Parents have spent years searching for the perfect first smartphone for their kids—one that feels modern and capable but doesn’t open the floodgates to social media rabbit holes, intrusive tracking, and endless screen time. There aren’t too many phones that are designed expressly for kids, though. However, the HMD X1 steps into this space with a focused approach: a phone that kids will actually want to use and parents will feel comfortable handing over. At £229 GBP ($290 USD), it’s positioned as an affordable alternative to mainstream devices like the iPhone 16E, which launched two weeks ago at $599. But the X1 isn’t just about cost savings; it’s a carefully considered device that blends functionality with safety, and even some modular fun.
HMD has built the X1 with a privacy-first mindset, meaning certain features have been stripped away to protect kids and reduce distractions. There’s no TikTok or Instagram pre-installed, and parents can remotely manage app access, screen time, and web browsing through the Xplora app. The device also includes location tracking with safe zones, emergency SOS calling, and school mode, which locks apps during class hours. These are the kind of built-in safety measures that give parents peace of mind without making the phone feel like a digital prison.
Designer: HMD
Despite these parental controls, the X1 doesn’t look or feel like a “kids’ phone” the way HMD’s Barbie Phone felt explicitly ‘kiddish’ and ‘fun’. It sports a clean, modern design that could pass for any other mid-range smartphone. The 108MP AI-powered camera is an unexpected highlight, making it one of the highest-resolution cameras in this price range. The 5000mAh battery ensures a full day’s use without scrambling for a charger. Face and fingerprint unlock add an extra layer of security, and the IP54 rating means it can survive the occasional spill or rainy day walk home. A 3.5mm headphone jack also makes a comeback—something Gen Z has been embracing in the age of wired audio nostalgia.
What sets the X1 apart is its modularity – a feature that’s come to become HMD’s brand ethos when it comes to tech and phones. HMD’s Fusion design allows users to swap out different “Outfits” that add new functionality. There’s a Gaming Outfit that turns the phone into a handheld console, a Flashy Outfit with a built-in ring light for better selfies, and a Power Outfit that extends battery life. This modular approach adds a layer of customization that’s rare in the smartphone market, especially in the budget segment. It’s not just about personalization—it’s also about sustainability. If a component breaks, HMD offers self-repair kits so parents don’t have to rush out and buy a whole new phone after a minor accident.
Of course, keeping the price down means some compromises. The X1 isn’t powered by a flagship processor, so it won’t match the raw performance of premium devices. While the 108MP camera sounds impressive, it likely relies heavily on software processing rather than having the advanced sensors of high-end smartphones. The lack of full-fledged social media integration will be a dealbreaker for some older kids and teens, though for parents, that’s part of the appeal.
The X1 is launching into a space where parents and kids have often been at odds. Kids want a “real” smartphone, while parents want guardrails in place. HMD has managed to walk that tightrope, creating a device that blends freedom with control. It won’t replace flagship phones, but for families looking for a safe, capable, and repairable smartphone, it’s one of the smartest choices available.
The post Perfect Phone for Kids? HMD X1 is the Safe, Repairable $290 Smartphone Parents Have Been Waiting For first appeared on Yanko Design.