Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has once again brought together some of the biggest names in the tech industry to showcase their latest innovations. Taking place in Barcelona, the event featured groundbreaking advancements in mobile technology, from powerful flagship smartphones to budget-friendly models and even experimental concept devices. With AI-powered imaging, unique designs, and high-end collaborations, this year’s MWC introduced some of the most exciting smartphones of the year. Here’s a closer look at the best smartphones that we spotted at the event.
MWC25 standout mobile phones
1. HONOR Magic7 Pro and Magic7 RSR Porsche Design
HONOR made a strong impact at MWC 2025 with its latest flagship, the Magic7 Pro, alongside the ultra-premium Magic7 RSR Porsche Design. The Magic7 Pro pushes the boundaries of mobile AI with advanced on-device intelligence, ensuring optimized performance and professional-grade photography. Its Falcon Camera system enhances imaging capabilities, while its AMOLED display offers high refresh rates for smooth visuals. The phone also boasts fast-charging technology, reaching 50% battery in under 20 minutes. Priced at €1,299, it is positioned as a high-end flagship. You can check out our robust review of this smartphone HERE.
The Magic7 RSR Porsche Design takes luxury to another level. Featuring a Porsche-inspired user interface and aerospace-grade materials, this device is a blend of power and elegance. Its LiDAR Matrix Autofocus system improves tracking accuracy, and the periscope camera introduces the industry’s largest telephoto aperture. With an impressive 24GB RAM and 1TB of storage, it delivers unmatched performance. The Magic7 RSR Porsche Design is available globally for €1,799.
2. Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro
Nothing continues to disrupt the smartphone market with its uniquely designed devices. The Phone 3A and 3A Pro retain the company’s signature transparent back with customizable LED lighting, giving them a futuristic look. Both models feature a 6.7-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery, and the Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 processor, ensuring smooth performance.
The main difference between the two models is in the camera department. While both have a 50MP primary sensor, the 3A Pro stands out with an advanced autofocus system and a periscope camera for improved zoom functionality. Both phones include Google’s Gemini AI tools and promise six years of software and security updates. The Phone 3A starts at $379, while the 3A Pro is priced at $459, making them affordable options with long-term software support.
3. Xiaomi 15 Ultra with 200MP periscope camera
Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra turned heads at MWC with its impressive camera technology. The device introduces a groundbreaking 200MP periscope sensor, making it the largest periscope camera on a smartphone to date. This allows for exceptional zoom capabilities, placing it among the best in mobile photography.
Beyond the camera, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers high-end specifications, including a powerful processor, a high-refresh-rate display, and a robust battery. The phone is priced at €1,499 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. With such premium features, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to compete with the top flagship devices of the year.
4. Samsung Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 5G – True budget devices
Samsung introduced three new midrange smartphones at MWC 2025: the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. These devices offer 5G connectivity and cater to users looking for budget-friendly yet capable smartphones.
All three models share a 6.7-inch display and a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring a consistent user experience across the lineup. However, differences in processing power, camera technology, and RAM distinguish the models.
The Galaxy A56, priced at $499, offers the most advanced camera and processor, while the A36 at $399 and the A26 at $299 provide more affordable alternatives with solid performance.
Samsung also integrated AI-driven tools like Google Gemini and Circle to Search into these devices, enhancing their usability. With a competitive price range, these smartphones aim to dominate the mid-range segment in 2025.
5. HMD Fusion X1 – A smartphone designed for teens
Unlike other smartphones at MWC 2025, the HMD Fusion X1 is designed specifically for younger users, focusing on digital well-being and parental supervision. It features built-in parental controls that allow parents to set screen time limits and restrict app access directly from their own devices. Unlike traditional parental control apps, these restrictions are embedded in the operating system for added security.
The phone provides a controlled digital space where teens can use selected apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, and TikTok under parental oversight. It includes an AI-driven content filter, a Focus Mode to minimize distractions, and a 6.5-inch HD+ display with reduced blue light exposure. Powered by an efficient octa-core processor and a 5,000mAh battery, it offers smooth performance for daily tasks.
With a 50MP main camera, fingerprint and facial recognition security, and expandable storage, the Fusion X1 balances functionality with responsible use. It will be available in May for £229 (approximately $290).
MWC 2025: A showcase of innovation
MWC 2025 highlighted big steps in AI, cameras, and ease of use for phones. HONOR showed off the Magic7 Pro and Porsche Design model, both built for fast AI and a sleek look. Nothing launched the Phone 3A series, which keeps costs low while still standing out with a bold design. Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra raised the bar for phone cameras with its 200MP zoom lens, making high-detail shots clearer than ever. Samsung grew its midrange lineup with the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26, giving users solid speed at fair prices. HMD took a fresh path with the Fusion X1, built to help young users build safe phone habits. It lets parents set app rules and screen time with built-in tools that can’t be turned off.
MWC remains a key platform for unveiling the future of mobile technology, with each year bringing fresh ideas and breakthroughs. The 2025 event put a big focus on AI, sharper photos, and smooth use. As these new phones hit stores, they will push brands to fight for a top spot in a fast-changing market.
