Over the years, we’ve encountered numerous fascinating concept phones, featuring some wild examples like Motorola’s rollable OLED device. However, Honor might have outdone the competition when it presented its aptly named “Robot Phone” in a recent video a few weeks ago, which some analysts have suggested included AI-generated footage within the commercial for the product.
While concept phones typically remain just that—often showcasing features such as unusual displays or gigantic batteries that aren’t yet feasible—Honor seems determined to transform its Robot Phone from a mere idea to practical use, with intentions to launch the device for consumers by 2026. Indeed, Honor CEO Li Jian has reportedly affirmed that the concept device, complete with its small gimbal camera, will become a tangible product available for purchase in 2026. In addition to the quirky gimbal-like camera highlighted in the advertisement, it will be packed with AI functionalities to bolster Honor’s global initiative to establish itself as a frontrunner in AI technology.
A phone that observes everything you observe
In recent years, it has become an increasingly prevalent theory that our smartphones are eavesdropping on all our conversations. With Honor’s Robot Phone, we won’t need to rely on any theories. According to the video shared by Honor a few weeks ago, it appears that the camera will have the ability to look wherever it desires. There will likely be some form of user control behind it, but until Honor provides further details, we can’t confirm anything.
Of course, there are numerous reasons to approach this with skepticism. Firstly, the challenge of incorporating an entire gimbal mechanism into a smartphone’s frame must be significant. However, that doesn’t imply that Honor can’t or won’t succeed. Rollable televisions also appeared impractical when first introduced, yet they are now commercially available.
Additionally, there are privacy issues that this might raise; however, based on the designs presented so far, it seems the gimbal camera can actually retract back into the device, suggesting it can be concealed in some manner. Regardless, the fact that Honor is committed to making this concept a reality is likely to pique the interest of some smartphone consumers seeking devices with these functionalities.
