Human Mobile Devices (HMD) is tackling one of modern parenting’s toughest challenges—how to give children a smartphone experience they love, without exposing them to the risks of the online world too soon. Their solution? The HMD X1, a first-of-its-kind smartphone created in collaboration with Xplora, designed to offer a premium experience for kids while maintaining built-in parental controls at the operating system level.
Unlike traditional “kid-friendly” phones that often feel restrictive or outdated, the HMD X1 seamlessly fits into the smartphone landscape, making it a device teens actually want to use while still offering parents the ability to limit internet and app access, track location, and manage screen time.
The Growing Concern: Kids, Smartphones, and Safety
HMD’s Better Phone Project, announced in July 2024, is an initiative aimed at reducing the negative impact of smartphone use on children’s well-being. As part of this effort, HMD conducted a global survey of 10,000 parents, revealing that:
- 75% of parents worry that smartphones expose children to internet dangers.
- 65% are concerned about the impact of phone use on mental health.
- More than half regret giving their child a smartphone too soon.
Despite these concerns, the demand from children continues to rise, leaving parents searching for a balanced solution—one that allows their child to connect with friends and explore the digital world, without exposing them to harmful content or excessive screen time.
Introducing the HMD X1: A Smartphone Designed for Kids and Parents
The HMD X1 is designed to give parents full control over their child’s smartphone experience, while ensuring that kids still get the premium smartphone experience they crave.
📌 Key Features for Parents:
✅ Customizable App & Internet Access – Limit or block social media and browsing.
✅ Screen Time Management – Set daily limits to prevent excessive phone use.
✅ Location Tracking & Safe Zones – Receive alerts if kids leave pre-approved areas.
✅ Emergency SOS & Battery Alerts – Ensure parents stay informed.
✅ School Mode – Blocks distractions during school hours.
Parents can manage these settings remotely through the Xplora app, making real-time adjustments based on their child’s needs.
Premium Features That Make Teens Want It
Unlike typical kid-friendly phones, the HMD X1 delivers premium features, ensuring that teens won’t feel left out.
📸 108MP AI Camera – High-quality photos and videos.
🔋 5000mAh Battery – All-day power without midday recharging.
🔐 Face & Fingerprint Unlock – Secure personal data.
💧 IP54 Splash Resistance – Handles spills and rain.
🎧 3.5mm Headphone Jack – Embracing Gen Z’s love for wired headphones.
Additionally, HMD’s Fusion modular design allows kids to personalize their device with interchangeable “Outfits”, such as:
🎮 Gaming Outfit – Turns the X1 into a gaming console.
💡 Flashy Outfit – Adds a built-in ring light for selfies.
🔋 Power Outfit – Extends battery life.
These customization options ensure the HMD X1 doesn’t just feel like a “safe phone”—it feels like a phone kids can proudly use.
A Safer Digital Future with Xplora’s Expertise
As Europe’s leader in kid-safe devices, Xplora brings its extensive parental control technology to the HMD X1. Together, HMD and Xplora aim to foster healthy tech habits, allowing children to stay connected through calls, texts, and navigation, while ensuring their online interactions remain safe and age-appropriate.
“At HMD, we believe kids shouldn’t have to choose between safety and having a smartphone they love. Parents have been asking for a solution that balances protection with freedom, and the HMD X1 delivers just that.”
— Lars Silberbauer, Global HMD Chief Marketing Officer
The Future of Kid-Safe Smartphones
The launch of the HMD X1 is just the beginning. HMD is committed to developing more solutions that tackle the challenges families face in today’s digital world. By working closely with parents and young people, HMD is creating technology that is safe, practical, and future-proof—ensuring that kids get the right phone at the right time, without compromise.
