Chinese smartphone brand Honor has revealed a new concept phone with a built-in robotic camera arm, as it tries to stand out in a crowded global market. The company also introduced its latest foldable device and briefly teased a humanoid robot during its event at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
The new device, called the Honor Robot Phone, features a small motorised camera that pops out from the back of the phone. Unlike regular smartphone cameras, this one can physically move.
The robotic camera can automatically follow a person or object. If someone walks across the room, the camera tracks them without needing manual adjustment. It can also respond to voice commands through Honor’s AI assistant. For example, the camera can nod up and down to signal “yes” or shake slightly to signal “no.”
The camera folds neatly back into the phone when not in use. Honor first showed this idea in October last year. The company now says it plans to launch the device commercially in China during the second half of this year.
The design appears aimed at video creators and users who want hands-free shooting without external gimbals, reports CNBC.
Trying to break through the competition
Honor became an independent company after separating from Huawei in 2020. Since then, it has been pushing hard into the premium smartphone space, competing with major brands like Samsung and Apple.
The Robot Phone is part of that strategy. Many smartphones today look similar. By adding a robotic camera arm, Honor is trying to give buyers a strong reason to upgrade.
However, analysts believe this device may be more about creating buzz than driving large sales numbers. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president at IDC, told CNBC that while the product shows innovation, it could be difficult to sell if it is expensive or bulky.
Honor currently ranks sixth in China’s smartphone market, with just over 13% market share, according to Counterpoint Research.
In Europe, its share is much smaller — about 3% in 2025, based on Omdia data. While Honor did enter Europe’s top five smartphone brands recently, much of that growth has come from lower-priced models rather than premium devices.
Magic V6: Honor’s latest foldable
Alongside the Robot Phone, Honor introduced the Magic V6, its newest foldable smartphone.
Samsung currently leads the foldable market with its Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Honor is trying to challenge that dominance with thinner designs and larger batteries.
The Magic V6 measures just 8.75 mm when folded shut, making it slimmer than its previous model. That thickness is comparable to a standard high-end smartphone.
The Magic V6 will go on sale in China in March, with international markets expected later this year. Pricing details have not yet been announced.
A glimpse at a humanoid robot
Honor also briefly showed its first humanoid robot during the event. The company shared very limited information, but said the robot is designed for shopping assistance, workplace inspections, and companion support.
This move places Honor among a growing number of Chinese companies exploring robotics.
