rss-bridge 2026-02-28T18:12:00+00:00

Best of MWC 2026: Live updates on phones, concepts, and innovations we're seeing

It's the weekend before Mobile World Congress, and we've already got a full slate of announcements from Xiaomi, Honor, and more.

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Best of MWC 2026: Live updates on phones, concepts, and innovations we're seeing

It's the weekend before Mobile World Congress, and we've already got a full slate of announcements from Xiaomi, Honor, and more.

[Image: Kerry Wan bio pic]

[Image: nina-raemont-headshot]

[Image: img-1027]

Written by
Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief
Editor in Chief
Nina Raemont, Editor, Wearables & Health Tech
Editor, Wearables & Health Tech
and
Kyle Kucharski, Editor
Editor
Feb. 28, 2026 at 10:12 a.m. PT

[Image: Crowd at phone table at MWC 2025]

Kerry Wan/ZDNET*

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Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event. Coming quickly after the latest flagship reveals from Samsung and Google, the Barcelona showcase is ready to pivot the conversation toward the breakthrough trends and hardware innovations that will define the rest of the year, and ZDNET is on the ground with front-row seats.

Also: What to expect at MWC 2026: Best phones I'm anticipating from Xiaomi, Motorola, and more

As is tradition, industry giants like Xiaomi and Honor are set to dominate the exhibition floor, with their own keynotes scheduled for the weekend. While Google and Samsung will maintain their own presence, the focus will likely be on ecosystem integration rather than major new hardware.

Of course, the real magic of MWC often lies in the "showstopper" -- that unexpected, boundary-pushing reveal that catches the entire industry off guard. We'll be on the lookout for that over the coming days, as the showfloor officially opens on Monday, March 2, and runs through the rest of the week.

When is MWC 2026?

This year's MWC will run from March 2 to March 5, but manufacturers typically announce products as early as the weekend before. While the trade show was built around members of the press, analysts, business partners, and brands, anyone can access the show floor by purchasing a ticket for about $1,028.

Latest updates (refresh for changes)

Xiaomi just set the tone with its camera-centric flagship

[Image: Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone at MWC 2026]

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 28

I just got out of Xiaomi's Saturday launch event, where the Chinese electronics maker announced a barrage of products, ranging from flagship phones and Gemini-supported wearables to a next-generation Gran Turismo hypercar.

Judging by the audience reaction, one product was clearly the star of the show -- the Leica Leitzphone. While built on the framework of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, meaning most of its general specs are the same, the ultra-premium handset features three key differences:

- Leica's signature silver-and-black design (with the red dot logo)
- A custom Essential Mode UI with dual-tone app icons and widgets, along with exclusive Leica film simulations (such as M9 and Monopan 50)
- A mechanical camera ring that lets you control zoom, aperture, and more settings with a twist.

I have more to say about the device in an upcoming story, but it's up there for one of the most fun camera phones I've tested lately. Not everyone should buy one, though, as the Leica Leitzphone won't launch here in the US, and even if you are based in a region with availability, Xiaomi says it'll cost 1999 euros (roughly converting to $2.362).

Nothing makes an early statement (to fans of pink)

[Image: Nothing Phone 4a in pink]

Nothing/ZDNET

By Nina Raemont, Wearables and Health Editor / Feb. 28

Will any phone at MWC be as pretty and pink as Nothing's Phone 4a? Ahead of the company's March 5 phone launch, it unveiled a pastel pink colorway that I can't help but be absolutely obsessed with.

It'll be even better if that's just one of many pastel hues Nothing plans to offer the Phone 4a in, as the expected midrange device will need any bit of charm to appeal to the masses.

MWC is off to a crowded start

[Image: BCN airport line]

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 28

I just touched down in Barcelona and was not prepared for the immigration line to extend all the way to the walking belts. Either MWC is more bustling than ever, or the BCN airport is severely short-staffed. It might be a bit of both.

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