Emily Martin
Feb 29, 2024
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, held annually in Barcelona as a premier trade show for mobile devices, showcased a multitude of thrilling gadgets and innovations this year.
From cutting-edge AI-powered smartphones to revolutionary display concepts, including our initial hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the event was brimming with groundbreaking announcements.
During our research, we gained insights into the upcoming trends in mobile technology, highlighting standout devices that have the potential to make a significant impact in the coming months.
Best of MWC 2024
Following are some of the top picks for phones, wearables, software, and more exhibited at MWC 2024:
Xiaomi 14 — Best phone
Xiaomi introduced numerous innovations beyond just smartphones at MWC. However, the standard Xiaomi 14 captured our attention for condensing a flagship phone experience into a more compact, pocket-friendly form.
At 6.36 inches, the Xiaomi 14 may still be relatively sizable for a compact phone, but it impressively integrates three 50MP cameras, 90W charging, and a top-tier chipset with 12GB RAM. Even the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, priced at €1,499, takes these features further.
While lacking in trendy AI functionalities, the Xiaomi 14 exceeds expectations, except for its limited availability in the U.S. market. We're hopeful for broader availability as Xiaomi demonstrates how to craft a flagship phone without compromising on size, setting a benchmark for industry giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
NUBIA FLIP 5G
Anticipating a considerable wait for a reasonably priced foldable phone, ZTE surprised us with the Nubia Flip 5G — a $600 foldable in a market where most options exceed $1,000. Even with its affordable price tag, the Flip 5G boasts a 6.9-inch display, dual 50MP rear cameras, a lively circular outer display, and a sizable battery for a flexible device.
With global shipping, ZTE aims to make the Flip 5G accessible worldwide, potentially democratising foldable technology.
Lenovo Thinkbook Transparent display laptop
Initially perceived as a gimmick, the Lenovo ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop Concept caught our attention with its 17.3-inch mini LED transparent display. Amidst the sea of enterprise announcements at MWC, this concept device stood out as a futuristic marvel.
While its practicality and privacy implications remain uncertain, experiencing the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop Concept feels like a glimpse into a sci-fi future, raising questions about AI's influence on portable computer design.
OnePlus Watch 2
Following the setback of the original OnePlus Watch, the OnePlus Watch 2's debut at MWC signals a redemption story for OnePlus in the smartwatch space. Priced at $299, the OnePlus Watch 2 boasts an elegant design, durability, and Wear OS 4 software, positioning it as a worthy competitor to flagship smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
While missing some modern features, the OnePlus Watch 2 marks a fresh start for OnePlus in the smartwatch market.
Honor Pad 9
Honor's Pad 9 impresses as the most iPad-esque Android tablet to date. With its stunning 12.1-inch 2.5K display, premium design, and long-lasting battery life, the Pad 9 offers a compelling content consumption experience.
Powered by Honor's MagicOS on Android 13 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, the Pad 9 delivers smooth performance and intuitive user interface gestures at an affordable price point, making it a strong competitor to the iPad 10th Gen.
