Honor unveils Robot Phone prototype with AI robotic pop-up camera

Danny Weber

23:49 20-11-2025

© A. Krivonosov

Honor revealed the Robot Phone, a prototype smartphone with a pop-up robotic gimbal camera that tracks subjects via AI. Mass-market launch is targeted for 2026.

Honor has unveiled an unusual prototype smartphone called the Robot Phone. Rather than chasing eye‑catching design or raw performance, it bets on a one‑of‑a‑kind robotic camera that can move and reposition itself via a built‑in mechanism. The company showed a working concept at one of its own events, with a full debut planned for February 2026.

The Robot Phone appeared in three colors—black, white, and gold. Depending on the version, the back panel is made of durable glass or faux leather, which noticeably shifts the device’s visual character and gives each finish a distinct feel.

The headline feature is a pop‑up camera mounted on a tiny robotic gimbal. The module stays tucked away inside the body and rises when activated. The mechanism lets the camera change its angle and steer the lens toward a moving subject. Built‑in AI routines help it pick an optimal viewpoint, keep the subject in frame, and adapt to what’s happening. On paper, this pairing hints at more flexible framing than typical fixed modules.

Honor said it intends to release a mass‑market version of the Robot Phone. The company is keeping timing and technical specifications under wraps for now, and the 2026 target suggests it’s leaving room to refine the hardware before launch.