Over the years, we've witnessed an array of unconventional smartphone designs, but the Honor Robot Phone stands out as one of the most innovative yet. The company provided an exclusive look during CES 2026, while the full unveiling awaits at MWC.
If you haven't seen it yet, the Robot Phone features a distinctive gimbal mechanism that extends from the back. Here, you can observe it in both retracted (left) and extended (right) positions.
The Honor Robot Phone with its extending camera gimbal
The first step in this impressive mechanism is the sliding protective panel, which moves to the right to reveal the gimbal. This panel serves to shield the intricately designed mechanism.
The gimbal operates on three axes, akin to the DJI Osmo Pocket, and boasts a wide range of motion. This allows the phone to track moving objects and provides stabilization during on-the-go usage.
Honor Robot Phone
Honor has yet to disclose details about the camera module's sensor, but hints about potential features, such as a star tracking mode, have been shared.
This camera is also capable of capturing selfies and video calls, with the gimbal tracking the user even as they move around the room. However, Honor has more ambitious plans beyond just a sophisticated webcam.
The ultimate goal is to develop a device that can observe our surroundings and interact with them to a certain degree. Promotional videos suggest that this charming little robot will showcase a distinctive personality.
Honor Robot Phone
For the moment, we must rely on promotional videos since we are currently looking at a non-working demo unit. We expect to see the robot in action when we attend MWC in a couple of months.
The Honor Robot Phone can be positioned in two primary orientations: upright (whether held, stored in a pocket, or placed on a stand) or lying face down. This design enables the gimbal to elevate and function without the user needing to level the phone; the gimbal manages that.
Additionally, the phone is equipped with two fixed cameras located to the right of the gimbal. Although we lack specifications for these modules, they are likely a combination of wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.
Honor Robot Phone
The two extra cameras are fixed and designed for standard smartphone photography and videography. They are also covered by the sliding protective panel, suggesting concurrent use of the gimbal and cameras may not be possible.
This initial encounter with the Honor Robot Phone has left us even more intrigued; while the compact gimbal is an engineering marvel, the question remains about its practical utility.
