Mobile World Congress 2026: A mini-robot on your phone

If you're not one for the cutification of tech devices, this ad for Chinese company HONOR's new robot phone - which features peculiar little (2008 movie) WALL-E-type sounds - could be annoying. The phone is currently being showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, as synergising two core AI capabilities: embodied intelligent interaction and flagship-level imaging. Functionalities include full-angle AI video calls, expressive body-language interaction, and rhythmic motion coordination, says HONOR. The brand says it is "dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone..... Offering a range of high quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves." Up to you to decide whether the robot phone represents true innovation or not: many people are in the former camp, praising the 360-degree camera and in-pocket AI capabilities, but some question how this device delivers any actual usefulness, let alone better versions of humans.

Keywords: HONOR robot phone, Chinese technology, HONOR 360 degree camera, ARRI photography capability