HMD’s new phones focus on family-friendly tech and retro style
At Mobile World Congress, HMD unveiled its plan for more human-centred mobile phones, and a unique pair of true wireless earbuds.
It's hard to believe HMD only just celebrated its first birthday as a consumer brand. The company is hitting year two at pace, announcing even more "human-centred" tech at Mobile World Congress 2025.
The company has unveiled a new range of devices, including the HMD Fusion X1—a smartphone designed to help teens build healthy digital habits.
It also announced a lineup of new feature phones and a unique take on wireless earbuds.
Let's take a look:
A smartphone for teens that parents can control
HMD's biggest announcement is its first smartphone experience for kids and teens, with the launch of the HMD Fusion X1.
Designed in collaboration with Xplora, the Fusion X1 prioritises digital well-being and parental control while still offering a device that young users can be excited about.
The HMD Fusion X1 lets parents manage app and internet access, setting limits on social media, browsing, and screen time.
It includes location tracking, emergency SOS calling, low battery alerts, and remote access for parents.
School Mode helps minimise distractions by locking specific apps and features during school hours. All settings can be adjusted in real time via the Xplora app on a parent’s device.
Despite its focus on safety, the HMD Fusion X1 doesn’t compromise on features.
It boasts a 108MP AI-powered camera for high-quality photos, a 5000mAh battery for all-day power, and face and fingerprint unlock for security.
It’s also IP54 splash-resistant to handle everyday spills and features a 3.5mm headphone jack, tapping into the resurgence of wired headphones among Gen Z.
The phone builds on last year's HMD Fusion modular design, allowing kids to personalise their device. Interchangeable “Outfits” enhance functionality, with options like a Gaming Outfit that turns the phone into a gaming console, a Flashy Outfit with a built-in ring light, and a Power Outfit for extra battery life.
Lars Silberbauer, Global HMD Chief Marketing Officer, said:
"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 Fusion X1 delivers just that. This is a big step in redefining what a first phone should be—one that gives kids a safe start in the digital world without feeling left out."
The HMD Fusion X1 will launch in Australia in the first half of 2025, with local pricing and availability to be announced closer to launch.
HMDs new feature phones
A growing feature phone lineup
In an era of constant notifications and never-ending screen time, HMD is bringing back classic mobile experiences with the 2660 Flip, 130 Music, and 150 Music.
These devices strip away the distractions of modern smartphones while keeping the essentials intact, making them perfect for digital detoxers, older users, or anyone who just wants a reliable backup phone.
The HMD 2660 Flip is a modern take on the iconic flip phone, offering big buttons, a clear 2.8-inch display, and an easy-to-use interface.
The simple flip-to-answer mechanism makes it ideal for users who struggle with touchscreens, while the loud and clear audio ensures calls are crisp.
It even includes an emergency SOS button, giving extra peace of mind for older users or those who need a reliable safety feature.
With a durable build and a battery that lasts for days, it’s a no-fuss option for those who just want to make calls and send messages without the distractions.
For music lovers, the HMD 130 Music and 150 Music deliver an affordable way to enjoy tunes on the go.
Both feature a built-in FM radio, a powerful 2W speaker, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The 150 Music adds a camera and a more premium design, but both models offer long battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and microSD card support for storing music.
And with a standby time of up to a month, you won’t be reaching for the charger every night.
Wireless earbuds that can charge your phone
HMD claims that the Amped Buds are the world’s first wireless earbuds with a 1600 mAh reverse wireless charging case. I'm not willing to argue with them, or do the research to check if that's true, but it sounds like it could be.
With an ultra-slim case and lightweight design, Amped Buds offer up to 95 hours of music playback, making them perfect for long-haul travel.
The case itself weighs just 80g and measures a sleek 14mm, and lets you charge your phone using either Qi2 wireless charging or a standard USB cable.
Amped Buds feature a precision-tuned 10mm driver that delivers balanced sound with deep bass and crystal-clear highs. Hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and environmental noise cancellation (ENC) ensure an immersive listening experience, while a triple microphone array enhances voice clarity for calls.
The headphones will work with both Android and iOS devices, supporting Google Fast Pair and multipoint connectivity for pairing with two devices at once.
Each earbud offers up to 8 hours of listening time (or 4 hours with ANC enabled), with the powerful charging case extending playback up to 95 hours.
Designed for real life, Amped Buds come with IPX4-rated splash resistance for the case and IP54 protection for the earbuds, making them a reliable companion whether you’re at the gym, commuting, or caught in the rain.
Pricing and availability
HMD has promised availability this year for these products in Australia, though no specific information has been given yet around pricing. I'll keep you posted when I know more.
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Nick Broughall
