Best of MWC 2025: Tri-Fold Smartphones, DSLR-Like Smartphones, Solar-Powered Laptops, and More

MWC 2025 showcased groundbreaking innovations across smartphones, wearables, audio, and display technology, pushing the boundaries of consumer electronics. From DSLR-like smartphone cameras by Xiaomi and Realme to solar-powered laptops and AI-driven smart glasses, this year's event highlighted the future of mobile photography, computing, and immersive experiences.

Foldable and modular designs took center stage, with Samsung Display and Infinix reimagining portability, while Xiaomi and Honor advanced audio technology. Whether through cutting-edge AI features or game-changing hardware, MWC 2025 set the stage for the next wave of tech evolution.

DSLR Smartphones

At MWC 2025, Xiaomi unveiled its Modular Optical System on the Xiaomi 15, featuring a Micro Four Thirds sensor and a magnetic laser link for seamless attachment of camera modules and zoom lenses-no wires or pairing needed. The metal ring mount enables a modular setup, allowing users to swap lenses effortlessly. With its mirrorless camera-grade sensor and 35mm equivalent focal length, this system redefines smartphone photography with pro-level versatility.

At MWC 2025, Realme unveiled its Ultra concept phone, pushing mobile photography to new heights. Unlike Xiaomi's magnetic system, it features an external mount over the camera module, enabling interchangeable Leica M-mount lenses.

The device boasts a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor, an ultra-wide Sony IMX890, and a periscope Sony IMX989. Realme showcased two lenses: a 73mm (3x zoom) and a 234mm (10x zoom), making the phone resemble a DSLR when fully equipped. While still a concept, the Realme Ultra could redefine smartphone photography if it becomes a reality.

Best Smartphones at MWC 2025

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands out as the top phone with its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and Leica-backed camera system. The quad-camera setup includes a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 200-megapixel telephoto lens. This configuration aims to replicate professional photography tools, offering stunning results.

In the mid-range category, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro impresses with its unique design and versatile cameras. It features a long-lasting battery with fast charging capabilities. The phone's standout feature is its 3x optical zoom camera, rare for its price range. The minimalist NothingOS appeals to users seeking simplicity.

Best Laptop Tech

Lenovo's Yoga Solar PC introduces solar charging technology to laptops. A solar panel on the back of the display can generate an hour's charge from just 20 minutes of sunlight exposure. Smart power delivery software prioritises solar energy over traditional charging methods to extend battery life.

Best in Audio Tech

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi earbuds are pioneering in their use of Qualcomm's S7 Pro chip for Hi-Res Audio via Wi-Fi. They deliver up to four times more data than traditional Bluetooth technology without sacrificing battery life. These earbuds also feature active noise cancellation and AI tools.

The Honor Earbuds Open excel in audio quality with rich bass and balanced sound. They include active noise cancellation and an AI live translation tool. Their sleek design features a slim case for easy portability.

Best in Wearable Tech

XPANCEO showcased innovative contact lenses at MWC that integrate AR displays and biosensors for health monitoring. These lenses can track glucose levels or manage glaucoma non-invasively. Future applications may allow real-time data transfer from the lens to companion devices.

The BleeqUp Ranger smart glasses offer a unique approach to cycling tech, focusing on capturing photos and videos of rides. Equipped with AI-powered motion detection, they automatically tag key moments-like sudden swerves, rapid acceleration, or abrupt stops-while recording. This feature makes it easy to review important footage without manually searching through videos. Designed for cyclists, the Ranger glasses enhance ride documentation, ensuring key highlights are never missed.

Best in Foldable Tech

At MWC 2025, Samsung Display showcased futuristic concepts, including tri-fold screens, rollables, and a foldable gaming handheld. This device folds in half, with joysticks clicking into opposite ends, creating a compact, pocketable form. While we couldn't hold it, a spokesperson demonstrated the smooth folding mechanism, which was oddly satisfying to watch. With vibrant color options, Samsung Display aims to blend portability with style, hinting at an exciting future for gaming hardware.

Infinix's ZERO Series Mini Tri-Fold reimagines foldable smartphones by prioritizing compactness over screen expansion. Unlike traditional tri-folds that unfold into tablets, this device starts as a flagship phone and folds twice into a palm-sized gadget with a metal back, dual cameras, and an edge-to-edge accordion-style display.

Inspired by Samsung's Z Flip 6, it offers greater portability, potentially serving as a lifecam or bike-mounted display. While questions remain about durability and camera limitations, its 6.9-inch, 195g Zero Flip specs hint at feasibility. If Infinix succeeds, it could push Samsung and Huawei to rethink foldable design.

As MWC 2025 wraps up, it's clear that modular designs, AI integration, and wearable innovation are driving the industry forward. Smartphones are evolving into pro-level photography tools, wearables are blending health monitoring with AR, and audio devices are pushing past Bluetooth limitations.

With brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, Lenovo, and Infinix leading the charge, these innovations hint at a more connected, portable, and immersive future. While many concepts remain in development, MWC 2025 has undoubtedly set the tone for the next era of consumer technology.