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Cell World Congress (MWC) 2026 is shaping as much as be a landmark occasion. Coming shortly after the most recent flagship reveals from Samsung and Google, the Barcelona showcase is able to pivot the dialog towards the breakthrough traits and {hardware} improvements that can outline the remainder of the yr, and ZDNET is on the bottom with front-row seats.
Additionally: What to anticipate at MWC 2026: Finest telephones I am anticipating from Xiaomi, Motorola, and extra
As is custom, trade giants like Xiaomi and Honor are set to dominate the exhibition ground, with their very own keynotes scheduled for the weekend. Whereas Google and Samsung will preserve their very own presence, the main focus will probably be on ecosystem integration somewhat than main new {hardware}.
After all, the true magic of MWC usually lies within the “showstopper” — that sudden, boundary-pushing reveal that catches your entire trade off guard. We’ll be looking out for that over the approaching days, because the showfloor formally opens on Monday, March 2, and runs via the remainder of the week.
When is MWC 2026?
This yr’s MWC will run from March 2 to March 5, however producers sometimes announce merchandise as early because the weekend earlier than. Whereas the commerce present was constructed round members of the press, analysts, enterprise companions, and types, anybody can entry the present ground by buying a ticket for about $1,028.
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By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 28
I simply acquired out of Xiaomi’s Saturday launch occasion, the place the Chinese language electronics maker introduced a barrage of merchandise, starting from flagship telephones and Gemini-supported wearables to a next-generation Gran Turismo hypercar.
Judging by the viewers response, one product was clearly the star of the present — the Leica Leitzphone. Whereas constructed on the framework of the Xiaomi 17 Extremely, that means most of its normal specs are the identical, the ultra-premium handset options three key variations:
- Leica’s signature silver-and-black design (with the purple dot emblem)
- A customized Important Mode UI with dual-tone app icons and widgets, together with unique Leica movie simulations (equivalent to M9 and Monopan 50)
- A mechanical digicam ring that permits you to management zoom, aperture, and extra settings with a twist.
I’ve extra to say concerning the gadget in an upcoming story, but it surely’s up there for one of the vital enjoyable digicam telephones I’ve examined currently. Not everybody can purchase one, although, because the Leica Leitzphone will not launch right here within the US, and even in case you are primarily based in a area with availability, Xiaomi says it will value 1999 euros (roughly changing to $2.362).
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By Nina Raemont, Wearables and Well being Editor / Feb. 28
Will any telephone at MWC be as fairly and pink as Nothing’s Cellphone 4a? Forward of the corporate’s March 5 telephone launch, it unveiled a pastel pink colorway that I can not assist however be completely obsessive about.
It’s going to be even higher if that is simply one among many pastel hues Nothing plans to supply the Cellphone 4a in, because the anticipated midrange gadget will want any little bit of allure to attraction to the plenty.
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By Kerry Wan, Editor in Chief / Feb. 28
I simply touched down in Barcelona and was not ready for the immigration line to increase all the way in which to the strolling belts. Both MWC is extra bustling than ever, or the BCN airport is severely short-staffed. It is perhaps a little bit of each.
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