HMD Fusion X1 combines Modularity and Safety

HMD Global has launched the Fusion X1, a smartphone made for teenagers with built-in tools that help parents manage safety. Developed with Norwegian smartwatch company Xplora, the phone is now available for £229 at HMD.com, and will be on Amazon UK from June 21st.

The Fusion X1 was created with input from parents and teens in over 80 countries. It’s meant to be a first smartphone that’s safe but still fun to use. The phone starts with no apps installed, so parents can decide what gets added. With an Xplora Guardian subscription (from £4.99/month), they can control app and internet access, manage contacts, and use GPS tracking with up to 10 custom safety zones. There are also focus modes for school and bedtime.

If you strip away the PR messaging, you’ll quickly see that this is essentially the HMD Fusion, a device with fairly basic hardware—especially the display, which suffers from washed-out colours. Still, the Fusion X1 includes features teens might enjoy, such as a 50 MP camera with slow-motion selfies and gesture controls. The phone also supports Smart Outfits—snap-on accessories that add gaming controls, better lighting, or extra battery life. Two outfits (Casual and Flashy) are included in the box, while others are sold separately. The modular idea is interesting, but the underwhelming hardware limits the overall experience.

One of the strongest points of this phone is its repairability. Replacing the battery or screen is easy and user-friendly, which can extend the device’s lifespan and help reduce electronic waste.

Fusion X1 is part of HMD’s broader effort to offer safer phones for young users. The company is also planning to add on-device AI content protection later this year through SafeToNet, which will automatically block harmful material before it reaches the user.

Overall, Fusion X1 tries to strike a balance between giving teens digital freedom and offering parents peace of mind. It’s available now over HMD.com.