Honor Robot: The Smartphone That Wants to Change the Game Before It Even Hits MWC

The unusual Honor Robot smartphone, which looked like a marketing ploy a month ago, has been shown live. At the Honor User Carnival event in China, several samples were presented in glass showcases – in black, white, and gold colors, with cases made of glass and artificial leather. Photo by Squad Leader Huang with a Story

The main feature of Honor Robot is the motorized camera on a miniature robotic arm built into the back of the device. In the usual position, the camera works as a standard module, but when a button is pressed, the entire mechanism extends, transforming the phone into a kind of mobile stabilizer. The main sensor can be used for selfies without turning the smartphone over, and AI tracks the face and automatically frames the scene. The phone can “track” an object while lying on a table or in a shirt pocket, with the stabilizer ensuring smooth video. Photo by Squad Leader Huang with a Story

The most unusual feature is the starry sky shooting mode. The mechanical arm smoothly adjusts the camera’s position, compensating for the movement of the celestial sphere during a long exposure – no other smartphone can do this. Photo by Squad Leader Huang with a Story Photo by Sina Knowledge

Previously it was reported that the phone will debut at the MWC 2026 exhibition in February next year. Perhaps then, the manufacturer will announce plans for the release of the serial version.

Aligning With AI and Automation Trends

This innovation comes amid a broader shift in the smartphone industry towards integrating artificial intelligence and automation. Such features are tailored to enhance user experience by providing seamless functionality, which modern consumers increasingly demand. Market analysis shows that smartphones equipped with AI-driven capabilities are quickly gaining traction due to their ability to offer personalized and predictive user interactions. The Honor Robot, with its motorized AI-enhanced camera module, is following a predicted trajectory towards more advanced, user-centric mobile technologies.

What’s Next for MWC 2026?

Considering the upcoming showcase at MWC 2026, expectations are high for further innovative revelations from the smartphone industry. Industry insiders speculate on the integration of next-gen AI technology that could redefine mobile photography and video capturing standards. The industry’s focus on automation indicates potential expansions in features such as gesture controls, more sophisticated AI scene recognition, and advances in dynamic photography capabilities. The Honor Robot’s debut could serve as a catalyst for these trends, setting a new standard for what smartphones can do.