Smartphone's future calling

The annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) technology show has just taken place in Barcelona, showcasing the next wave of smartphone innovations, and here are Technology Editor Dave Snelling's top picks of what's coming our way in 2026

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AI POCKET WATCH

HONOR ROBOT PHONE

Chinese brand Honor grabbed everyone's attention unveiling its peculiar Robot Phone. This quirky device features a smart camera that pops out of the rear case to become an Al companion. The motion-sensing snapper moves around like a human head to track your movement and can vigorously nod or shake if it likes or dislikes something. It even senses music and will dance to the rhythm of the beat, plus it features three-axis gimbal stabilisation for silky smooth video capture. This isn't just a concept either, with Honor promising it will arrive later this year.

YOUR NEW PHOTO GO-TO

XIAOMI 17 ULTRA

Budding photographers might want to add the latest Xiaomi phone to their wishlist.

The new 17 Ultra features a market-leading camera on its rear case that’s powered by technology from the imaging experts at Leica.

Thanks to a new main sensor, it can shoot stunning images during both day and night, and offers an impressive zoom and 4K video recording.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra also features a speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, massive battery with HyperCharge technology and a 6.9in display.

It will go on sale soon, priced at £1,299.

TWIST ON FOLD

HONOR MAGIC V6

Folding phones were back at MWC with Honor unveiling its wafer-thin new Magic V6. This bendable device opens like a book to reveal a huge 7.95in tablet-style display.