The Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC 2026) in Barcelona clearly shows that hardware innovations are picking up speed again. Between AI-integrated XR glasses and new form factors for foldables, five clear highlights emerge that could shape the market in the coming year.
Google XR: The return of data glasses with Gemini power
At MWC, Google demonstrated XR glasses that are visually almost indistinguishable from conventional glasses, but project a display directly onto the right eye. At its core is the deep integration of the AI assistant Gemini. In a live demo, the glasses were able to analyze a painting using a camera, identify the artist and play suitable music from YouTube Music via the integrated speakers. Google Maps can also be used directly in the field of vision, and objects could be placed directly into a photo taken by the glasses using Nano Banana.
Although the product was teased at the recent Google I/O last year, the launch remains vague. It is unclear whether Google will release the glasses under its own banner or in cooperation with partners such as Samsung. Price and availability have not yet been officially communicated.
Motorola Razr Fold: Battery giant in the foldable segment
With the Razr Fold, Motorola delivers a foldable smartphone that is particularly impressive due to its key technical data. The centerpiece is the new fifth generation Snapdragon 8 Elite, flanked by a 6,000 mAh battery, which is unusually large for foldables. This can also be quickly recharged with 80 watts. Motorola has installed three flagship cameras on the back that can zoom up to 100x.
Particularly noteworthy is the dedicated “Moto AI” button and the promise of seven years of Android updates, which is intended to underline the longevity of the device. The Razr Fold is protected against dust and water according to the IP49 standard and is scheduled to be released in April 2026 for a recommended retail price of 1,999 euros.
Leica Leitz Phone: The camera smartphone with haptic zoom
The new Leitz Phone, which is based on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, was created in close cooperation between Leica and Xiaomi. With a price of 2,000 euros, the device is positioned in the absolute premium segment. The technical equipment includes 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage and a 6.9-inch display.
The unique selling point is the camera hardware: a physical ring on the camera body allows the zoom to be controlled haptically. The system consists of a 200 MP zoom camera, a 50 MP main camera and a 50 MP ultra wide angle, complemented by the typical Leica filters for specific image aesthetics.
Honor MagicPad 4: Slim tablet as a PC replacement
Honor presents the MagicPad 4, which it claims is the thinnest Android tablet on the market. For a price of 699 euros (RRP), it offers a 165 Hz OLED display and a 10,000 mAh battery. Honor explicitly positions the device as a “companion” for MacBook or iPhone users, which is illustrated by functions such as easy file sharing and use as a second screen.
The software interface has been heavily optimized towards a PC user experience to enable productive work with pen and keyboard. A Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 works under the hood.
Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold: Ten inches for your pocket
After the release in the USA and Korea, Samsung is now also showing the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold at MWC. Thanks to the double folding, the device has a display diagonal of 10 inches when unfolded. The format is optimized so that videos can be displayed without black bars and three apps can fit comfortably next to each other.
Despite the complex form factor, Samsung integrates a camera system with a 200 MP main sensor, ultra wide angle and telephoto. Priced at $2,899, however, the Tri-Fold remains a luxury item for early adopters for now; an official date for the German market is still pending.
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