Smartphones are about to get more interesting.

The MWC 2026 mobile exhibition may showcase many unique and interesting smartphones that we rarely see in our daily lives.

Honor's Robot Phone features a pop-up camera on the back. Photo: The Verge .

With a few exceptions, smartphones today are not very impressive. The annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona is one of the rare occasions where users can witness groundbreaking phone models that are different from the norm.

In the past, major brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG often used MWC to unveil their flagship models. While no longer having the same significant influence, the exhibition still attracts many new products, showcasing mobile trends and strategies for the year.

In recent years, MWC has seen many Chinese smartphone manufacturers participate to make an impression and gain market share globally. Alongside them are some specialized companies with ultra-durable designs and large battery capacities.

The highlight comes from the camera.

Xiaomi was one of the first companies to introduce new devices at MWC 2026. Besides tablets, ultra-thin power banks, headphones, and smart location tracking accessories, the Chinese company attracted attention with the launch of the Leitzphone, a smartphone branded with Leica.

This is the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica version for the Chinese market. This model features a physical rotating ring around the rear camera module, allowing for continuous adjustment of the optical zoom level for the telephoto camera.

Xiaomi's Leitzphone, featuring Leica branding. Photo: Xiaomi .

While more evaluation is needed, The Verge believes the product at least offers something different from traditional phone innovations.

Honor is the next name on the list with the MagicPad 4, touted as the world's thinnest tablet currently available. The device measures 4.8 mm thick, thinner than the iPad Air (6.1 mm), iPad Pro, and Galaxy Tab S11 (both 5.1 mm). However, this figure still falls short of the reMarkable 2, a note-taking tablet using an E-Ink screen with a thickness of 4.7 mm.

The MagicPad 4 features a 12.3-inch OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. Additionally, Honor introduced the Magic V6 foldable smartphone with IP69 water and dust resistance and a slim 4mm profile when unfolded.

The Honor Magic V6 is only 4 mm thick when folded. Photo: The Verge .

Honor also drew attention by providing a clearer look at the Robot Phone, a product revealed late last year. The device uses a 200 MP main camera that can pop up from the back for video recording, with the body acting as a gimbal-like stabilizer.

The Robot Phone operates similarly to combining a regular smartphone with a DJI Osmo Pocket controller. Honor claims to have successfully developed the world's smallest 4-degree-of-freedom (4DoF) robotic arm system for the Robot Phone. The company also showcased a humanoid robot at the exhibition, although not much information was revealed.

"Going head-to-head" with Apple

Several other tech companies also plan to launch new devices at MWC 2026, such as Nothing with its Phone 4A and new over-ear headphones on March 5th.

Tecno also revealed a concept for a modular smartphone, equipped with magnetic connectors for attaching accessories such as detachable lenses, action cameras, or gaming keyboards.

Next, Vivo is expected to unveil the X300 Ultra, a flagship model focused on cameras. Images shared by the company show the device with a detachable telephoto lens and a professional-grade camera frame. The company revealed that the product will have a 200 MP telephoto camera.

Vivo X300 Ultra with a professional photography accessory system. Photo: Vivo .

Known for frequently bringing unusual computer concepts to exhibitions, Lenovo showcased the ThinkBook Modular AI PC prototype, a modular laptop that supports accessory assembly, alongside a handheld gaming device with a rollable screen.

Overall, MWC remains a showcase for many unique mobile devices. Last year, Samsung garnered attention with the Galaxy Ring smart ring, while Motorola presented the concept of a phone that wraps around the wrist in 2024.

According to The Verge , attracting attention is also a way for companies to compete with Apple. Although not participating in MWC 2026, Apple is expected to announce a series of new products this week. Based on rumors, the upcoming devices include the iPhone 17e, a cheaper MacBook, and several other products.

Source: https://znews.vn/smartphone-sap-thu-vi-hon-post1631630.html