A smartphone is like a door—it opens to a world of information. Great for adults for work and entertainment, but for kids? It is an opportune door for online creeps, bullies, and way-too-early existential crises. A global study by HMD found that over half of children have been contacted by strangers, 40% have received inappropriate content, and 56% have been bullied online. Not exactly the wholesome digital playground we imagined, is it?
Enter the HMD X1, a smartphone designed with Xplora to give kids what they want—without giving parents a stress-induced headache. Unlike “kid-friendly” phones that scream “my parents don’t trust me,” the X1 looks and feels like a real smartphone. But beneath its sleek exterior, it’s packed with built-in safety features.
Parents can remotely manage apps, limit browsing, set screen time, and even track location with safe zones. There’s an emergency SOS button, School Mode to block distractions during class, and low-battery alerts so kids can’t use the “my phone died” excuse.
Of course, kids won’t touch it if it looks like a toy, so HMD made sure the X1 delivers on specs. A 108MP AI camera ensures high-quality selfies, while the 5000 mAh battery keeps it running all day. Face and fingerprint unlock offers security, and IP54 splash resistance protects against accidental spills. Other spec-sheet details include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, and HMD Fusion modular design with interchangeable Outfits for gaming, extra battery, or better selfies.
With the HMD X1, parents get peace of mind, and kids get a phone they won’t hide in their backpack. It’s a win-win—no compromises, no cringey “kiddy mode.” HMD has not yet reveal when it will available or how much it will cost. In the mean time, here’s the product page if anyone’s interested.
Images: HMD Global.
