NoChina Unveils Innovative Smartphone Technologies at MWC 2025

No
China Introduces Path-Breaking Mobile Phone Technologies in MWC 2025
China’s presence at the 2025 Barcelona Mobile World Congress (MWC) has never been finer, with a record of over 300 Chinese firms coming forward to present their most advanced technologies. Such massive presence speaks volume about China’s growing international position in the world of technologies, primarily in the areas of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and green technology.
Among the most high-profile exhibitors were top Chinese tech companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Lenovo. These companies occupied some of the most noticeable exhibition space, signaling their strategic objectives in the midst of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Huawei, for instance, unveiled the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the first smartphone with a triple-folding screen in the world. The groundbreaking device can be transformed from a phone that is pocket-size to a 10-inch tablet, a significant innovation in smartphone design.
Xiaomi was also making headlines with the release of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which has a 200-megapixel periscope lens co-developed with Leica. The premium phone is designed to rival others in the high-end market. Xiaomi also introduced the SU7 Ultra, an electric vehicle with three electric motors and more than 1,500 horsepower, as the company’s foray into the automotive industry.
ZTE, in collaboration with China Mobile, displayed its “Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence” platform, employing 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology to enhance AI-driven networks. The platform transforms networks into intelligent hubs, enhancing performance and service capacity. ZTE also displayed the 5G AxI solution, which is a combination of 5G-A and AI to deliver exceptional network performance and multi-dimensional service capabilities. This solution is built on a base station Native-AI engine and enables smart infrastructure evolution, encouraging efficient network management.
Lenovo also showcased innovative products, including the ThinkBook Flip, an OLED laptop featuring a 360-degree flip screen, and a solar-powered PC concept. The products demonstrate Lenovo’s focus on sustainable technology and flexible design.
China Mobile Qinghai and Huawei received the GSMA Global Mobile Award for “Best Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets” for its RuralStar Plus solution. This innovative solution is particularly tailored to harsh environments like the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where it is difficult to construct traditional network infrastructure. It combines a combined base station, intelligent microwave unit, lithium battery cabinet, and solar panels on one pole to provide green 4G and 5G connectivity free from power or fiber cables.
Despite the dazzling technological showcase, tensions between the U.S. and China are still present, with continued export bans on advanced semiconductors impacting Chinese firms. In retaliation, China has sped up local chip manufacturing, with firms such as Huawei and SMIC heavily investing in substitute semiconductor technologies.
Chinese tech firms are looking increasingly towards emerging economies to compensate for regulatory challenges in the West. Firms such as Xiaomi, Vivo, and Tecno are expanding their presence in nations such as Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. AI remains a focus for these firms, with some of them adding generative AI features to their smartphones to stimulate user experience.
The MWC 2025 also highlighted the emphasis China places on sustainability, with Lenovo and Huawei placing importance on the use of recyclable materials and power-saving technologies. Huawei introduced a liquid-cooling technology for 5G base stations that is claimed to save 30% of energy.
China’s participation in MWC 2025 overall mirrors its ambition to be at the frontlines of innovation globally, particularly in AI, 5G, and green technologies, despite geopolitical tensions.