We’re on day two of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, and the news cycle is still churning. Within the first day at the Barcelona trade show, we saw ultra-slim phones, unique laptop form factors, and surprise appearances from Samsung and Nothing.
Also: This tri-foldable phone at MWC 2025 is the most bizarre thing I’ve seen yet
But, as is often the case with multi-day events, we’ll likely see and hear more about what’s new in the mobile space. To keep you updated, here’s our roundup of the best products the ZDNET team has seen at MWC. Stay tuned as we refresh this list, bulleted in no particular order, throughout the week.
1. Samsung made a Nintendo Switch that folds
Samsung Display, the Korean giant’s manufacturing arm, often exhibits concepts at trade shows like CES and MWC. This year, in addition to several tri-fold screens and rollable displays, the company showed off what appeared to be a gaming handheld that can fold in half. If the concept’s pocketability wasn’t whimsy enough, Samsung Display clearly hopes that its color choices make up for it.
Also: Are tri-foldable phones the next big thing? I tried one from an upstart brand
We weren’t allowed to hold the concept device, but a spokesperson did show us the folding mechanism in action. By clicking the left and right joysticks to the holes on each opposite end, the center of the display bent, and the two ends snapped together. You’ll have to believe me when I say watching it fold together was very satisfying.
2. Nothing Phone 3a goes Pro – but is still affordable
The Nothing Phone 3a series includes the 3a (left) and 3a Pro (right).
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
It’s officially mid-range phone season, with Apple launching the iPhone 16e, Samsung responding with the Galaxy A-series, Google expected to unveil the Pixel 9a soon, and Nothing pulling the curtains off its 3a series at MWC.
Also: Nothing’s new budget Android phones make Samsung and Apple look bad
While both the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro have nearly identical dimensions — including the same 6.77-inch screen size, 5,000mAh battery capacity, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor — it’s the cameras that make these phones shine, especially on the Pro. The higher end model, which sells for $70 more at $459, features a new 50-megapixel periscope lens that should yield better far-distance and low-light shots.
3. Xiaomi’s 200-megapixel camera can replace a DSLR
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra was one of the best camera phones we tested last year, so expectations were high going into Barcelona. Somehow, Xiaomi managed to release a sequel that’s even more capable, with a new 200-megapixel periscope sensor that excels at capturing portrait photos, distant subjects, and retaining details in low-lit environments. The new camera array is also treated with a more durable and glare-reducing lens cover.
Also: Finally, I found an Android phone that can replace my $3,500 Sony camera
The rest of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a flagship Android through and through, from the 6.7-inch AMOLED display that peaks at 3,200 nits of brightness to the 90W wired and 80W wireless charging rates. HyperOS, Xiaomi’s take on the Android operating system, has also been improved, with smoother animations and a series of AI features, including Gemini on tap.
4. Lenovo’s bright idea for concept laptops
Lenovo isn’t shy about concept devices, especially when a crowd of tech enthusiasts is expected. At this year’s MWC, the computer maker launched a series of in-development products, including a solar-powered Yoga laptop and a ThinkBook with an elongated, flip-out display. They’re both ambitious, possibly unnecessary, and a whole lot of fun to test out, as ZDNET’s Kyle Kucharski and I discovered when demoing the devices ahead of the show.
Also: The 6 most exciting Lenovo laptops from MWC 2025
The key takeaways? The solar-powered Yoga laptop mainly leverages its passive charging capability to extend battery life and not necessarily to fully recharge. The ThinkBook, dubbed ‘Codename Flip’, can be orientated in five different ways, including a presentation mode, a tall-display mode, and even tablet mode. But you’ll just have to settle for its wobbly, glossy screen.
5. A MagSafe-like camera lens accessory
Xiaomi showed off its new Modular Optical System on the Xiaomi 15 smartphone, and as a camera buff, I was intrigued. The phone had a metal ring on the smartphone to which you could attach a custom camera module and zoom lens, and it connected to the device through what Xiaomi calls “laser link technology.”
Also: I tried the viral magnetic camera lens phone at MWC – it did not disappoint
With no wires or connective ports, it simply snaps onto the phone to enable a modular setup. The system uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor or 4/3 image sensor used in mirrorless cameras with a 35mm equivalent focal length. It allows the user to swap out different camera modules quickly and easily without worrying about Bluetooth pairing or Wi-Fi.
6. The slimmest phone on the show floor
Tecno’s newest phone made an impression for its ultrathin body — we’re talking thinner than the upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge, while packing an even more powerful battery. The Tecno Spark Slim is only 5.75mm thick, but it has a 5200mAh battery, eliminating the usual doubts for ultrathin phones: that their batteries are too small.
Also: I saw Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy phone ever at MWC – and it made my devices feel outdated
The Spark Slim also has a 13MP front-facing camera, two 50MP rear cameras, and a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with sleek curved edges and a 144Hz refresh rate. With the impending launch of the rumored iPhone 17 Air, the market for ultrathin smartphones is about to heat up, indeed.
7. An ultraportable Android tablet that looks and feels great
The Honor Pad V9 is the latest tablet from the company to go global, and it packs a lot of utility for the price, as ZDNET’s Maria Diaz reviewed. At around $500 (after conversions), the Pad V9 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Elite chip that handles most work and gaming applications you throw at it. The device is also fitted with a generous 10,100mAh battery that, from our testing, lasts longer than recent iPad models.
Also: Is Samsung sweating yet? Honor just unveiled its ‘Alpha Plan’ at MWC 2025
The Pad V9’s unsung hero is its series of eye-protection features, says Diaz, including one that uses AI to defocus parts of the screen that you’re not staring at to reduce eye strain. This focused rendering technology reminds us of XR/VR headsets that rely on eye-tracking.
8. The first wireless earbuds to run on Wi-Fi
The new Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro are the latest earbuds to feature Qualcomm’s S7 Pro chip — and that’s a big deal. The enhanced silicon allows the earbuds to stream audio via Wi-Fi pairing instead of traditional Bluetooth, resulting in 96kHz or 24-bit lossless audio playback — as long as you’re within the network range of your connected router.
Also: MWC might be all about smartphones, but these two earbuds stole the show for me
Theoretically, Wi-Fi-connected earbuds should be able to stream audio without much hiccuping or stuttering, even if your phone or connected device is a few rooms (or floors) away. The most impressive part is that Xiaomi claims the Buds 5 Pro aren’t consuming any more power when paired via Wi-Fi than if they were paired via Bluetooth.
9. Samsung shows off a true ‘budget’ phone
Samsung kicked off MWC weekend by announcing not one, not two, but three new Galaxy A-series phones, all of which are priced below $500. While not all iPhone users will convert to a Galaxy phone as swiftly as Samsung would hope, it’s not a coincidence that the company is unveiling its mid-range offerings on the same week that Apple is pitching its new $599 iPhone 16e to the masses.
Also: This $399 Samsung Galaxy is the mid-range phone most people should buy
The Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 5G phones sell for $499, $399, and $299, respectively, with the tier list determined by display quality, camera hardware, processor, and material choices. While the best-value phone of the three remains to be determined, it’s safe to say that Samsung has the most price points covered going into the rest of the year.
When is MWC 2025?
MWC 2025 will occur from March 3 to March 6, but manufacturers typically make announcements ahead of the show, leveraging open venues across Barcelona to spotlight their products. While the trade show was built around members of the press, analysts, business partners, and brands, anyone can access the show floor by purchasing a ticket, which costs about $1,028.
