The Mobile World Congress 2026 begins on March 2 and runs until March 5, though several product reveals have surfaced prior to the official opening. This yearly gathering reliably introduces a wide array of smartphones, computers, and slates, alongside anticipated robotics, various devices, and significant artificial intelligence developments. Beyond the unveilings, the event offers opportunities for direct interaction with standout innovations, such as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Engadget reporter Mat Smith is covering the proceedings live from Barcelona, with ongoing updates to this piece throughout the event to highlight noteworthy moments. Stay tuned for continuous coverage of the freshest developments from MWC.
Xiaomi has launched its 17 Ultra handset internationally at this year's MWC, following an initial release in China last December. Availability in the United States remains uncertain, but the device is now reaching markets across Europe. Continuing its collaboration with Leica, the phone emphasizes imaging capabilities through a 1-inch 50-megapixel main sensor paired with an f/1.67 aperture, a 200-megapixel telephoto unit on a 1/1.4-inch sensor, and a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, complemented by a physical zoom dial encircling the camera module.
Explore our initial review for insights into the photography experience with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Beyond imaging, the model includes a 6.9-inch OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate reaching up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, plus a 6,000mAh battery using silicon-carbon technology. Pricing begins at £1,299, equivalent to about $1,750.
At MWC, Leica revealed a fresh smartphone developed jointly with Xiaomi. The design closely resembles the 17 Ultra, yet it stands as a distinct offering.
Mirroring the 17 Ultra, the Leitzphone by Xiaomi incorporates a 1-inch imaging sensor and tactile controls for zoom and adjustments via a mechanical dial surrounding the camera assembly. It includes a user-friendly Leica camera system that can display only core elements during capture, concealing extra options and indicators, along with a black-and-white photography setting and signature Leica effects.
Prominent Leica styling appears in the aesthetics and default backgrounds, while core specifications align closely with the 17 Ultra, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 6.9-inch 120Hz screen. This variant carries a price tag of €1,999, approximately $2,362.
Complementing the 17 Ultra, Xiaomi introduced a pair of new slates at MWC: the Xiaomi Pad 8 and its Pro counterpart. These models prioritize portability with a uniform 5.75mm thickness and 485-gram weight, each equipped with a 9,200mAh power source. The Pro variant relies on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, whereas the base Pad 8 employs the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip.
Xiaomi further presented a compact 5,000mAh accessory, the UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 delivering 15W output. Measuring just 6mm in depth, this charger is available in orange, silver, and charcoal gray finishes, featuring a durable aluminum casing. Additionally, the firm debuted the Xiaomi Tag, a Bluetooth-based locator device akin to popular trackers. Designed with an integrated loop for easy attachment to keys, it supports compatibility with Apple's Find My network and Google's Find Hub service for Android devices.
Prior to the main MWC activities, Honor showcased its purported slimmest Android slate globally: the 4.8mm-deep MagicPad 4. Further information is anticipated during Honor's Sunday briefing, but current details include a 12.3-inch OLED panel with 165Hz refresh rate and a mere 450-gram build. Configurations offer up to 16GB memory and 512GB internal space, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. Honor clarifies that the slim profile excludes the rear camera protrusion. The device sports a 13-megapixel back camera and 9-megapixel front sensor, enhanced by spatial sound through eight integrated speakers.
The screen size is marginally reduced from the prior MagicPad iteration, resulting in a 10,100mAh capacity. A 66W rapid charger is included. The MagicPad 4 operates on Honor's MagicOS 10 platform. Pricing details are pending, to be shared post-press event, which may also feature Honor's robotics demonstration.