Footage of futuristic 'robot' phone with AI 'super brain' arrives in time to rival iPhone 7e announcement
The phone can nod and dance along to music, too
A 'robot' phone with an 'AI super brain' is taking the concept of a 'smartphone' to an entirely new level.
Dubbed a 'new species of smartphone,' the Robot Phone was unveiled by Chinese tech company HONOR over the weekend.
The device was displayed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday (March 1), a day before Apple announced its latest model, the iPhone 17e.
HONOR, founded as a sub-brand of Huawei in 2013 before going independent in 2020, also launched its latest foldable smartphone, the Magic V6, as part of the event.
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But the Robot Phone, which looks like a miniature version of Disney Pixar's Wall-E, caught attendees' imaginations.
Footage from UNILAD Tech, which you can watch below, shows the phone's gimbal camera moving of its own accord, as though it is looking around the room.
HONOR says the device's flexible gimbals and highly reactive system 'break through the screen limitations to stay focused on the user, delivering a smooth, real-time communication experience.'
The device can also 'nod' to its owner and bop along to the sound of music, adding a playful - if slightly unsettling - touch.
The Robot Phone's camera tracks subjects as it's filming, so there's no need for someone else to adjust the phone, whether you're in a meeting, recording content or out and about filming adventures for social media.
"Three-axis mechanical stabilization paired with an AI stabilization engine ensures that the camera remains stable even during complex and dynamic camera movements," the company's website explains.
"The system responds to small movements in real time, compensating rapidly."
The gimbal system tucks away into the phone, allowing for easy transportation without adding bulk to the device.
HONOR, which first teased the device in October, said it plans to launch the phone commercially in China in the second half of 2026, as CNBC reports, though global availability has yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Apple launched its iPhone 17e on Monday (March 2), positioning it as a more affordable addition to its flagship lineup.
Available to pre-order from Thursday (March 4), the company claims it's delivering 'incredible value' with faster performance, an advanced camera system, enhanced durability, MagSafe wireless charging and 'double the starting storage at 256GB.'
The devices, available in black, white and soft pink, start at $599 for 256 GB, with a 512 GB option also available.
"iPhone 17e is designed with a durable aluminium frame and has Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, providing 3x better scratch resistance than iPhone 16e," Apple adds.
"Tougher than any smartphone glass, it protects your iPhone so you don’t have to sweat the drops, dings and d’ohs."
The iPhone 17e also has USB‑C for charging.
Last week, Korean phone maker Samsung also released its latest model, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which features a handy privacy screen you can toggle on and off.
Can either of those dance along to music though? Didn't think so...
Topics: Apple, Technology, Phones, iPhone, Artificial Intelligence
Ellie Kemp