Strange but cool – 7 unusual gadgets of MWC 2026 / Collage of Channel 24
The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has traditionally become a place where manufacturers show not only flagship smartphones, but also experimental gadgets. At MWC 2026, you could see a lot of unusual devices: from ultra-thin modular phones to smartphones with survival features and new approaches to artificial intelligence right in the phone.
- 1 Tecno Ultra-Slim Modular Smartphone
- 2 Huawei MatePad compact tablet
- 3 Oukitel protected smartphone with lighter function
- 4 AGI – artificial intelligence that controls a smartphone
- 5 Honor Robot Phone
- 6 Vivo X300 Ultra with professional video kit
- 7 TCL showed a new type of NXTPAPER AMOLED display
We love unusual devices and extraordinary solutions, and at exhibitions such as MWC it is not uncommon to come across unusual smartphones. 24 Channel has selected several devices whose manufacturers have implemented their most daring ideas.
Tecno's ultra-thin modular smartphone
Tecno came to the show with the new Camon and POVA 8 models, but the most attention was drawn to an experimental smartphone. Its thickness is only 4.9 mm, making it one of the thinnest devices on display at the show.
But the main feature is the modular design. Additional modules are attached to the back of the smartphone using a magnetic connection, which expands the capabilities of the device.
Among the accessories shown are a large telephoto lens with 20x optical zoom, an additional battery, an external microphone, and even a walkie-talkie module.
Photo of the Tecno modular smartphone
Photo PocketIn
This approach is reminiscent of Google's old experiment – Project Ara, which also planned to create modular smartphones, but in the end this idea ended up in the graveyard of canceled Google projects.
Huawei MatePad compact tablet
Huawei traditionally has a large booth at MWC, and this year the company brought several new devices. Among them, the MatePad Mini tablet stood out.
The device has an 8.8-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The dimensions of the case are 198.59×127.27×5.1 mm, which makes it compact and very thin. The tablet has a matte display, a metal frame, and a 6400 mAh battery with support for 66 W fast charging.
You can find the full set of specifications of the gadget on the device page on the GSMArena portal.
Huawei MatePad photo
Photo PocketIn
It runs on HarmonyOS instead of Android. The format of such a device could be convenient for travel – for example, for watching videos on a plane without having to take a laptop with you.
Oukitel protected smartphone with lighter function
Oukitel, known for its rugged phones, showed one of the most unusual new products at the exhibition – the WP63 smartphone.
The device is equipped with a 20,000 mAh battery that can charge other gadgets. But the main feature is a built-in electric lighter . It works on the principle of a car lighter and can be used to start a fire while camping, explains AndroidAuthority.
Photo Oukitel WP63
PCMag Photo by Eric Zeman
In addition, the smartphone has a powerful camping flashlight and a loud emergency speaker. In fact, it is designed as a tool for survival in the field.
AGI – artificial intelligence that controls a smartphone
A new development from AGI Inc. attracted special attention at the exhibition. It is working on an artificial intelligence system that will be able to perform tasks on a smartphone instead of the user. At MWC, the company announced a collaboration with Qualcomm.
This will allow AI models to run directly on Snapdragon-powered smartphones without the need for the cloud. This approach means faster performance and greater privacy. For example, a user can ask their phone to find a gift, compare prices on different websites, and make a purchase.
The exact launch date has not yet been announced, but the company is already working on implementing the technology.
Honor Robot Phone
Honor showed off several new products, including the Magic V6 foldable and the MagicPad 4 tablet. However, the most unusual device was the Robot Phone. The smartphone has a camera mounted on a three-axis mount on the back. This stabilization system helps to shoot smooth videos even while moving.
In addition, the camera can track the user and automatically keep them in the frame during filming or video calls. The smartphone also has entertainment features – it can react to its surroundings, nod and even “dance” to music. Honor plans to release the device in the second half of 2026.
Honor Robot Phone – watch the video:
Vivo X300 Ultra with professional video kit
Vivo showcased its upcoming flagship X300 Ultra at the exhibition, but did so in an unusual way – as part of a special video set. The smartphone will receive a 200MP Sony LYT-901 main sensor.
Also announced is support for 4K video recording at 120 frames per second in 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats on all cameras. Along with the phone, a professional set of accessories was shown: a special holder, a cooling fan, LED backlight and other elements that turn the smartphone into a small video camera, Vivo says on the smartphone's website.
Vivo X300 Ultra Photos
Photo by Mashable
The full specifications of the device have not yet been revealed, but a global release is expected later this year.
TCL showed a new type of NXTPAPER AMOLED display
TCL brought a concept smartphone to the exhibition with a new type of screen – NXTPAPER AMOLED. NXTPAPER technology is known for imitating the paper surface of the display and reducing eye strain by reducing blue light. However, previously such screens were inferior to AMOLED in image quality.
Note A1 NXTPAPER / Photo engadget
The new approach combines both technologies: the vibrant colors and high brightness of AMOLED with the eye comfort and anti-glare effect of NXTPAPER, explains engadget.
So far, TCL has only shown a concept, but the company is already working on a commercial device with such a display.