No one anticipated it, but there it appeared. Honor’s Robot Phone made an unexpected debut at an international event, where attendees could capture images of the device encased in glass. The device showcased its gimbal camera tilted upward, emphasizing the main feature of the phone; however, the camera bar appears fairly thick from the side angle. Honor began teasing the Robot Phone following its Magic 8 announcement, framing the phone and its AI-powered camera as an intriguing gadget capable of taking photos, recording videos, and much more.
Honor’s intriguing phone teaser underscored a “new” form factor designed to elevate how individuals and their mobile devices connect. Publications and tech creators on Weibo (Chinese) have been sharing real-world images of the previously hinted Honor Robot Phone (via GSMArena). Allegedly, the device was displayed in an all-glass enclosure (likely a prototype) during the Honor User Carnival event in China. A variety of Honor products were showcased, including the Magic 8 series, but the subject everyone was discussing was the Robot Phone.
From the Weibo post, the Robot Phone appeared in a white color variant with its unique camera raised. The camera is integrated within its camera array on the rear, but when elevated, it revitalizes the device along with its AI functionalities. In terms of design, the Robot Phone resembles the Magic 8 series, featuring rounded corners, a flat profile, and potentially an entirely flat display.
The Weibo report includes a statement (machine-translated) from Honor’s CEO, Jian Li, who remarked, “A technology company lacks vitality without a touch of innovation. ROBOT PHONE is merely a new venture for mobile devices. In the future, glory across various industries will evoke pride in users.”
Another Weibo user shared additional insights into the Robot Phone with detailed close-ups. We can observe the substantial size of the gimbal-like camera, along with the space created within the phone for its integration. This model, presented in a black variant, offers a clearer view of its thickness. As anticipated, the phone appears to be quite bulky, especially around the rear camera array, due to the flip-up camera.
When Honor introduced its Magic 8 series, the company also hinted at something new: the Robot Phone. Although no one quite understood what that meant, the company’s main page was updated to highlight the device in an AI-generated video. It portrayed the phone as a fascinating device, equipped with a flip-up camera that can respond to what you (the user) observe and do. The design also bears a striking resemblance to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, particularly in the appearance of its camera bar.
The introduction also poses a question: “What if a device could exist with the extraordinary intelligence of AI, instantly perceiving the world around you?”
It appears that the device can capture photographs for you, record videos on your behalf, and much more, simplifying the process of creating memories. Honor even showcased the phone aiding a woman in selecting a dress she might enjoy for the evening. This is all thrilling, and the Robot Phone’s overseas debut was a surprise, but this isn’t all we can anticipate.
Honor announces that it intends to fully reveal the Robot Phone during MWC Barcelona in 2026.
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