Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 has already kicked off with a wave of new product announcements, even before the event officially begins on March 2. Among the highlights are Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica on a new smartphone, Honor’s ultra-thin MagicPad 4, and Tecno’s modular concept device. These launches underscore the ongoing evolution of mobile technology and the increasing role of AI in consumer electronics.

Xiaomi and Leica’s New Smartphone

Xiaomi announced the global launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a smartphone that was first introduced in China in December. The phone is now rolling out in Europe, though its availability in the U.S. remains uncertain. The 17 Ultra features a 1-inch 50-megapixel camera sensor with a f/1.67 lens, a 200MP telephoto setup, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. It also includes a manual zoom ring around the camera unit, a feature that has become a signature of Xiaomi’s photography-focused devices.

The 17 Ultra has a 6.9-inch OLED 120 Hz display with a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, and a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. It starts at £1,299 (approximately $1,750). Xiaomi has once again partnered with Leica to enhance the phone’s photography capabilities, a collaboration that has become a key selling point in the smartphone market.

Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi

Leica also announced a new phone in partnership with Xiaomi, the Leitzphone by Xiaomi. The device closely resembles the Xiaomi 17 Ultra but is designed specifically for Leica’s brand identity. It features a 1-inch camera sensor and a mechanical ring around the camera unit for manual zoom and settings. The phone includes a Leica-designed camera interface that allows users to focus on the essentials when taking photos, with options to hide advanced modes and labels.

The Leitzphone by Xiaomi also includes monochrome shooting mode and Leica filters. It has the same specs as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 6.9-inch 120Hz display. The price tag is set at €1,999 (approximately $2,362), positioning it as a premium device.

Honor’s MagicPad 4: The World’s Thinnest Android Tablet

Honor announced the MagicPad 4, which it claims is the thinnest Android tablet in the world at 4.8mm thick. The device will be revealed in more detail at Honor’s press conference on Sunday. The MagicPad 4 features a 12.3-inch 165Hz OLED display and weighs just 450g. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset.

The tablet has 13MP rear and 9MP front cameras, and includes spatial audio with eight speakers. However, the 4.8mm thickness does not include the camera bump, according to Honor. The MagicPad 4 has a 10,100 mAh battery and comes with a 66W fast charger. It will run Honor’s MagicOS 10, and the company has not yet announced its price, but details are expected after the press conference.

Honor is also expected to showcase its robot at the event, continuing its push into the robotics market. The MagicPad 4’s thin design and powerful specs highlight the growing demand for lightweight yet high-performance tablets in the consumer market.

Tecno’s Modular Concept Phone

Tecno revealed a modular concept smartphone at MWC 2026, which can be as thin as 4.9mm in its base configuration. The device uses Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology (MMIT) to connect various modules, including camera lenses, gaming attachments, and a power bank. The company announced that users can choose from 10 different modules, allowing for a highly customizable device.

Tecno’s concept phone demonstrates the potential for modular smartphones to offer greater flexibility and customization, a trend that has gained traction in recent years. While still in the concept stage, the design could influence future product development in the industry.

As MWC 2026 continues through March 5, more announcements are expected, including updates on AI advancements, new laptops, and other gadgets. The event provides a crucial platform for tech companies to showcase their latest innovations and set the tone for the coming year in mobile technology.