Should phones be gender-neutral?

HTC Rhyme

/ HTC

I don't hate girly things. Shiny, pink objects actually excite me, but sometimes the marketing of gadgets to women takes the meat out of a product.

I've been oohing and aahing over the HTC Rhyme because it's so hot and sexy, but geez. I was so distracted by the gorgeous purple color that I didn't even notice what operating system was installed or why its processor is not as powerful as the HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio--another recently released HTC Android phone.

HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio

/ HTC

The Rhyme has a 1GHz processor, while the Sensation XE has 1.5GHz, dual core. Say what?! Women like dual-core processors, too. Ahem!

And don't even get me started about video recording--780p versus 1080p.

One look at the Sensation XE and it's clear that it's a man's phone. (OK, and goth girls too--don't hate me.)

All this made me think: Should gadgets be gender-neutral? And for argument's sake, if gadgets are going to have to be gender-specific (like pants and shoes), how different should the hardware be? Heck, the only reason pants and shoes are designed with gender in mind is because our bodies are made differently. That's a fact. But when it comes to technology and our use of mobile devices, are women that much different than men?

Now let's consider soap. Both men and women use it (like phones). Both men and women use it the same way--they apply it on skin, lather, and rinse off. So if that's the case, why do you have girly body washes on the one hand and masculine body washes on the other? It's not like women need less cleaning power than men. Axe is only Caress in disguise, mkay. Soap is soap. Take the soap out of the branded plastic bottles and one does exactly what the other one can. However, strip the Rhyme and Sensation XE of their fine cases and you'll see two very different devices--one more superior than the other. What gives?

Regardless, I love pink, purple, and sparkly things. I'd still buy the HTC Rhyme (reluctantly and with shame), but HTC, don't cheat me on my specs! I like my gadgets like I like my men: with muscles, beauty, and an off button.

Now it's your turn to weigh in: should mobile devices be gender-neutral?

41 Photos

The evolution of telephones

[danny6514]

I've got to say, I don't think there is much to discuss about gender neutrality even if it's obvious to some that a particular phone is male/female oriented. HTC Sensation XE appeals to Beats fans, HTC Rhyme appeals to people who appreciates these accessories such as charms, HTC EVO 3D appeals to early adopters (3D part), HTC Sensation appeals to people who want a clean and fast performing device. You see, I never mentioned male or female in any of these categories. The "early adopters" category is probably seen as "guy phones" by the majority of people, then isn't it "unfair" for females? Infact, when asking around, it seems like almost every smartphone (except iPhone) are "guy phones." By making a wide range of products HTC will then be able to appeal to a vast range of consumers, male AND female. So, whether it's marketing or not, fashion statement or not, I really do think they'll succeed.

[Lyla_H]

Really funny written, I actually DO like and want the purple colour, but here in the Netherlands we get a dull beige one (hourglass) but anyhow if I can't get a purple one I probably want the beige one because of the goodies and sense 3.5 It's a pitty you always have to choose between specs, now I have the desire Z with keyboard but grey and heavy phone. I never had a phone which had it all.

[Scimajor]

I was ready to type "Who cares about the colour of a phone?" but then I actually read the article and realized the tongue-in-cheek nature of the article which is actually quite amusing. :-)

[veteran7796]

Really? Is this country that obsessed with gender equality or in the mindset that its actually TRUE? Why dont we just slap upper body muscles and a ***** on all women and get it over with. Take hormones to preclude them from experiencing their natural emotions, put a jackhammer in your hand and call you Chuck.

Women must be one envious bunch. I mean, men do not try to compete with women at anything. Women on the other hand are constantly trying to prove themselves capable of all the things men can do (except when it's inconvenient for them). Doesn't that in itself give you the reality of the situation? YOU AREN'T MEN...and MEN ARENT WOMEN.

Even movies these days provide a false sense of attainment for women in the physical sense. You have 110lb women flipping 250lb men over their heads and holding 50lb machine guns blowing everyone away all in the name of "girl power". What a joke.