At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, HMD took a unique approach that stood out from the typical AI-driven, foldable-heavy trends dominating the event. Instead of focusing solely on futuristic advancements, HMD went full retro, reviving classic mobile experiences with a modern touch. From feature phones that tap into nostalgia to innovative devices designed for kids, football fans, and music lovers, the company made a significant impact.

Reviving the Flip Phone: HMD 2660 Flip

There’s something undeniably satisfying about snapping a flip phone shut to end a call—a sensation that modern touchscreen smartphones simply can’t replicate. At MWC 2025, HMD embraced this nostalgia with the HMD 2660 Flip, a true flip phone rather than a futuristic foldable. Given HMD’s history of producing Nokia-branded phones, this move isn’t surprising.

The 2660 Flip is available in striking colors like Twilight Violet, Raspberry Red, and Cosy Black, featuring a 2.8-inch QVGA main display and a 1.77-inch cover screen. It also comes with a simple VGA rear camera, staying true to its minimalist roots. But don’t let its classic appearance fool you—the 2660 Flip supports 4G connectivity, dual SIM, and has a removable 1,450mAh battery that can last for days, a luxury most smartphone users can only dream of. Additionally, its IP54 rating for dust and water resistance means it’s built to withstand some wear and tear.

Fusion X1: A Safe and Smart Phone for Kids and Teens

One of HMD’s most interesting reveals was the Fusion X1, a smartphone designed with child safety in mind. With increasing concerns about kids’ exposure to explicit content online, many parents resort to cutting off internet access entirely. However, HMD’s Fusion X1, developed in collaboration with Xplora, aims to provide a safe bridge between internet access and parental control.

The Fusion X1 is powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, with up to 8GB RAM and a 108MP main camera. However, its standout feature is its parental control system. Through an Xplora subscription (€4.99/month), parents can remotely manage app access, monitor internet usage, and activate “School Mode”, which disables distractions during class hours.

Safety features include continuous location tracking, which updates every 20 seconds, and Safe Zones alerts, notifying parents when their child ventures too far.

Beyond safety, the Fusion X1 offers fun customization options through its modular “Outfits” system, allowing kids to attach gaming controllers, selfie lights, and other accessories. It’s a rare case of a phone that both parents and kids can appreciate.

FC Barcelona-Themed Phones: A Football Fan’s Dream Device

Teaming up with a football club to create feature phones might seem like an unusual idea, but HMD is proving that niche customization has a place in mobile technology. With the HMD Barça 3210 and HMD Barça Fusion, FC Barcelona fans can now carry their team’s legacy in their pockets.

The HMD Barça 3210 pays homage to the legendary Nokia 3210, now dressed in Barcelona’s Blau and Grana colors with a silver Barça crest on the back. Designed for those who want to stay focused on the game, it does not support social media apps like Instagram or TikTok. However, it includes 12 exclusive Barça wallpapers and a special FC Barcelona-themed version of Snake, where players collect trophies while avoiding red and yellow cards.

For fans wanting something more modern, the HMD Barça Fusion delivers 5G connectivity, a 108MP camera, and premium specs. The collector’s edition “Smart Outfit” case is engraved with the signatures of eleven FC Barcelona players, including Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal. In a unique touch, these signatures glow in the dark when exposed to UV light, making it a true collector’s item.

HMD Music Phones: Simplicity Meets Sound Quality

For users who want a distraction-free mobile experience focused purely on music, HMD introduced the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music feature phones. These devices prioritize audio quality and simplicity, making them ideal for music lovers who prefer physical buttons over complex touchscreens.

Both models come with a powerful 2W rear speaker, dedicated music buttons, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rare feature in today’s mobile world.

• HMD 150 Music: Features a 2.4-inch display, a 2,500mAh battery, and a QVGA rear camera. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, dual SIM functionality, and a microSD slot expandable up to 32GB.
• HMD 130 Music: Offers a similar design, but lacks a camera and has a slightly different aesthetic.

Amped Buds: Wireless Earbuds That Double as a Power Bank

HMD is not stopping at phones—the company is making waves in the audio accessories market with the Amped Buds, a unique pair of wireless earbuds that come with a charging case that doubles as a 1,600mAh power bank.

This means users can charge their phone on the go while listening to music. The Amped Buds also feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), and customizable equalizer settings, making them a strong contender in the growing wireless audio space.

Conclusion: A Refreshing Approach to Mobile Innovation

At MWC 2025, HMD stood out by blending retro nostalgia with modern innovation, catering to a variety of audiences:

• The HMD 2660 Flip appeals to those who miss the classic flip phone experience.
• The Fusion X1 offers a secure and fun smartphone option for kids.
• FC Barcelona-themed phones give football fans a unique way to show their loyalty.
• HMD’s Music Phones provide an alternative for users who just want to enjoy music without distractions.
• Amped Buds push the boundaries of wireless audio by doubling as a power bank.

With devices expected to hit global markets in the coming months, including the Fusion X1 priced between £200–£250, HMD’s unconventional strategy could prove to be a winning formula. As these products roll out, it will be interesting to see how consumers react to this bold mix of the past and future in mobile technology.