It’s that point of yr when tech journalists from throughout the globe congregate in Barcelona for Cellular World Congress, locals as soon as once more confused by guests clad solely in t-shirts and shorts basking in any trace of sunshine.
Nevertheless, the primary purpose we make the journey is to gawp in any respect the newest cellular tech the most important manufacturers have to supply. From the newest smartphones, tablets, idea units, to wearables and much extra.
As common, we’ve made certain to cowl each sq. inch of MWC 2026 with a view to carry you our ‘Greatest in Present’ awards. These could be telephones you may pre-order proper now, or idea improvements we recognise as bold and vital within the business.
With out additional ado, the winners are…
Honor Magic V6
Chris Corridor / Foundry
We’re a folding telephone struggle in 2026, with extra manufacturers getting into the fray. Honor is one thing of an previous hand right here, launching the Honor Magic V6 at MWC 2026. It’d appear like the Honor Magic V5 in just about each means, however there are a bunch of adjustments to this telephone that make it worthy of your consideration.
Honor is eager to emphasize how sturdy it’s, displaying off the telephone supporting huge weights to reassure consumers that it’s not going to interrupt. However the true headline options are the huge battery, with 6660mAh packed into the body, because of a brand new Blade Battery that enhances the silicon content material, offering big capability for a small bodily measurement.
The 6.52-inch exterior show has a peak brightness of 6000 nits, whereas the inner show measures 7.95-inches and gives 5000 nits – and each shows look nice from what I’ve seen, though the crease is certainly nonetheless seen.
This telephone can be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, making it probably the most highly effective folding telephone in the marketplace – and trumping the Razr Fold, beneath, by a tiny margin. It additionally gives IP69 safety, so it’s properly protected in opposition to mud and water.
So what’s the catch? It’s not really going to be out there in Europe till later in 2026, so these within the telephone will probably be confronted with getting the previous gadget – the Magic V5 – now, or ready for the brand new mannequin to reach.
Honor MagicPad 4
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Not solely was the MagicPad 4 the perfect pill at MWC – although there weren’t precisely hordes of choices – it’d properly be among the finest we see this yr.
It is available in at an impressively slim 4.8mm, making it thinner than the Galaxy Tab S11 Extremely and iPad Professional M5 (each 5.1mm). Arguably, it’s the thinnest pill ever, if we ignore the area of interest and flawed Toall Paper.
It’s additionally solely 450g, however Honor doesn’t scrimp on the options to realize its low weight. It has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, a 12.3-inch OLED display screen with 165Hz refresh fee, 10,100mAh battery, 66W quick charging and lots extra.
There’s additionally a spread of equipment in the event you fancy turning it right into a laptop-like expertise. Oh, and someway, the MagicPad 4 is just £599!
We’ve already scored it a 9/10 in our full Honor MagicPad 4 assessment.
Motorola Razr Fold
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Motorola has expanded its line-up of folding telephones past the Razr clamshell fashions which were out there since 2020. The Razr Fold is the primary book-style gadget from the agency, and if that sounds acquainted, that’s as a result of it was first introduced at CES 2026, however not one of the specs of the telephone had been really shared.
From 11 April you’ll have the ability to order the Razr Fold and it’s an impressive-looking gadget. Priced at £1,799.99 within the UK, it squares up in opposition to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. They’re the identical value, however Motorola has double the storage at 512GB, which isn’t to be sniffed at, particularly in 2026.
Past that, the Razr Fold sticks to typical Motorola design so, when closed, it appears like the remainder of Moto’s units. It’s the primary foldable (or any telephone, in actual fact) to return with Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 for added sturdiness, significantly when dropped.
The specs are additionally remarkably much like the Motorola Signature, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 at its core and the identical digital camera programs, comprising three 50Mp sensors.
The Razr Fold has a 6000mAh battery with 80W charging, in opposition to besting Samsung’s gadget and offering actual competitors. There’s 7 years of software program help too, and whereas the latest addition of Moto AI has dragged Moto’s telephone away from the clear software program expertise it as soon as provided, it’s nonetheless cleaner than Magic OS on Honor’s rival telephone above.
Learn our Motorola Razr Fold hands-on from the present.
Honor Robotic Telephone
Chris Corridor / Foundry
I’d be tempted to say that the Robotic Telephone is an idea, however Honor says that it will likely be out there later in 2026. Once more, this telephone has been seen earlier than – introduced in October 2025 and proven off in a primary dummy state at CES 2026 – however that is the primary time we’ve seen precise working demos.
The Robotic Telephone homes a digital camera mounted on a gimbal that may deploy from the again of the gadget, taking over a cutesy AI companion position. It’s a bit like one thing that may pop-up in a sci-fi film. The digital camera will comply with you across the room, it would reply to what you do and say, whereas interacting with the world round it.
I’ve seen it doing pretty staple items – like providing unbelievable stabilisation and suppleness as a seize gadget – in addition to following you across the room to maintain you in body throughout video calls. But it surely’s the AI aspect of the Robotic Telephone that’s actually fascinating.
It might probably present suggestions about what you’re sporting, it could actually dance alongside to music and extra.
It’s clear that Robotic Telephone remains to be a way from being completed: Honor has stated that it has a 200Mp digital camera, however nothing else up to now. May this transformation the format of smartphones sooner or later? We’ll have to attend and see.
Examine our expertise with the Honor Robotic Telephone from the present.
Xiaomi 17 Extremely
Chris Martin / Foundry
For images followers, the Xiaomi 17 Extremely is about, as soon as once more, to be among the many prime choices. Not solely did it get its international launch at MWC, however we’ve been testing it for a full assessment (coming quickly), so we can provide a extra knowledgeable tackle it than if we’d solely had hands-on time on the present.
There’s additionally a Leica Version (or Leica Leitzphone within the West), however it’s exhausting to fault this ‘common’ Extremely for its mixture of options, efficiency, glorious display screen, battery life and absolutely anything you possibly can need in a telephone.
Just like the Samsung Galaxy S26 fashions, it doesn’t have Qi2 magnets however nonetheless gives a profitable mix of telephone smarts and images prowess. And in contrast to earlier fashions, which had been designed across the digital camera, this one has a extra conventional telephone construct. It’s proven within the gorgeous new Starlit Inexperienced color, now with two completely different Images Kits to select from.
The very best all-rounder flagship of 2026? Fairly presumably.
Nothing Telephone (4a)
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Nothing hasn’t absolutely introduced the Nothing Telephone (4a) but, however that didn’t cease it from making an influence on Cellular World Congress. Nothing is thought for its viral method to advertising and rolling up the aspect of a delivery container exterior the halls of MWC actually drew a crowd (I took pictures after it had calmed down).
The main points on Nothing Telephone (4a) are skinny on the bottom – we all know even much less in regards to the Nothing Telephone (4a) Professional that may launch alongside it – however we all know that it’s going to are available black, white, blue and pink. I’ve to say, I’m fairly taken by the pink and blue choices, which supplies punters some extra vibrant choices than beforehand.
The Nothing Telephone (4a) will probably be revealed on 5 March in London – which is after we’ll have the ability to carry you all the main points – however we’re positively impressed with Nothing’s design. Most telephones on this mid-range section are a bit boring to have a look at, however Nothing has actual geek enchantment with its translucent aesthetic making it award-worthy on this respect on the present.
We don’t know the precise costs or specs but, however primarily based on earlier A-series units from Nothing, we’d count on it to rank properly among the many greatest mid-range telephones.
Xiaomi Pad 8 Professional
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Xiaomi’s Pad 8 Professional shoots for the moon with a premium gadget that may solely actually be seen as a challenger for the Apple iPad Professional. It has an 11.2-inch show in a 5.75mm thick aluminium physique, designed for productiveness on the transfer.
It’s not solely new, because it was introduced for China final September, however now makes its international debut, so it’s new to us. It runs Snapdragon 8 Elite {hardware}, so it’s positively a strong pill. That’s backed by an enormous 9200mAh battery with speedy 67W quick charging.
The show is spectacular and this can be a traditional instance of Xiaomi throwing every part into the {hardware} aspect of the gadget, whereas it’s supported by a full vary of equipment, together with a keyboard case that’s much like Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Whereas some could be perturbed by the software program expertise that comes from HyperOS, it’s exhausting to smell on the £529 asking value for this gadget – particularly because it’s already discounted to £449. That’s considerably cheaper than Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11, which might be the place the curiosity will lie.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely was one other gadget that drew a crowd at MWC 2026. It was unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked final week, together with the remainder of the vary, however MWC was the primary time it was proven off in public.
The Galaxy S26 Extremely takes one in every of Android’s prime units and strikes it a step ahead. There’s a brand new design so that every one the telephones in Samsung’s prime flight match, whereas there’s new {hardware} within the type of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Elsewhere, the cameras have a minor tweak, however not considerably.
So what’s actually set tongues wagging? The Privateness Show. That’s the brand new world-first, headline function that may maintain the content material of your telephone non-public from “shoulder surfers” when out in public. It makes use of a intelligent system that turns off huge space pixels in order that solely the particular person immediately in entrance of the display screen could make out the main points. I’ve tried it and it actually works.
In any other case, Samsung followers will probably be happy to listen to that the 7 years of replace coverage continues, with this telephone launching on One UI 8.5 – a clean remodeling of Android that many would vote as the perfect model of Android on the market. We’ll see after we full our full assessment very quickly.
Tecno Modular Smartphone Idea
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Tecno is a model that’s recognized for its disruptive units. They typically look vaguely acquainted, taking cues from different common telephones, however going a bit thinner or a bit extra excessive. However within the Modular Smartphone Idea, Tecno has one thing actually fascinating.
Initially, it’s an idea, however there was an actual really feel of high quality to the units on Tecno’s stand. We’ve seen loads of makes an attempt at modular telephones earlier than by way of the likes of Undertaking Ara, with none cracking the code, however Techno would possibly lastly have accomplished it.
Reasonably than this being about switching out the processor when it will get previous, what Tecno is proposing is a core telephone that may then be closely accessorised. And we’re speaking far more than only a magnetic energy financial institution, which many telephones can do already.
Right here you may add numerous digital camera modules to get the precise gadget that you really want, whereas among the choices are much less thrilling, like an enormous clip to connect it to your bag. You’ll be able to even stack them on prime of one another moderately than simply selecting separately.
What we don’t have in the mean time is any actual element in regards to the core telephone itself. Whereas it’s splendidly slim, in the event you instantly have to make use of the battery pack to get probably the most out of it, you would possibly as properly purchase a Samsung as an alternative.
Whether or not this finally goes on sale or not stays to be seen, however we’d wish to see Techo give it a go.
Anker Prime Wi-fi Charging Station
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Generally comfort is what you want, whether or not you’re at house or travelling, and the Anker Prime Wi-fi Charging Station is an ideal instance of this form of gadget. This charger combines 25W MagSafe charging, a dock on your Apple Watch and area on your AirPods.
It means one connection to a powerpack and charging for all of your Apple units. Whereas that’s nothing new, this Anker accent folds up, so it’s actually handy to throw in a backpack if you’re travelling. Meaning you gained’t should compromise on charging.
There’s an built-in fan to make sure that the Qi2.2 25W will be delivered constantly, which is absolutely quiet, so it gained’t disturb you when utilizing it on a bedside. It additionally appears nice.
It’s not low cost, nonetheless, at the moment listed as $149.99 within the US and €159.99 in Europe. It’s out there in lots of areas to purchase now.
Xiaomi Watch 5
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Smartwatches had been skinny on the bottom at MWC. Actually, we didn’t see a single new wrist/hand-worn wearable aside from the Xiaomi Watch 5. It launched in China in December 2025, however is now making the transfer to international availability, very like the agency’s different units on the present.
What’s notable about this mannequin is that it’s Put on OS 6, moderately than Xiaomi’s HyperOS software program. That’s going to instantly widen the enchantment for these searching for a Pixel Watch 4 various.
There’s a vibrant 1.54-inch AMOLED show on the entrance, a chrome steel physique and energy coming from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5, a chip designed particularly for wearable units.
There’s a stack of well being options to trace your coronary heart exercise and train, with all the conventional sports activities lined. But it surely’s the tight integration with Google that’s extra thrilling, as a result of every part ought to be a bit extra seamless with out having to make use of extra apps from Xiaomi.
It contains a digital crown and management button, whereas the strap is 3D printed. I discovered it to be good and lightweight. The Xiaomi Watch 5 is £269.99, so it’s not fairly the cut price that a few of Xiaomi’s watches have been previously, most likely due to the change in software program.
Legion Go Fold Idea
Chris Corridor / Foundry
Lenovo isn’t any stranger to experimental units – we’ve seen laptops with screens that fold out, we’ve seen rotating screens and we’ve seen laptops with shows the place we’d count on to see a keyboard. However Lenovo can be a participant within the cellular gaming area with the Legion Go.
The Legion Go Fold Idea sees these worlds collide, with a folding pill that’s a devoted gaming gadget, with clip-on controllers just like the Nintendo Change 2. It begins off wanting like an everyday gaming handheld, however then unfolding the 7.7-inch show reveals an 11.6-inch display screen as an alternative.
The controllers will be hooked up to both aspect of the display screen, so you may have portrait or panorama orientation for the Home windows-based gadget. You’ll be able to even have one thing else on the opposite half of the display screen, in the event you favor.
There’s an Intel Core Extremely 7, with 32GB RAM, whereas the display screen will be deployed in quite a few other ways for max flexibility. Whether or not players will forgo the solidity of one thing just like the Legion Go 2 for this versatile show stays to be seen, however it’s a cool concept regardless.
TCL Nxtpaper AMOLED Idea
Chris Corridor / Foundry
TCL’s Nxtpaper telephones are recognized for his or her skill to chop out reflections, which means a glare-free expertise. That’s not solely higher on your eyes, lowering pressure, however it means the telephone stays seen underneath the harshest sunshine. There’s even a change on some units just like the 50 Professional Nxtpaper to maneuver to a mode extra like an eReader.
However up to now, Nxtpaper telephones and tablets have been primarily based on LCD know-how and, whereas the glare-free is expertise is nice, it doesn’t fairly have the punch that rivals with AMOLED screens supply. At MWC 2026, TCL was displaying off the NXTpaper AMOLED idea, which strikes this tech in a brand new course.
The outcomes are nice too: I investigated the demo units on the stand and located the screens to have a pleasant vibrancy to them and higher colors than I’ve seen on earlier NXTpaper telephones.
This know-how isn’t in a product but – maybe IFA 2026 will see a launch – however whereas the acknowledged 3200 nits brightness will probably be welcomed, it’s more likely to include fairly a value improve.