Reasons the HMD Fusion X1 could be the standout phone at MWC 2025.

      “There’s a delicate balance between a device that meets needs and one that oversteps,” said Adam Ferguson, HMD's global head of product marketing, during our conversation at MWC 2025. We were discussing HMD's new Fusion X1 smartphone, which addresses the challenge of ensuring children's safety online without denying them smartphone access.

      Is that what makes it one of the key new devices at MWC 2025? The answer is both yes and no. It's HMD's comprehensive approach to this complex issue that captures attention, making the Fusion X1 one of the most effective tools for vigilant parents—without immediate backlash from kids.

      It must appeal to both parents and children

      The challenge of keeping children safe online while using smartphones is not a new issue, but it has seen a surge in attention lately. If you don’t have children, you might question the severity of the problem or consider it just media sensationalism. HMD illustrates the urgency of this concern with research indicating that 52% of 8-12-year-olds have encountered strangers online, with four out of ten of those children being encouraged to transition to encrypted messaging platforms.

      The instinctive response from parents may be to deny their children smartphones or install intrusive (and often ineffective) content filters. Alternatively, some might advocate for legislation that bans smartphones for kids below a certain age or imposes heavy restrictions in educational settings. These responses are suboptimal and overlook the benefits of children having smartphones, as well as the necessity of understanding technology and online safety from both a professional and social standpoint.

      “At the same time, the hardware must attract the kids,” Ferguson remarked, indicating that the solution requires more than just software. “Parents and kids told us that this phone had to resemble those that everyone else has, and if kids are expected to accept restrictions, a trade-off is necessary.”

      The Fusion X1 marks the beginning

      The packaging of the HMD Fusion X1 proclaims, "A smartphone parents can trust." HMD anticipates that parents will purchase the X1 for children aged between nine and 12 years, aligning with secondary school years. It resembles other Android devices but belongs to HMD's Fusion series, which allows the attachment of modular accessories such as battery packs, ring lights, and game controllers.

      Why will parents have faith in it? It integrates directly with the Xplora app on their phones, enabling complete remote management of the X1. This includes restricting specific apps, setting usage timers, whitelisting contacts, tracking the device's location, making check-in calls, and controlling access to the Google Play Store. The Xplora service is subscription-based, costing five British pounds a month, or around $6.30.

      Much of this capability exists elsewhere, so what distinguishes the Fusion X1 and Xplora? It’s HMD’s foresight. The Xplora app extends beyond a mere content filter, accommodating growth for both it and the Fusion X1, allowing them to evolve from basic, heavily restricted devices over time. They complement one another effectively.

      Using the Xplora app

      I tried the Xplora app on an HMD Skyline connected to a Fusion X1. It was straightforward to select which apps were accessible on the X1, and once access was revoked, those apps promptly vanished from the phone. The control center displayed the phone’s location, usage duration, and featured a prominent “Call” button for direct communication. The X1 could be customized for simplicity or complexity as desired.

      But what if I, as a parent, lacked understanding of the online risks children face beyond what I’ve seen in sensational headlines? I would seek more information before establishing digital boundaries. HMD’s Better Phone Project offers a series of videos aimed at educating parents about children’s interactions with smartphones, social media, and online behavior. I would have been less interested in the Fusion X1 had HMD not taken such proactive steps to engage parents and children through both educational and informative initiatives. During my discussion with Ferguson about the X1, it was evident that this project is not just a brand initiative, but a crucial aspect of HMD's future plans.

      Ferguson noted that the Fusion X1 serves as the “middle” device in an upcoming lineup. This summer, HMD plans to introduce a phone for younger users, developed as a result of discussions with parents and children through the Better Phone Project, followed by another device aimed at older children transitioning from the Fusion X1. There is a planned progression for the hardware, which is mirrored in the software.

      Through the Xplora app, the extensive control over the X1 became clear, allowing changes as both parents and children become more knowledgeable over time. If children wish to play Fortnite, parents can better understand the reasoning because the Xplora app effectively encourages dialogue on the matter. I appreciate that this relationship fosters discussions around the responsible and safe use of technology, acknowledging that kids today want and need smartphones.

      A better