As artificial intelligence models continue to evolve—becoming increasingly powerful in reasoning and more effective at producing text, images, and video—the smartphone industry keeps showing off innovations that don’t go unnoticed.

The latest comes from Honor, which at the launch event for its Magic8 series in Beijing unveiled a new device featuring something never seen before. The Robot Phone combines advanced AI capabilities with robotics, introducing an entirely new category of smartphone.

For now, it’s just a concept, but the teaser released by the company hints at what to expect. The smartphone, with an otherwise conventional design and some lines reminiscent of the new iPhone 17 Pro, integrates a camera mounted on a gimbal—a miniature robotic arm tucked into the back of the device. Those familiar with video content creation will recognize similarities with the DJI Osmo Pocket. The arm can extend and move independently in any direction to capture photos and videos—selfies or moving scenes—even when the phone is resting on a surface or tucked in a pocket.
On the back of the device, an alpha symbol highlights Alpha Plan, the company’s new strategy to evolve from a smartphone maker into a leader within the AI device ecosystem.

While technical details remain scarce, the launch video showcases AI-driven functions that allow the camera to track users in motion, suggest outfits, and even entertain a crying baby.
According to Honor, more details about the Robot Phone will be revealed during Mobile World Congress 2026, taking place next March in Barcelona.