Gadgets

Top Innovations: Tech Advisor’s Picks from MWC 2026

Published

5 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Every year, tech journalists from around the world gather in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress, where locals are often surprised by visitors wearing t-shirts and shorts in search of sunshine.

However, the main attraction of the event is the latest mobile technology showcased by the biggest brands in the industry. From cutting-edge smartphones and tablets to innovative concept devices and wearables, there’s something for everyone.

As always, we have thoroughly covered every corner of MWC 2026 to bring you our ‘Best in Show’ awards. These awards highlight devices that are either available for pre-order or represent significant advancements and ambitions in the tech industry.

Honor Magic V6

Chris Hall / Foundry

The Honor Magic V6 is making waves in the world of folding phones in 2026, with Honor launching this innovative device at MWC. Although it bears a resemblance to its predecessor, the Honor Magic V5, the Magic V6 features several upgrades that make it a standout device.

One of the key highlights of the Magic V6 is its robustness, demonstrated by the phone’s ability to support heavy weights, ensuring durability. Additionally, the phone boasts a massive 6660mAh battery, thanks to the new Blade Battery technology, which enhances silicon content to provide substantial battery capacity in a compact form.

Featuring a 6.52-inch external display with a peak brightness of 6000 nits and a 7.95-inch internal display with 5000 nits, the Magic V6 offers stunning visuals, although the crease is still visible. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, it stands out as the most powerful folding phone on the market, surpassing competitors like the Razr Fold.

Furthermore, the Magic V6 offers IP69 protection, making it resistant to dust and water. However, the device won’t be available in Europe until later in 2026, presenting potential buyers with a choice between the current model, the Magic V5, or waiting for the new and improved Magic V6.

Honor MagicPad 4

Jon Mundy / Foundry

The MagicPad 4 from Honor stood out as the top tablet at MWC, despite limited options in this category. It may well be one of the best tablets to hit the market this year.

Boasting an impressively slim design at 4.8mm, the MagicPad 4 is thinner than competitors like the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and iPad Pro M5. It weighs only 450g but doesn’t compromise on features, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, a 12.3-inch OLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 10,100mAh battery, 66W fast charging, and more.

For those looking to enhance their experience, there are various accessories available to transform the MagicPad 4 into a laptop-like setup. Priced at just £599, it offers great value for money.

Our full review of the Honor MagicPad 4 has already earned it a high score of 9/10.

Motorola Razr Fold

Motorola has expanded its range of folding phones beyond the Razr clamshell models with the introduction of the Razr Fold, the first book-style device from the company. Priced at £1,799.99 in the UK, the Razr Fold competes against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, offering double the storage at 512GB.

The Razr Fold maintains Motorola’s signature design when closed, resembling the brand’s other devices. It features Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 for enhanced durability and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, along with similar camera systems to the Motorola Signature, including three 50MP sensors.

With a 6000mAh battery and 80W charging capability, the Razr Fold outperforms Samsung’s device in terms of battery life and charging speed. Additionally, it offers 7 years of software support and features Moto AI, providing a cleaner software experience compared to competitors.

Our hands-on experience with the Motorola Razr Fold at the show provided insights into its impressive features and capabilities.

Honor Robot Phone

Chris Hall / Foundry

The Honor Robot Phone, although initially thought to be a concept, is set to be available later in 2026. This device was previously announced in October 2025 and showcased in a basic form at CES 2026, but it is now being demonstrated as a fully functional device.

Featuring a camera mounted on a gimbal that can extend from the back of the device, the Robot Phone takes on a unique AI companion role, offering interactive and engaging features. With a 200Mp camera and advanced AI capabilities, the Robot Phone can provide stabilization, follow users, and even interact with its surroundings.

With innovative features like outfit feedback, music synchronization, and more, the Robot Phone showcases the future of smartphone technology and AI integration. While still in development, it has the potential to redefine the smartphone landscape.

Our experience with the Honor Robot Phone at the show provided a glimpse into the exciting possibilities of this futuristic device.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Chris Martin / Foundry

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, recently launched at MWC, is poised to be one of the top choices for photography enthusiasts. With its global debut at the event, we had the opportunity to test it extensively for an upcoming review, providing valuable insights into its features and performance.

Featuring a Leica Edition and a stunning Starlit Green color option, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers a winning combination of features, performance, exceptional screen quality, long battery life, and everything one could desire in a smartphone.

While lacking Qi2 magnets, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra maintains a perfect balance of smart capabilities and photography excellence. Unlike its predecessors, which focused primarily on the camera, this model boasts a more traditional phone design, complemented by two Photography Kits to choose from.

Could the Xiaomi 17 Ultra be the best flagship device of 2026? It certainly seems to be a strong contender.