Top 15 Smartphones That Impressed at MWC 2025
Every year, the Mobile World Congress showcases the latest developments from smartphone manufacturers and the innovations that will shape the future of mobile technology. This year was no exception, with standout devices ranging from the slimmest smartphone to models equipped with massive cameras. To highlight the key releases, here’s a roundup of the top smartphones unveiled at MWC 2025.
1. HMD’s Teen-Focused Smartphone
Kicking off MWC 2025, HMD unveiled the Fusion X1, a smartphone developed in collaboration with Xplora, specifically targeting a teenage audience. This device boasts integrated parental controls that empower parents to oversee their children's internet and social media activities.
The Fusion X1 also features real-time location tracking, updating every 20 seconds, and a dedicated School mode designed to help students concentrate during study hours. Parents can easily manage the device through the accompanying Xplora app on their own smartphones.
2. Samsung’s 2025 A-Series with 6-Year Update Support
Samsung made headlines at MWC by unveiling their latest A-series smartphones, including the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. Each of these models comes equipped with the new One UI 7, featuring exciting Galaxy AI capabilities such as Best Face, an enhanced object removal tool, and Circle to Search.
All three devices sport a generous 6.7-inch display, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Pricing starts at $499 for the Galaxy A56, $399 for the A36, and $299 for the A26.
3.Xiaomi 15 Ultra Shines with a 200MP Periscope Camera
At the Mobile World Congress 2025, Xiaomi made headlines with the launch of the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The Ultra model stood out, featuring an impressive 200MP periscope camera—one of the highest resolutions available in a smartphone.
In addition to this stunning camera technology, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra sports an outstanding camera setup that stands up to the best in the industry, paired with a range of flagship features. The starting price for the 16+512GB model across Europe is 1,499 Euros.
4. Realme's Interchangeable Lens Concept Phone Takes Center Stage
At MWC 2025, we were particularly excited to see Realme's concept phone featuring interchangeable lenses. This unique smartphone blurs the boundaries between a traditional phone and a mirrorless camera, featuring an impressive 1-inch CMOS sensor alongside a system for swapping out lenses.
Users can attach a variety of lenses, including 73mm and 234mm telephoto options, enabling them to capture stunning images with rich detail and a pleasing bokeh effect. However, it's important to note that this remains a concept model, with no clear indication of when or if it will be available to consumers.
5. Nothing Unveils Phone (3a) Series with Enhanced Camera Features
After a month of anticipation, Nothing has officially revealed their latest devices at MWC. The Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are midrange smartphones that maintain the design principles of the popular Phone (2a), while featuring a larger display, better performance, and upgraded camera systems.
The Nothing Phone (3a) is equipped with a 50MP 2x telephoto camera, while the Phone (3a) Pro features an innovative 50MP 3x Periscope sensor, a first for this category. As per their pricing strategy, the Phone (3a) starts at $379, with the Pro model priced at $459.
6. Tecno Introduces the Slimmest Smartphone in the World
In a stunning reveal at the MWC, Tecno introduced the Tecno Spark Slim, which claims the title of the world's thinnest smartphone. At just 5.75mm thick and weighing only 146 grams.
The device features a dual 50MP camera on the back, complemented by glowing LEDs around the sensors that create an eye-catching TRON-like effect. With this device, the company managed to beat both Samsung and Apple as they are said to come out with their slim flagships this year.
7. Tecno Unveils Its Concept for a Triple-Folding Phone
At the Mobile World Congress, Tecno presented its innovative concept for a triple-folding smartphone. The Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 Tri-Fold features a compact 6.48-inch diagonal screen when folded, which expands to a 10.1-inch tablet size when opened.
The device incorporates an advanced hinge design that is purported to endure over 300,000 folds. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain if this concept will become a reality soon.
8. TCL 60 Series Offers Affordable E-Ink-Like Experience
In premium smartphones, TCL introduced its 60 series, featuring a lineup of budget-friendly devices. This collection includes six models: TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G, TCL 60 SE NxtPaper 5G, TCL 60 NxtPaper (non-SE), TCL 605, TCL 60 SE, and TCL 60 5G.
The key feature of the NxtPaper models is their E-Ink-like display, which has a 120Hz refresh rate. With the Max Ink mode, these devices can last up to a week on a single charge. Pricing for this new series starts at 109 Euros and goes up to 199 Euros.
9. Nubia’s Funky Focus 2 Ultra Features a Rotating Camera Ring
Nubia recently impressed attendees at MWC with the launch of their Focus 2 Ultra smartphone. This device stands out due to its innovative rotatable camera ring placed around the rear cameras. Users can easily zoom in and out, switch between presets, and adjust the aperture by rotating the ring. Additionally, the smartphone has a dedicated shutter button and a customizable shortcut key, allowing quick access to the camera, sound modes, voice recorder, or flashlight features.
10. Infinix Teases Solar Charging Phones
This year, we’ve seen a surge in technology that uses solar power for charging, from Lenovo's solar charging laptop to the innovative Anker Solix cloak. Infinix has decided to join the trend by unveiling a solar charging smartphone, along with a case featuring solar panels on the back.
The phone can charge at a rate of 2 watts, which helps to significantly increase its standby time. The case, touted by Infinix as using Solar Energy-Reserving technology, incorporates solar cells made from a material known as Perovskite. During the reveal, the company displayed the case fitted onto a prototype phone, with designated contact points for transferring electrical energy.
11. Infinix Flexes at MWC with a Tri-Fold Smartphone
This year, many companies are exploring how to harness solar energy for charging, from Lenovo's solar-powered laptop to Anker's advanced Solix cloak. Infinix decided to join the trend by unveiling a solar charging phone and a solar panel-equipped case.
The phone charges at a rate of 2 watts, which is sufficient to significantly extend its standby time. The accompanying case employs Solar Energy-Reserving technology, using solar cells made from a mineral known as Perovskite. During the event, Infinix showcased the case paired with a prototype device that has contact points for efficient energy transfer.
12. Tecno POVA 7 Features a Dynamic E-Ink Back
Tecno made quite an impression at the Barcelona trade show, showcasing not only the Spark Slim and a concept for a triple-folding device but also unveiling the prototype of the Tecno POVA 7. One standout feature of this phone is its E-ink back panel.
This technology, known as "Display Electronic Slurry Technology" or DES, involves suspending pigments in plasma rather than air. What does this mean for users? You can easily change the design on the back of the phone in the same way you would update your phone’s wallpaper.
13. Oukitel Breaks New Ground with Dual Display Smartphone
We’ve entered truly unique territory with the Oukitel WP200 Pro. This smartphone features a unique smaller display on its rear, a concept we've seen in some form, like on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra.
What's truly innovative, however, is that you can detach the back display to use it as a fully functional smartwatch. This is not a playful hoax but a genuine offering from Oukitel. The smartwatch, housed within the phone, comes equipped with its own set of apps and features, including sleep tracking and a step counter.
14. Mudita Kompakt made a entrance at MWC 2025
The Polish startup Mudita made its mark at MWC 2025 with the unveiling of its Mudita Kompakt smartphone. This smartphone features a compact e-ink display designed to help users disengage from the incessant notifications and endless scrolling that come with typical smartphones. The device is equipped with a 3,300 mAh battery and allows for dual SIM card usage, enabling it to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot as well.
15. This 33,000mAh Smartphone Also Functions as a Projector
To wrap up our list, we present one of the most unique smartphones we encountered at MWC: the Oukitel WP100 Titan. This phone packs a ridiculous 33,000 mAh battery, which is enough to recharge your iPhone around ten times. Unsurprisingly, this phone is quite substantial in terms of design and weight due to its extensive engineering.
So, what can you do with such a massive battery? For starters, it features a camping light capable of emitting up to 1200 lumens, which can also be used to signal for help. Additionally, it comes equipped with a built-in projector, perfect for outdoor movie nights. And who knows, there might even be enough power left over to charge your smartphone or smartwatch hybrid during your adventures.
That brings us to the end of our roundup of the most impressive smartphones we discovered at MWC 2025. If you're interested, we've also compiled extensive lists covering the most exciting AI announcements, innovations, and concepts showcased at the event. As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
