HMD Fusion X1 Hands-On: The Teen Smartphone Crisis Solution?

When is the right time for children to have their first smartphone? This question has become a hot topic as more people recognize the potential dangers of the online world.

The current dilemma lies in the extremes – either children have a basic ‘dumbphone’ with limited features, or they are given unrestricted access to a smartphone, exposing them to various risks. While parental control software exists, it often falls short in providing adequate protection.

However, HMD may have found a solution that strikes a balance. In collaboration with kids’ watch maker Xplora, the company has developed a budget phone, the Fusion X1, that allows parents to have detailed control over how and when their children use their phones.

In terms of specifications, the Fusion X1 is similar to the original HMD Fusion launched last year. The key difference lies in the software, which can be managed remotely through a smartphone app on any Android device.

Once connected, parents can restrict access to apps or the internet, including setting specific schedules. For example, if you only want your child to use TikTok between 7-8pm, you can easily set that rule. A ‘School mode’ ensures that children stay focused during study time.

Parents can also regulate their child’s online interactions by allowing communication only with approved contacts.

However, the child still has some autonomy – they can request to download apps from the Google Play Store, with the parent having the final say on granting access and setting daily limits. They can also request additional time on an app that has reached its daily limit.

While the features offered by the Fusion X1 are impressive, there is one limitation to consider. If you want to give your child access to a web browser but restrict them from social media or harmful content, the current version of Fusion X1 does not provide the option to allow specific websites and block others.

Ensuring physical safety is just as important as online safety. The Fusion X1 allows parents to track their child’s location and set up to 10 ‘Safe zones’ that notify them when the child enters or leaves those areas.

In addition to features like retracing the child’s steps over the past three days, emergency SOS calls, low battery alerts, and remote device access, the Fusion X1 offers comprehensive safety monitoring for parents.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

The device is highly customizable, allowing parents to gradually adjust settings as their child grows more independent.

However, the Fusion X1 will only receive two major OS updates and three years of security patches from its launch in 2024. This means it will not support Android 17 and may become unsafe after 2027.

While the Fusion X1 itself is priced at £229, the additional features mentioned above require a €4.99 subscription (price for the UK to be confirmed). This added cost may not be feasible for all parents.

The HMD Fusion X1 is set to be released in May, with pre-orders expected to be available on the HMD website soon.

While the Fusion X1 offers a promising way to introduce children to smartphones gradually while safeguarding them from potential risks, it is important to be aware of the limitations and compromises involved.

For more coverage of MWC, visit Tech Advisor’s website.