Hmd fusion x1 review

Struggling to find a smartphone that makes both you and your teen happy? The HMD Fusion X1 aims to be that sweet spot, combining a modern design with robust parental controls and a unique modular “outfits” system. This isn’t just another budget phone. it’s HMD Global’s thoughtful approach to giving teenagers digital freedom while providing parents with peace of mind. Launched in early 2025, the HMD Fusion X1 is specifically designed as a first smartphone, starting at around £229, and it’s available on HMD.com and will be on Amazon UK from June 21st, 2025.

Before we dive deep, here’s the quick lowdown: the HMD Fusion X1, a variant of the HMD Fusion, packs a 108-megapixel main camera though reviews suggest it’s quite basic overall, especially in low light, a solid 5,000mAh battery, and IP54 splash resistance. It runs on a rather old version of Android version 14, when Android 16 is trickling out with limited OS and security updates. Its core appeal lies in its integration with the Xplora Guardian app for comprehensive parental controls and its innovative “outfits” system, allowing for modular upgrades. If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming device or a camera powerhouse, this isn’t it. But if you want a repairable, budget-friendly smartphone that empowers both teens and parents with a balanced approach to the , the HMD Fusion X1 is definitely worth considering. Think of it as a reliable first smartphone for teens that prioritizes safety and thoughtful engagement over raw power.

What is the HMD Fusion X1? A New Player in the Youth Smartphone Market

So, what exactly is the HMD Fusion X1? Picture this: a smartphone built by HMD Global Human Mobile Devices, a Finnish company known for its Nokia-branded phones and, more recently, its own HMD-branded devices. This particular phone, the Fusion X1, is a customized version of their HMD Fusion model, specifically tailored for teenagers and their parents. It’s not a VR headset despite “HMD” also commonly referring to “Head-Mounted Displays” in the virtual reality world. here, HMD stands for the company name, Human Mobile Devices.

The main idea behind the Fusion X1 is to offer a smartphone that teens will actually want to use, without parents constantly worrying about unchecked screen time or inappropriate content. It’s a compromise, designed to introduce kids to the responsibly. It features a modern look, but under the hood, it’s packed with parental controls managed through the Xplora Guardian app. This allows parents to set boundaries on app usage, internet access, contacts, and even track location.

A standout feature is its modularity, dubbed “outfits.” These are snap-on accessories that attach to the rear of the phone via pogo pins, adding extra functionality. For example, there’s a Gaming Outfit for better grips during mobile gaming, a Power Outfit for extended battery life, and a Flashy Outfit with a ring light for improved selfies. This concept is pretty cool, letting teens customize their phone experience while keeping the core device simple.

Design and Build: Practicality Meets Modularity

When you first unbox the HMD Fusion X1, you’ll notice it has a fairly understated but modern design. It’s not trying to scream “kids’ phone” with overly bright colors or bulky features, which is a smart move to appeal to image-conscious teens. The phone measures around 164.2 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm and weighs 203 grams. It’s built to be robust enough for daily use, and it even boasts an IP54 splash resistance rating, which means it can handle a bit of rain or an accidental spill—a small but significant detail for any device in a teen’s hands. Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Premium Phone Review: Is It The Flagship To Beat?

One of the big selling points here, beyond just its looks, is HMD’s commitment to repairability. Swapping out the battery or screen is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, potentially extending the phone’s lifespan and reducing electronic waste. This is a massive win for both parents, who might dread costly repairs, and for a more sustainable approach to tech. This focus on durability and repairability makes it a practical choice for a first smartphone.

The “Outfits” System: Customization at Its Core

This is where the Fusion X1 really tries to stand out. The modular “outfits” are small, functional attachments that snap onto the back of the phone. Imagine needing extra grip for a gaming session, a quick boost of battery life, or better lighting for a selfie – the Fusion X1 allows you to simply attach the relevant “outfit”.

• Gaming Outfit: Adds physical grips to make gaming more comfortable. While the phone’s performance isn’t top-tier for demanding games, this outfit enhances the experience for more casual titles.
• Power Outfit: Extends battery life, perfect for long days out or when a charger isn’t nearby.
• Flashy Outfit: Features a built-in ring light, making selfies and video calls look much better, especially in low light. This outfit has been particularly praised for its seamless integration and appeal to teens.

The idea here is brilliant: it allows for personalization and added utility without needing to buy a whole new phone. Two outfits Casual and Flashy are typically included in the box, with others sold separately. This modularity isn’t just a gimmick. it’s about giving teens a sense of ownership and customization, making the phone feel more personal and adaptable to their interests.

Parental Controls and Safety Features: The Xplora Partnership

This is arguably the most crucial aspect of the HMD Fusion X1, especially for its target audience. HMD Global partnered with the Norwegian smartwatch company Xplora to integrate a comprehensive suite of parental controls. If you’ve looked into children’s smartwatches like the Xplora X5 Play or Xplora XGO3, you’ll be familiar with Xplora’s focus on child safety and connectivity.

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The parental controls are managed through the Xplora Guardian app, which parents can download onto their own smartphone even if it’s not an HMD device. This app unlocks a world of features designed to help parents guide their children’s digital usage:

• App and Internet Management: By default, the Fusion X1 comes with no internet browsing and no social media apps pre-installed. Parents decide which apps are available and can adjust connectivity settings as their child grows. This is a huge relief for parents worried about unlimited access to potentially harmful content.
• Contact Whitelisting: Parents can limit calls and texts to only approved contacts, ensuring their child is only communicating with trusted individuals. This can be easily expanded as the child matures.
• Location Tracking and Safe Zones: The Guardian app provides real-time GPS tracking of the phone’s location. Parents can set up to 10 “safe zones” like home or school and receive alerts when their child enters or leaves these areas. You can even view up to three days of location history.
• School Mode and Focus Modes: To minimize distractions during study times, parents can activate a “school mode” that limits the phone’s functionality to just a watch during set hours. There are also focus modes for bedtime, promoting healthy digital habits.
• SOS Calling and Low Battery Alerts: In an emergency, the phone supports SOS calling to pre-defined contacts. Parents also receive low-battery alerts, so they know when the phone might die.

This comprehensive approach goes beyond what many basic parental control apps offer, fostering a balanced growth rather than just blanket bans. HMD is also planning to integrate real-time content protection through SafeToNet later in 2025, which aims to block harmful material using AI before it even reaches the user. It shows a forward-thinking approach to online safety, and for a kids’ phone, these features are invaluable.

Performance and Hardware: A Budget-Friendly Foundation

Now, let’s be real, the HMD Fusion X1 isn’t going to win any speed tests against flagship phones. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which is a rather basic processor. What does this mean for daily use? You might notice some apps taking a moment to load, and general navigation around Android can feel a bit sluggish at times, especially when switching between multiple apps.

However, for its intended audience – teens and casual users – this level of performance is often sufficient. If your child is into demanding games like Genshin Impact or Wuthering Waves, they’re probably going to be disappointed. But for more optimized, simpler games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile, the frame rate generally remains stable. Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulator: Your Guide to Calmer Days and Deeper Sleep

The phone comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is decent for a budget device. It runs a fairly stock version of Android, which is great for a clean user experience without too much bloatware. However, a significant drawback is that it launched with an older version of Android version 14 when Android 16 was already trickling out to other devices. HMD Global phones are typically slow with OS updates, and you can expect only a couple of years of OS updates and maybe 2 to 3 years of security patches. This is something to keep in mind, as newer Android versions often bring improved features and security.

On the connectivity front, the Fusion X1 includes NFC support and eSIM support. It also notably retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a huge plus for many who prefer wired headphones and don’t want to deal with Bluetooth hassles or need to buy new accessories.

Camera Capabilities: Decent for Everyday Snaps

The HMD Fusion X1 features a 108-megapixel main camera. Now, don’t let that big number fool you. mega-pixels don’t tell the whole story about camera quality. Reviewers suggest it’s quite basic camera tech overall. There’s no ultra-wide-angle shooter, with the secondary sensor typically being a basic depth sensor.

In good lighting, the Fusion X1 can take decent-looking photos, capturing a fair bit of saturation. It can handle a bit of motion without blurring, as long as the lighting conditions aren’t too dim. However, in low light and HDR situations, the camera struggles. The camera can also be particularly slow to respond, especially if you’re trying to take several shots quickly.

For quick everyday snaps, sharing on approved platforms if allowed by parents, or just experimenting with photography, it’s adequate. The “Flashy Outfit” with its ring light can certainly help improve selfies and portraits in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. So, while it’s not going to replace a dedicated camera or even a higher-end smartphone camera, it serves its purpose for a teen’s first phone. For those interested in smartphone photography accessories, the outfits provide a unique option.

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Battery Life: A Reliable All-Day Performer

One area where the HMD Fusion X1 really shines is its battery life. It packs a hefty 5,000mAh capacity cell. Coupled with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset and a basic 720p display, this phone can comfortably last a full day for most users. In many cases, it should be able to go a couple of days between charges without any worries.

It supports 33W wired charging, which isn’t the fastest out there, but it’s certainly not the slowest either. Just don’t expect wireless charging support. that’s typically reserved for higher-end devices. For parents, a long-lasting battery is a major plus, ensuring their child remains reachable throughout the day without constant anxiety about the phone dying. And if extra stamina is needed, the optional “Power Outfit” can extend it even further.

HMD Fusion X1 UK Availability and Price

The HMD Fusion X1 is available for £229 in the UK, making it a budget-friendly option for a first smartphone. You can purchase it directly from HMD.com and it is expected to be available on Amazon UK from June 21st, 2025. This pricing makes it quite competitive, especially when considering the integrated parental controls and modular features that add value beyond raw specifications.

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The Ecosystem: Xplora Smartwatches and Beyond

While the main focus is the HMD Fusion X1 smartphone, it’s important to understand that the parental control system is powered by Xplora, a company well-known for its children’s smartwatches. Devices like the Xplora XGO3 and Xplora X5 Play offer similar core safety features – GPS tracking, safe zones, and limited communication – but in a smartwatch form factor.

The Xplora Guardian subscription, which unlocks the full suite of advanced parental controls for the Fusion X1, starts from £4.99 per month. While some basic features like Google’s Family Link offer similar functionalities for free, Xplora’s integrated approach and long-term thinking around growth and education set it apart. HMD’s goal is to open up conversations and teach both kids and adults about online safety, gradually loosening restrictions as the child matures.

It’s also worth noting that HMD Global is an independent mobile phone manufacturer that initially marketed Nokia-branded smartphones and feature phones, before starting to produce its own self-branded HMD phones in March 2024. They focus on mid-tier and entry-level smartphones, along with popular “feature phones”.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the HMD Fusion X1?

The HMD Fusion X1 is a smartphone from HMD Global designed specifically for teenagers, emphasizing parental controls and modular customization. It aims to be a safe “first smartphone” that teens will enjoy using, while giving parents peace of mind through features like app management, location tracking, and contact whitelisting. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 Convertible Laptop Review: Is This Your Next Everyday Companion?

How do the parental controls work on the HMD Fusion X1?

The parental controls are managed through the Xplora Guardian app, which parents install on their own smartphone. This app allows them to control internet and app access, manage allowed contacts, set “safe zones” with location alerts, and enable “school mode” to minimize distractions. Many of these advanced features require an Xplora Guardian subscription, starting from £4.99/month.

What are “outfits” and how do they enhance the HMD Fusion X1?

“Outfits” are modular accessories that magnetically attach to the back of the HMD Fusion X1, adding extra functionality. Examples include a Gaming Outfit for better grip, a Power Outfit for extended battery life, and a Flashy Outfit with an LED ring light for improved photos. These outfits allow for customization and adaptability, making the phone more versatile for different activities.

Is the HMD Fusion X1 good for gaming?

The HMD Fusion X1 is powered by a basic Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which limits its gaming capabilities. While it can handle simpler, optimized games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile with stable frame rates, it’s not suitable for more demanding titles like Genshin Impact. If serious mobile gaming is a priority, you might want to look at more powerful devices.

What is the camera quality like on the HMD Fusion X1?

The phone features a 108-megapixel main camera, but its overall performance is considered basic. It can take decent everyday photos in good lighting, but it struggles in low light and HDR situations. The camera can also be slow to respond. The “Flashy Outfit” with its ring light can help improve selfie quality.

How much does the HMD Fusion X1 cost and where can I buy it?

The HMD Fusion X1 is priced at £229 in the UK. It’s available for purchase directly from HMD.com and is expected to be available on Amazon UK from June 21st, 2025.

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Is “HMD” in HMD Fusion X1 related to VR headsets?

No, in this context, “HMD” refers to HMD Global Human Mobile Devices, the Finnish company that manufactures the smartphone. While “HMD” is also a common abbreviation for “Head-Mounted Display” in the virtual reality VR industry, the HMD Fusion X1 is a smartphone, not a VR headset.

Does the HMD Fusion X1 support the latest Android version?

Unfortunately, no. The HMD Fusion X1 launched with an older version of Android version 14 when Android 16 was already becoming available. HMD Global phones are typically slow to receive OS updates, and you can expect only a couple of years of OS upgrades and 2 to 3 years of security patches.

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