Security flaws found in tiny phones promoted to children

Researchers examined three budget mini smartphones (SOYES S7, ZOKOE XS13, Hipipooo) marketed to children and found all ran unsupported Android versions and were locally exploitable via MediaTek chipset flaws using mtkclient to read/write partitions and root without wiping data; the SOYES S7 contained preinstalled Domino malware artifacts (smsdamon, smsservice) linked to adware/downloader behavior, and the ZOKOE XS13 included an EngineerMode app capable of changing the device IMEI, while the Hipipooo showed no immediate additional flaws beyond age; the report warns these devices pose significant security and privacy risks and advises purchasing up-to-date phones from trusted vendors.