blocking online access improved attention, mental health, and well-being.
In 2025 Pew Research found 45% of teens say they spend too much time on social media and have actively tried to cut back. Studies like Hunt et al., 2018 show limiting it can reduce loneliness and depression.
We turned these principles into a phone you can live with every day. And like any great multi-tool, when you’re done using it, you snap it shut – a deliberate endpoint instead of another invitation to scroll.
From there, the vacuum fluorescent display style front screen shows only time, battery, signal. And if you choose, our Dome-LED notification system was built not to draw you back to a screen.
Close the phone. Open your life.
“I love the digital minimalism angle. There are lots of people that need a complete, no-option break. Simplicity can be good.”
- Leonard Tramiel, son of Commodore Founder Jack Tramiel
Privacy First. Big Data Last.
Linux Based: Encrypted + no hidden data sharing
Private not Profit: Never monetizes your data
Zero Friction: No sign-ins required, just turn on
Callback’s custom software was developed with Jolla, the legendary ex-Nokia engineering team behind Europe’s independent, Sailfish OS.
What happens on Callback, stays on Callback. Finally, a phone that minds its own flippin’ business.
Everything You Want
This isn't your granny's flip. Runs 99% of Android apps in Linux. Maps. Music. Messages. Rideshare. Camera. Retro Camcorder. Mindful Games. QR code scanner. Podcasts. Voice notes. Calendar. Even Commodore 64 Ultimate remote control.
With Nothing You Don't
No social media. No browser.* No toxic hypnotic algorithmic apps designed by teams of scientists to keep you hooked. No system AI. No email. No Slack/Teams/etc. When you're not at work, you're not at work.
School-friendly Design
Sorry, social notworking. They're connected to the Net, not the Web. Return to The Internot!
It’s a Commodore
Game On
Ships with a modest selection of classic and modern, mindful Commodore 64 games. And with Nokia heritage, Snake of course.
Hear the SID Ring
Includes ringtones and alarms, including several based on officially licensed classic and new tunes from the Commodore 64's legendary SID chip.
C= Ecosystem
Nods to the Commodore heritage throughout the user experience, like a mini spiral bound user guide. Callback can even fully control the Commodore 64 Ultimate and its LEDs while on the same Wi-Fi network.
Add it All Up...
Before the Commodore Amiga, there were Typewriters, Watches, a Rotary Phone, and Calculators... now they've grown up.
Snap on a Snapback cover or Hardback case
A user swappable battery & sticker packs is only the beginning.
We also missed the fun of swappable back covers in gloriously techno-optimistic colors. So we brought those back too. Choose from translucent or solid Snapback™ packs.
For extra protection, our Hardback™ case wraps both sides of the flip in a stylish retro-clear shell with added grip and impact resistance.
And for a little everyday utility with a wink, the Backpack™ holster gives you somewhere to keep your phone, and whatever else your pockets refuse to carry. Checkback soon!
Not Your Granny's Flip
Welcome Back to the World of Friendly Phones
Phones were fun. Then they got too smart for their own good, and ours.
Three years ago, about to become a father, I had an honest conversation with myself and realised I, like so many of us, was addicted to my phone. And that was the business model. So I switched to an Android flip phone, learning what worked, what didn’t, and what people wanted. When I shared my findings with a rapidly growing community, the response was overwhelming.
Callback was born from that journey, and from my team asking two simple questions: what is the perfect middle ground between dumb and smart, and what should a Commodore phone be today? Turns out, the answer to both questions was the same.
And how fitting, that a company whose lights dimmed in the ’90s, returns for its Y2K era, just as so many of us are reaching back for that exact same simpler tech.
I hope you’ll join us as we dial down the digital, and dial up the life.
Peri Fractic, President & CEO of Commodore
FAQ
How does the price compare to similar phones?
Please see price comparison chart on the page above. Callback offers unprecedented features for its price point.
Can I install my own apps?
Web browsers and social media apps are blocked at the system level. Email and work apps are not offered through the Commostore app store, keeping Callback focused on life outside work and feeds.
Users are still be able to sideload apps outside those that are blocked, using APK installer files, but Callback is designed first and foremost as a calmer, more intentional phone.
Can the browser or social media blocks be turned off?
No. Callback is built around those blocks. That is the point.
What if the app I need isn’t on Commostore?
After you receive your Callback, you can request an app through our webform later this year. If approved, we can whitelist it for Commostore in as little as 24 hours.
Advanced users may also be able to sideload compatible APK installer files, except for social media apps and browsers.
Why does Callback decide which apps are blocked?
Callback is not about taking choice away. It is about offering a clearer choice in the first place. You are completely free to use a regular smartphone. Callback exists for people who already know they want something different. Something they’ve already had a taste of with products like the Commodore 64 Ultimate – itself with no browser or social media.
For so many in the rapidly growing digital minimalism and dumbphone communities, app “screen time” timers, grayscale modes, and “I’ll just be more disciplined” were not enough. If the temptation is always in your pocket, it keeps winning. Callback removes the trap door, so you can keep the useful parts of a phone without carrying the whole attention economy around with you.
Think of it as a trusted friend who helps you keep a promise to yourself. Not by judging you, but by quietly sidelining the things you already decided you do not want in your day.
I understand blocking social media, but why block browsers too?
Because the browser is the back door. Most social media, feeds, video sites, news spirals, and endless searches are still available through the web. Blocking only the apps would leave the main temptation intact.
How many times have you opened a browser to search for something quickly, only to be intentionally presented with something else to click, and… half an hour later, you’ve forgotten what you wanted to search for.
Research supports the idea that reducing mobile internet access can meaningfully improve well-being, mental health, and sustained attention. A 2025 PNAS Nexus study found that blocking mobile internet on smartphones for two weeks reduced smartphone use and improved subjective well-being, mental health, and sustained attention.
Callback keeps the essentials, but removes the infinite scroll, the panic search, and the always-open window into everything, everywhere, all at once.
Does it have AI?
Commodore Callback and Sailfish OS have zero AI by default. Select, carefully vetted AI apps may be available to optionally download via Commostore. We like apps that explicitly vow not to scrape and train on copyrighted creators’ work without permission. Callback allows any Android APK to be sideloaded, except for social media and browsers, which are proven to have negative mental health effects.
Can it run Android apps?
Yes. Callback is not an Android phone, but Sailfish OS can run most Android apps through a securely sandboxed Android AppSupport environment. A small number of apps (mainly banking-related) may not work if they depend heavily on Google Play Services or Google’s secure servers, but over 99% of apps run completely normally.
Does it have Google Play Store?
No. Callback is de-Googled and does not include Google Play Services or the Google Play Store. Apps are provided through Commostore and compatible Android app sources.
Can I use WhatsApp?
Yes. WhatsApp comes preinstalled. We recognize that texting is the preferred method of communication in many countries worldwide, and that being able to text with family and friends is an essential cornerstone of Callback’s promise.
Can I uninstall WhatsApp?
Yes, in a couple of clicks.
Did you know: WhatsApp isn’t social media, and employs data encryption so your messages can’t be read by anyone, even Meta. That’s why it can live on our phone.
Does it support Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) apps?
Yes, a number of 2FA apps are available to download, compatible with Google Authenticator and more.
Are all browsers blocked?
Yes. All browsers are blocked on Callback.
Browsers are not pre-installed, and you cannot install one from the App Store or by sideloading an APK. Callback is designed to remove open web access entirely.
Can I install Firefox, Chrome, or another browser?
No. Callback blocks browser installation at the system level.
This is part of our patent-pending four-level blocking approach, designed to stop browsers and blocked social media apps from being installed or used.
Which social media apps are blocked?
Callback blocks the major social media apps included in the Australia under-16 restrictions, and those expected under similar UK rules from 2027:
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.
We also block Discord and Roblox.
What happens if an app needs a web page for login?
Some apps need to open a secure external page for login or verification. Callback can allow that specific login page to open.
However, you cannot type in a different website address, browse freely, or use it as a general web browser.
Does Callback include email apps?
No. Email and work apps are not offered in the Callback app store.
Callback is built for people who want to leave email, work, and constant digital demands behind when they are out living their lives.
Can I install an email app myself?
Email apps are not promoted in our store, but users may be able to install some Android APK files manually from a microSD card.
In simple terms: some apps are blocked, while others are deliberately deterred.
What about privacy-focused email apps like Proton Mail?
The concern is not Proton’s privacy. Proton is a strong privacy-focused service.
The point of Callback is different: many people in the digital minimalism community do not want email in their pocket at all. Not work email, not personal email, not “just one quick check.”
Callback is designed to help create that boundary.
What if I need email verification to log into an app?
You may need to complete email verification on another device, such as a laptop, tablet, or home computer.
Callback is designed to be your everyday phone, not your everything device.
Is Callback removing my choice?
No. Callback is a choice.
It is not for everyone. It exists for people who specifically want a phone without browsers, social media, and constant digital temptation.
Does it include NFC?
NFC would have increased the price and size, and our market research leaned heavily in favor of not allowing financial apps that insist on running your banking information and personal data through big tech company servers, who know what you bought at midnight last Tuesday.
What other messaging apps work?
Callback includes SMS and WhatsApp, and at the time of writing, is compatible with core messaging apps such as Signal, Telegram, WeChat, and more. iMessage is also possible through supported third-party bridge solutions, though it requires one-time access to a Mac, and Apple may opt to remove access at any time.
How do I get my iPhone texts?
Install an app called OpenBubbles on Callback, then follow the setup instructions. It requires one-time access to a Mac, but it does not have to be your Mac.
Once set up, you can receive iMessage texts on Callback and keep using your iPhone number. Apple may change or remove access at any time, so this feature depends on third-party compatibility outside Commodore’s control.
How do I get my Android or other texts?
Several Android apps can sync texts from one phone to another. Automation apps such as Tasker can also offer more granular control.
That said, it is worth asking whether you really want every smartphone text arriving on Callback. You may prefer to keep Callback as your close friends and family phone. In that case, simply give the most important people in your life your Callback number.
Can I keep my phone number and use Callback alongside my smartphone?
Yes. Many networks offer MultiSIM or Number Sync services, so check with your provider first. At the time of writing, worldwide carriers offering this service include: Orange, O2, Vodafone, Movistar, Yoigo / MásMóvil, Deutsche Telekom, Swisscom, Sunrise, A1, Magenta, Drei, and T-Mobile in the USA, where it is called DIGITS.
If your network does not offer it, you can set up “forward calls on no answer” from your smartphone to your Callback. Then, if you leave your smartphone at home, turn it off, or do not answer it, your Callback can ring instead.
To set up call forwarding:
From your smartphone’s Phone app, dial **61* followed by your Callback’s full phone number, including the “+” sign and country code, then #.
Example: **61*+15551231234#
Press call. You should see a confirmation message.
To turn it off:
Dial ##61#
As an added layer of seamlessness, block your Callback’s outgoing number from phone settings, so people don’t see your Caller ID displayed when you call them. Now, they’ll only ever know your main phone number.
Can I import my contacts?
Yes. Sailfish OS on Callback offers several ways to import or synchronize your address book, including importing vCard lists.
Does it have maps and navigation?
Yes. Callback includes Pure Maps, a popular Sailfish navigation app, and is compatible with several Android map, navigation, and transport apps, including Uber and Lyft.
Does it support music and podcasts?
Oh yes. Callback includes a music player, podcasts, SID ringtones, FM radio, and a microSD card preloaded with music to get you started. It is also compatible with many major audio services, including Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Audible, subject to ongoing app compatibility.
Does it support payment apps like Venmo?
Some payment services may work as web apps which are provided on Commostore, but because Callback is de-Googled, other payment apps may not work if they force your financial data to run through Google’s servers. We are always working on adding more app functionality.
What apps and tools are included?
Callback includes SMS, WhatsApp, Camera, Gallery, QR code reader, Voice Notes, Podcasts, Calendar, Calculator, Clock, Contacts, Weather, Notes, Documents, Hotspot, SID tunes, Music Player, FM Radio, Commodore & Sailfish Games, and Commodore 64 Ultimate remote control.
What games are included?
Callback ships with a curated selection of Sailfish and Commodore games, including an introductory selection of Commodore 64 titles chosen to suit the phone’s ethos and form factor. And, with Nokia heritage, of course, it has to include Snake (it’s the law).
Can parents use this for kids?
Yes. Callback is designed for people who need modern essentials without browsers or social media. It is not a parental-control toy. It is a real phone built to be calmer by default.
Does it have parental controls?
Yes, though Callback’s strongest protection is its system-level blocking of browsers and social media.
Beyond this, Sailfish OS supports multiple Users, with their own passwords and access controls. This means you can hand your child a separate, secure profile on their phone, while you remain the Admin.
By default, these secondary profiles are locked down, with no access to the default app store. System controls available to you as the Admin include blocking of calls and texts.
Additional app-specific controls may depend on the apps installed, giving you the final say over exactly which entertainment or school apps they can access.
For extra peace of mind, you can also route the device through family-safe web filters (like AdGuard Family DNS) to automatically block content.
You can also add native Sailfish apps such as KidsMode and ScreenTime for even greater controls.
What are the main specs?
Please see the Specs section above this FAQ for dimensions, display, processor, memory, storage, battery, camera, audio, accessories, durability, and other hardware details.
Why 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage?
Because Callback is not trying to be an iPhone 18 Pro Max. It is built for essentials, not endless app hoarding. 4GB + 64GB gives you plenty for the essentials, with space intentionally designed to help you choose what truly matters. It’s all part of the ethos.
Does Callback have 5G?
For better battery life, a smaller device, better indoor signal, and less temptation to stream your day away, Callback supports up to 4G VoLTE + Wi-Fi.
5G was built for heavy content consumption. Callback is built for the opposite.
What network bands are supported?
Callback is a world phone and can operate on the following bands:
- GSM: B1/2/5/8
- WCDMA: B1/2/5/8
- LTE-FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/20/25/26/28AB/66/71
- LTE-TDD: B38/40/41
Please check compatibility with your service provider, or consult a simple band lookup tool like InHand.
Will Callback work with my carrier?
Callback is a world phone. Most of the time, yes, it will work. Callback supports all major LTE bands worldwide, but carrier support can vary by region, plan, whitelist, and VoLTE provisioning. Feel free to check the Network section above and confirm with your carrier before ordering, or consult a simple band lookup tool like InHand.
What SIMs does Callback support?
Callback supports physical SIM cards only, and works with 5G SIM cards. It does not use eSIM. It also offers dual SIM card slots.
Does it support emergency calls?
Yes. Callback is a real mobile phone and supports emergency calling where network coverage and carrier service are available.
Does it support Wi-Fi hotspot?
Yes. Callback includes hotspot functionality.
Does it have a touchscreen?
Yes. Callback’s main display is a touchscreen, but it is disabled by default for a more mindful, nostalgic, keypad-first experience. It can be enabled when an app requires touch input.
What do the 5 Dome LEDs do?
Our Dome-LED notification system is built not to draw you back to a screen. Each LED softly glows to convey only the most crucial information to you. You decide what.
For example, if the green LED glows, you know you have a text waiting. If you’re charging, the red LED glows, switching to the yellow LED when the battery is full. If you’re connecting to Bluetooth, the blue LED activates. And as for orange? We’ll leave that one a surprise.
Is the battery user replaceable?
Yes. Callback has a removable battery.
What is the battery life?
We have not completed system software battery optimizations, but will update this FAQ when we have more info. The smaller screen, non-reliance on 5G, and flip screen closure with no wake-ups all contribute positively to battery life. We expect a number of days of standby time.
Is Callback water resistant?
Callback is IP44 splash-proof. That means it is protected against splashes from any direction, but it is not waterproof and should not be submerged.
What comes in the box?
Every Callback includes the phone, USB-C charging cable, IEM earphones, removable battery, spiral-bound user guide, and sticker packs.
The Founders Edition also includes a Commodore logo presentation ring box, a retro-clear hard shell protective case, and a 24k gold-plated Commodore C= key.
When can I pre-order?
Callback will be available for pre-order from June 30 on commodore.net.
When will I be charged?
You will be charged up front at checkout. This allows us to manufacture your device.
Are Commodore pre-orders Kickstarters?
No. These are official Commodore pre-orders with a money-back guarantee.
The average Kickstarter campaign delivers after around 9 months. Commodore campaigns deliver within 6 months. Crowdfunding platforms also typically require a project to reach a certain threshold before committing to manufacturing. Commodore pre-orders are different. They help support product development and manufacturing, but the launch is not dependent on pre-orders alone.
By pre-ordering, you are helping support Commodore’s rebooted vision for technology that respects your attention, your privacy, and your life.
Can I cancel my pre-order?
Yes. You can cancel any time before shipping for a full no quibble refund. If you have an account, you can cancel from your Account / My Orders page. Please make sure you are signed in with the same email address used for the order.
Do you offer monthly payments?
Yes. Monthly payment options may be available through providers such as Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, and PayPal. Available options will appear at checkout.
What currency will I be charged in?
Orders are collected in USD. Your local currency may appear before checkout.
Will I pay sales tax or VAT?
USA: Sales tax is added at checkout where required.
UK and Europe: VAT / IVA / MwSt is added at checkout where required.
Will I pay tariffs?
If import tariffs apply in your country, they will either appear as a Tariff Tax at checkout or be included in the shipping line item. Although some tariffs were recently ruled unlawful, they have not completely gone away, and we are still charged tariffs on some imported goods.
We aim to collect these costs upfront where possible, so there are no surprises later. We do not control tariff charges. If tariffs drop after you pay, we will refund you if and when we receive a refund. If tariffs rise significantly before shipping, we may adjust only if truly necessary to protect Commodore’s future.
Will I pay customs duties?
We aim to prepay duties where possible, so your order arrives with taxes and duties already handled. In some countries, customs fees or local charges may still apply on arrival. Where they are not included at checkout, they remain the customer’s responsibility.
Where do you ship?
We ship to the USA, Canada, APAC, the UK, and the EU, with more countries being added.
How much does shipping cost?
Worldwide shipping is included free at launch and for a limited time.
When will orders ship?
The latest estimated ship date will always be shown on the product listing or in your My Orders page after purchase.
Your My Orders page is the single source of truth for your order status, ship date, and delivery updates. We keep it updated as soon as new information is confirmed. If a date is not shown there, it has not been decided or updated yet.
How do I track my order?
Log in to your Account / My Orders page at any time. That page is the best and fastest place to check your current order status, estimated ship date, and delivery information.
Please check there before contacting support. If there is no new date or update on your order page, support will not have a newer date to provide.
Does Callback come with a warranty?
Yes. Callback includes a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Customers in the EU and UK also receive applicable local consumer protection rights, including rights under the EU Consumer Rights Directive and UK Consumer Rights Act. An optional 3-year warranty may also be available at checkout.
What is your return policy?
If you bought hardware or a physical product directly from Commodore International Corporation, you may request a return within 14 days of delivery.
Returned items must be new, unused, in their original packaging, with all included accessories, cables, manuals, and documentation. Items showing use, customer damage, or tampering may be declined or partially refunded at our discretion.
Full details are available here
Who do I contact for help?
For order status, ship dates, and delivery updates, please check your Account / My Orders page first. It is the single source of truth and is updated whenever confirmed information becomes available.
For anything else, visit Contact Us or contact Commodore support through the details provided on your order confirmation.
*All social media & browsers are blocked at system level, while other apps like work and email are left out of our app store. Patent pending. †Touchscreen activates for required apps. ‡iMessage requires one-time Mac access and installation of OpenBubbles on the Callback. Availability subject to third-party platform support. Android, Apple, iMessage, Meta, Nokia, T9, WhatsApp, and other product names, logos, icons, and brands referenced or displayed are trademarks of their respective owners. References to third party products and services are for identification, compatibility, or informational purposes only. Display of third party marks does not imply sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation, except where expressly noted. Some product images are renders. Some screen images are simulated. Device design, specifications, and features are not final and are subject to change. App availability and compatibility vary by application, region, and network. The Commodore Callback 8020 is a radio frequency device subject to the rules of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This device has not yet completed the FCC equipment authorization/certification process. Your pre-order is a conditional sale: delivery of the device to you is conditional upon successful completion of the applicable FCC equipment authorization process, and the device will not be shipped or delivered to you until that authorization has been granted. Principal performers depicted on this webpage are real individuals who were engaged and compensated for their participation. Certain background or illustrative individuals may be AI-generated and do not represent real persons. Research cited relates to restricting mobile internet access and limiting social media use generally. Callback has not been clinically evaluated as a treatment for addiction. Individual experiences may vary.