Tecno showcases a modular smartphone concept with magnetic connection technology, inspired by Project Ara. Features slim design and accessories like cameras and lenses for enhanced functionality.
© Tecno
Tecno has unveiled a concept smartphone with a modular architecture, effectively reviving the idea of fully customizable Android devices. The announcement came just ahead of MWC 2026, where the manufacturer plans to showcase its vision for the future of modular phones.
The project draws inspiration from Google's Project Ara, an experiment that was shut down nearly a decade ago. However, Tecno is reimagining this concept with modern technology in mind. At the heart of the new device is the company's proprietary "modular magnetic connection technology," which aims to create an entire modular smartphone ecosystem.
The base chassis is ultra-thin, measuring just 4.9 mm. Even with an additional 4.5 mm battery module attached, the smartphone remains comparable in size to current flagship models. Tecno emphasizes that avoiding bulkiness was a key goal, as that was one factor that contributed to the failure of early modular solutions.
Unlike Project Ara, which used physical connectors and a frame for modules, Tecno's concept relies on magnetic attachment. Accessories interact with the main device via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and millimeter-wave communication. In essence, these additional elements function as intelligent accessories that expand the smartphone's capabilities without altering its core architecture.
The company showcased two design variants: ATOM, featuring an aluminum body with vibrant accents, and MODA, which targets a more experimental, "technical" aesthetic. The back panel is divided into eight zones to simplify module installation and positioning. Initially, the conceptual ecosystem includes about ten accessories, ranging from an action camera and telephoto lens to communication modules for use outside network coverage areas.
Like most concepts presented at MWC, this device currently has no commercial release date or estimated price. Tecno describes the project as part of its long-term design thinking and does not confirm whether the modular smartphone will reach the market as a standalone product. Nevertheless, the demonstration itself shows that the idea of modularity remains alive and could evolve into a more compact and practical format.