At Mobile World Congress 2025, HMD unveiled its latest offering aimed at helping parents navigate the challenging world of teen smartphone use. The new device combines modest hardware specifications with powerful software tools designed to create a safer digital environment for young users.
A Smartphone with Built-in Digital Guardrails
The HMD Fusion X1 represents a fresh approach to teen-oriented smartphones by integrating the Xplora parental control platform directly into the device. Unlike standard parental control apps that can often be circumvented, this pre-installed solution offers parents comprehensive oversight of their child's digital activities. The system allows for customizable restrictions on social media usage, browsing capabilities, and screen time management. Parents can monitor their teen's location with continuous tracking at 20-second intervals, establish safe zones, view location history, and receive low battery alerts—all managed through the Xplora app on their own smartphone, regardless of whether they use Android or iOS.
Xplora Parental Control Features:
- Customizable app and internet access restrictions
- Social media, browsing, and screen time limitations
- Location tracking at 20-second intervals
- Safe zones and location history
- Emergency SOS calling
- Low battery alerts
- Remote device access for parents
- School Mode to minimize distractions
- Walking prevention mode
- Contact allowlist management
- Subscription cost: Starting at €4.99 per month
Thoughtful Features for Real-World Scenarios
HMD has incorporated several practical features that address common parental concerns. The School Mode minimizes distractions during class hours by locking specific apps and features when needed. There's even functionality to prevent phone use while walking, addressing safety concerns about distracted pedestrians. The contact allowlist feature ensures teens can only communicate with approved contacts, providing an additional layer of security. The system also includes an emergency SOS calling feature for urgent situations. What makes the Xplora platform particularly useful is its flexibility—parents can gradually remove restrictions as their children demonstrate responsible digital behavior.
Hardware Specifications and Design
While the Fusion X1's software features are its main selling point, the hardware specifications are respectable for a teen-focused device. The smartphone weighs 202 grams with a primarily plastic construction and features a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. Memory configurations include either 6GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, expandable via microSD through a hybrid slot that accommodates either two nano-SIM cards or one SIM and one microSD card. The 6.56-inch LCD display offers a 720 x 1612 resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate, 480 nits of typical brightness, and up to 600 nits in boost mode.
HMD Fusion X1 Key Specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
- Memory: 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Display: 6.56-inch LCD, 720 x 1612 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate
- Brightness: 480 nits typical, 600 nits boost
- Cameras: 108MP main + 2MP depth sensor (rear), 50MP fixed-focus (front)
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W charging
- OS: Android 14
- Updates: 2 major OS updates, 3 years of security patches
- Special features: Six smart pins for accessories, 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC
- Durability: IP54 splash resistance
- Weight: 202 grams
- Construction: Primarily plastic
Camera and Battery Performance
Photography capabilities include a 108MP main camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, while the front houses a 50MP fixed-focus selfie camera. Power comes from a substantial 5,000mAh battery supporting 33W charging, which should provide ample usage time for teens between charges. Additional features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC support, and IP54 splash resistance.
Software Support and Accessories
The Fusion X1 runs on Android 14 and comes with a promise of two major OS updates and three years of security patches. True to its name, the device supports HMD's Fusion accessory platform with six smart pins on the back that connect to various accessories. Available add-ons include a ring light, gaming controller, and supplementary battery pack.
Special Edition and Subscription Model
For football fans, HMD has released a special FC Barcelona edition of the Fusion X1 with identical specifications but featuring a unique case with player signatures that glow under UV light, themed sounds, and pre-loaded FC Barcelona apps. Regarding the Xplora service, while it comes pre-installed, it operates on a subscription model starting at €4.99 per month. HMD has not yet clarified how long of a free subscription period will be included with the purchase of the device.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, HMD plans to enhance the Fusion X1's protective capabilities through its Better Phone Project, launched in 2024. The company has announced plans to integrate real-time protection against harmful content using SafeToNet technology, which will provide on-device AI-powered protection to automatically detect and block harmful content before it reaches the user, without relying on external apps that can be bypassed.