Smartphones with parental controls often face a common criticism — they might reassure parents, but they’re rarely cool enough to win over kids. Human Mobile Devices (HMD), a Finland-based phone maker, aims to change that narrative with its latest release, the HMD X1, announced on Sunday.

“At HMD, we believe kids shouldn’t have to choose between safety and having a smartphone they love,” said Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Parents have been asking for a solution that balances protection with freedom, and the HMD X1 delivers just that. We’ve worked closely with families on our Better Phone Project to gain insight into how we can create a device that looks and feels like a premium smartphone while offering the safety guardrails parents need.”

The Better Phone Project, launched by HMD in July 2024, was designed to address concerns about smartphone use among children and young people. In a global survey of 10,000 parents, HMD discovered that 75% of parents worry smartphones expose their children to internet dangers, while 65% are concerned about the mental health impact. More than half of the respondents regretted giving their child a smartphone too soon.

Balancing Safety and Style

The HMD X1 empowers parents with full control over their child’s smartphone experience while ensuring kids don’t feel left out. Key features include customizable app and internet access, allowing parents to limit social media use, browsing, and screen time. The device also offers location tracking with safe zones, emergency SOS calling, low battery alerts, and remote access for parents to manage the device.

A standout feature is School Mode, which locks specific apps and functions to minimize distractions during school hours. Parents can remotely manage all settings through an app developed by Oslo-based Xplora Technologies, a company specializing in children’s smartwatches and wearables.

Under the hood, the X1 packs a 108MP AI-powered camera, a 5000mAh battery, facial and fingerprint recognition, and IP54-rated splash resistance. Notably, it retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a nostalgic touch that resonates with younger users.

What sets the X1 apart is its modular design, allowing for customization with add-on “Outfits.” The Gaming Outfit transforms the device into a portable console, the Flashy Outfit adds a built-in ring light for selfies, and the Power Outfit boosts battery life for extended use.

John Strand, a telecom expert at Strand Consulting, noted that while the phone ticks all the right boxes, convincing kids to adopt it might be an uphill battle. “Kids don’t want a phone that isn’t cool. They want an iPhone or an Android phone,” he observed. “It’s like when I want to go to a nice burger bar for a gourmet burger, but my kids insist on McDonald’s. Convincing them to use a phone like this might be just as tricky.”

Still, with its blend of safety and style, the HMD X1 could be the first step in redefining the “first phone” experience, offering kids a safe entry into the digital world without sacrificing the cool factor.

Source