MWC(Mobile World Congress) is one of the largest and well known events in the mobile tech industry. The first day of MWC kicked off in Barcelona which brings a wave of exciting innovations, futuristic concept devices and some game changing announcements.
From solar powered smartphones to modular camera systems, the MWC 2025 has already given us a glimpse into the future of technology. Lets have a look at some of the biggest highlights from Day 1 of MWC 2025.
Solar-Powered Smartphones
Sustainability is now on the forefront in the smartphone business, and Infinix broke new ground when it revealed a solar powered concept smartphone. Though solar charging in consumer electronics has been tried and tested before, the design of Infinix brings a solar panel to the back of the device which can produce 2W of energy.
This may not be sufficient for complete charging, but it is an emergency backup option enabling users to prolong battery life when conventional charging options are not available. The concept of this innovation is to minimize reliance on electrical charging and also assist in environmentally friendly smartphone design. This technology, if developed further, could result in self sufficient mobile devices at some point in the future.
Samsung Revives the A-Series with Affordable Powerhouses
Samsung has finally launched its 2025 A-series lineup which includes the Galaxy A56, A36 and A26 series. These devices follow the tradition of Samsung by offering premium features at mid range prices.
The A56 is the most powerful of the trio that comes with a 6.7 inches 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera and 45W fast charging which makes it an excellent option for users seeking a flagship set of specs at an affordable price. The device is priced at $499 and it competes directly with brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi in the mid range segment.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy A36 and A26 offer similar Full HD 120Hz displays but at lower price points of $399 and $299. With a focus on affordable performance Samsung is ensuring that users on a budget do not have to compromise on speed or display quality.
TCL’s RayNeo X3 Pro AR Glasses – The Future of Augmented Reality
As Augmented reality is evolving rapidly and TCL showcased its latest RayNeo X3 Pro AR glasses at MWC 2025. It features a micro LED display with 2,500 nits of brightness making it one of the brightest AR displays on the market.
One of its standout features is multimodal AI assistance that enables real time translation, voice commands and navigation assistance. This could be a game changer for travelers, professionals and content creators looking for hands free smart solutions.
However, its major challenge would be battery life. Once the battery drops below 10% key features will stop working and the usability will be limited.
Honor Magic 5 Ultra – A Smartwatch with 15-Day Battery Life
Smartwatches are known for their short battery life, but the new Magic 5 Ultra of Honor aims to change that. The device has a 15 day battery life which makes it one of the longest lasting smartwatches available.
It has a high resolution AMOLED display, advanced fitness tracking and premium design making it a strong competitor to Apple and Samsung’s wearables. With consumers demanding longer lasting devices, the focus on extended battery performance of Honor could set a new standard in the smartwatch industry.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Xiaomi has launched Xiaomi 15 Ultra which brings a unique retro inspired design device with an unparalleled level of performance. Backed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 16GB of RAM, the phone is intended for gaming enthusiasts and mobile gamers..
It is priced at €1,499, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra competes with Samsung and Apple’s flagship offerings. However, the biggest disappointment for fans is that there is no confirmed U.S. release. While European and Asian markets will have access to this high end device, the presence of Xiaomi in the U.S. remains limited.
Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System
Xiaomi has set the pace for smartphone photography innovation for several years and at MWC 2025 unveiled a thrilling new concept, the Modular Optical System (MOS). It enables people to add external camera modules to their smartphones using a rear mounted magnetic ring.
This idea is also similar to pro cameras which have interchangeable lenses depending on requirements. By offering users the freedom to add expert lenses without enhancing the size of the phone, Xiaomi is exposing new avenues to smartphone photography.
Whether it is a telephoto lens for distant subjects or a broader module for wider shots, MOS could introduce the kind of diversity found in professional DSLRs in mobile photography.
Lenovo’s ThinkBook “Codename Flip” – A New Era of 2-in-1 Laptops
Lenovo has a history of trying out radical laptop designs and this year it revealed a concept device that might revolutionize the 2-in-1 segment. The ThinkBook Codename Flip is a 13 inch notebook that unfolds into an 18 inch vertical OLED screen. Unlike current foldable or dual screen laptops that need a kickstand this one stands on its own, and it is a game changer for work and play.
The 2000 x 2664 pixel display with a 3:4 aspect ratio optimizes vertical usage for professionals reading documents, typing code or surfing the net. While still in the experimental phase, the ongoing drive for innovation of Lenovo speaks of a world where laptops conform easily to whatever need the user has.
Lenovo Solar powered Yoga Laptop
Lenovo is pushing the boundaries of laptop design with its latest concepts unveiled at MWC 2025! One standout is the Yoga Solar PC, a prototype featuring a solar panel built into the lid to extend battery life using any light source. While it works best in direct sunlight, this innovative concept could revolutionize outdoor productivity by reducing our reliance on power outlets.
Although there’s no guarantee the Yoga Solar PC will hit the market, Lenovo has a track record of bringing concepts to life. Remember the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 with its rollable OLED display? First shown as a concept at MWC 2023, it’s now set to launch in June 2025 for $3,499 (around Rs 3,05,490). This suggests that Lenovo’s solar-powered laptop might have a bright future ahead!
What’s Next at MWC 2025?
The first day of MWC 2025 was filled with thrilling announcements, highlighting the future of mobile technology, laptops, wearables and AR innovation. The companies are not just looking at performance enhancements but also at sustainability, modularity and longer usability.
With even bigger announcements on the horizon in the next few days such as AI laptops, foldable phones and next generation gaming devices, the remainder of MWC 2025 is sure to be just as exciting.
Keep an eye out for more news!
