Innovative smartphone: magnetically attached camera versus dancing camera.

As MWC 2026 approaches, smartphone manufacturers are once again competing to showcase their boldest ideas. Honor is presenting the ROBOT PHONE with a self-moving robotic camera mechanism.

Honor says the robot also has a "personality" and can respond by "shaking its head" and even dance to music. The company notes that users can talk to the virtual assistant over the phone using text and voice.

This phone has a 200-megapixel camera on a three-axis moving robot with image stabilization technology. The company says the camera can rotate smoothly and shoot video and photos seamlessly. It also has a Super Steady mode for video recording.

Robotic cameras also enable smoother video calls and can track you through AI-powered object tracking. This technology is like Apple's Center Stage, but it could be significantly upgraded if it proves effective.

They noted that they used some of the techniques employed in foldable phones to make the camera more robust and integrated a four-degree-of-freedom gimbal system into the body. Honor stated that they are using the same material for the robotic arm as the hinge of the Honor Magic V6, with a tensile strength of 2800 MPa.

Ulefone, however, chose a completely different approach: integrating a detachable action camera directly into a super-durable phone.

The device, called RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro, features a magnetic action camera module attached to the back using a magnetic mechanism. Users can detach this module to use it independently as a small wearable camera. According to Ulefone, this accessory is designed for hands-free recording and can be attached to helmets, backpack straps, or other outdoor equipment.

Integrating an action camera directly into a smartphone body is still rare. Ulefone even calls this the first "wearable action camera rugged phone" on the market, although its actual effectiveness depends on the stability of the magnetic connection and software synchronization capabilities.

In terms of hardware, the RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro boasts a noteworthy configuration in the ultra-durable phone segment. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Processing power comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 5G processor, coupled with a large 9,000mAh battery designed for extended outdoor use.

The rear camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 64MP infrared camera for night photography or observation in extremely low light conditions. It is still unclear whether the detachable camera module uses the same main sensor or operates as a completely independent camera.

One side pursues robotic mechanisms, the other focuses on modularity and durability – both demonstrating a trend toward seeking more flexible photography methods on smartphones. While the camera concepts may seem appealing, the success or failure of the product will depend on real-world experience.