#MWC25: From phone-charging buds to a smartphone for kids —Here's everything HMD announced
At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, we saw HMD doing something different, and a handful can be considered weird, but admirable too. Phone companies are bringing on a lot of AI-inspired make, foldable concepts, and lots more, but HMD went fully retro, save a few debuts.
HMD made a significant impact with the launch of multiple new devices, including the Fusion X1 smartphone designed for young users, FC Barcelona-themed feature phones for football fans, and a pair of wireless earbuds with innovative charging capabilities.
So, let's get into everything HMD brought to MWC 2025, shall we?
HMD 2660 Flip
There's an undeniable satisfaction about snapping a flip phone shut to end a call, an experience that modern smartphones just can’t replicate. But at the MWC, we see HMD revive that nostalgia with the HMD 2660 Flip. Now, this isn't some futuristic foldable with the dead concept of flip phones that have been revived lately, it's a true flip phone. And considering HMD has been making branded Nokia phones, this isn't surprising.
The device is available in an eye-catching Twilight Violet, Raspberry Red, and Cosy Black, featuring a 2.8-inch QVGA main display, a secondary 1.77-inch cover screen, and a simple VGA rear camera. But don’t be fooled by its retro appearance. The 2660 Flip is equipped with 4G connectivity, dual SIM support, and a removable 1,450mAh battery that can easily last for days, something today’s smartphone users can only dream of. It even comes with an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, so it can handle a bit of rough and tumble.
HMD Fusion X1: A Smartphone for Kids and Teens
A remarkable reveal at the Mobile World Congress is HMD's commitment to child safety and security. With the increase in child exposure to explicit content, our resolve has been to totally shut our kids out of the internet. However, HMD's Fusion X1 in collaboration with Xplora has come to be that very bridge we need to allow our kids access to the internet and ensure safety.
The phone features a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, up to 8GB RAM, and a 108MP main camera. But the real magic lies in its parental control features. Through the Xplora subscription (€4.99/month), you can remotely manage app access, and internet usage, and even set “School Mode” to disable distractions during class hours for your kids. The continuous location tracking updates every 20 seconds, while Safe Zones alerts you if your child wanders too far.
And let’s not forget the fun part, the Fusion X1’s modular “Outfits” system lets kids customize their phones with gaming controllers, selfie lights, and other add-ons, making it feel personal and unique. It’s a rare case of a phone that both kids and parents can agree on.
HMD FC Barcelona Phones
A smartphone manufacturer teaming up with a football club to make feature phones? Yeah, it’s a little weird. But if Barbie can have her flip phone, why not FC Barcelona? The collaboration is specifically tailored to celebrate the club’s heritage. If you're a football fan, it seems you have a valuable input in society for your hobby to be customized.
First up, the HMD Barça 3210, a throwback to the iconic Nokia 3210 but dressed in Barcelona’s signature Blau and Grana colors. It even has a silver Barça crest on the back, so no one mistakes your allegiance. The phone is designed for those who want to focus on the game without being distracted by social media since it doesn’t support apps like Instagram or TikTok. But it does come with 12 exclusive Barça wallpapers and an FC Barcelona-themed version of Snake, where you collect trophies while dodging red and yellow cards.
Then there’s the HMD Barça Fusion, a more advanced smartphone if you want something modern but still Barça-branded. It comes with a collector’s edition “Smart Outfit” case engraved with the signatures of eleven FC Barcelona players, including Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal. The coolest part? These signatures glow in the dark when exposed to UV light. The device also features impressive specs including a 108MP camera and 5G connectivity.
Classic Feature Phones Make a Comeback
If your sole desire in mobile devices is listening to music, HMD has introduced the HMD 130 and 150 Music. They bring retro aesthetics and powerful sound in a compact, distraction-free package. If you’ve ever wished your phone prioritized music, they might just be your perfect fit.
They feature a 2W rear speaker and dedicated music buttons, letting you control your tunes without fiddling through menus. And for those who prefer a more private listening experience, a 3.5mm headphone jack is still included.
The Music 150 has a 2.4-inch display, a 2,500mAh battery, and QVGA rear camera, while the Music 130 differs in design and lacks a camera. Both share similar specs, including Bluetooth 5.0, dual SIM support, and a Unisoc 6531F chipset. Both devices offer 8MB RAM and 82MB internal storage. However, the storage space of the 150 music can be expanded up to 32GB with a micro SD card.
Amped Buds: Wireless Earbuds with reverse charging
HMD is not stopping at phones, the company is also shaking up the wireless earbuds market with the Amped Buds. The amped buds aren’t just any earbuds, their charging case doubles as a 1,600mAh power bank for your smartphone. That means you can keep your music going and top up your phone’s battery on the go. The buds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), and customizable equalizer settings via a dedicated app.
Conclusion
HMD’s showcase at MWC 2025 brings the retro charm of the HMD 2660 Flip, the kid-friendly yet powerful Fusion X1, and the special FC Barcelona-themed feature phones, tapping into diverse audiences. Beyond smartphones, HMD is also making waves in the audio space with the Amped Buds, which double as a power bank, and the HMD 130 and 150 Music feature phones, designed for those who want simplicity.
These devices are expected to hit global markets in the coming months, with the Fusion X1 projected to be priced between £200–£250. As these products roll out in the coming months, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this unique mix of old and new.