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new smartphone designs ahead of MWC 2025
Ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, which runs between March 3rd and 6th, we look back at the recent smartphone designs that have added even more modern features. Some of the models have liquid metal thermal conductivity as well as an active fan to keep the devices from overheating.
These personal gadgets have multiple foldable screens too, allowing users to choose between single- and double-display modes. There’s also a retractable camera, just like in the old days, and a series of backlights that blink for every notification received. These features may show up during the MWC 2025 in Barcelona, even further upgrades for the modern users. In the meantime, we explore these new smartphone designs before the MWC 2025 begins.
The Glyph lights behind the Nothing Phone 2a Plus blink in patterns whenever the user receives notifications. The brand says that all preset Nothing ringtones and notification sound effects have their own special design Glyph patterns. The way the light flashes also follows the rhythm of the phone’s vibrations and sound effects. The brand also says that they use a combination of nanocoating, multi-layer printing techniques, and coating materials to unearth the ‘metallic’ look of the device, features that can come up during MWC 2025.
Nothing Phone 2a Plus | image courtesy of Nothing
Apple releases the iPhone 16e with an action button that can unlock and lock cars, identify objects, and even translate and transcribe recordings on site. Ahead of the MWC 2025, part of its modern smartphone designs is the 2-in-1 camera system. This means that the 2x Telephoto lens is integrated into its 48MP one. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology also has an edge-to-edge design. This feature is ideal for when the user watches HDR videos, plays games, and reads on their device outdoors.
Apple iPhone 16e | image courtesy of Apple
Google says that for the Pixel 9 Fold, the design team reinvents the hinge. It’s now fluid friction, made of multi-alloy steel with an aluminum alloy-covered hinge. It snaps shut and opens fully flat with a snap, too. Unlike the foldable modern smartphone designs, the Google Pixel 9 Fold expands horizontally. It has a 6.3-inch display size when used in single-screen mode and an 8-inch screen when unfolded. The design team, who will be presenting at MWC 2025, also creates a double-stacked camera bar positioned in the top left corner.
Google Pixel 9 Fold | image courtesy of Google
Ahead of MWC 2025, Motorola gives its Razr 50 Ultra a Peach Fuzz upgrade, which is the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year. Aside from that, the hinge of the device lets the user angle their phone to 90 degrees and record videos as if they were holding a camcorder from the past. It’s a nostalgic feature on their list of modern smartphone designs. When the user opens it to a V position, they can flip the smartphone and take pictures without the hinge snapping the device close. When folded, it fits in the front pockets, unlike the now-conventional, big-screened phones.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | image courtesy of Motorola
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 also folds vertically and fits in front pockets, taking up less space. Looking at its exterior, the two cameras and flash don’t obstruct the display. Ahead of MWC 2025, the design team uses its Galaxy AI on the recent model as part of its new smartphone designs. This artificial intelligence system lets the device monitor the health and stress levels of the users when paired with the Galaxy Ring and Watch7. The system also lets Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 users transcribe and translate phone calls and interviews.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 | image courtesy of Samsung
There are a number of modern smartphone designs around the Redmagic 10 Pro, ahead of MWC 2025. It uses liquid metal thermal conductivity to keep the device from heating up. The design team also installs an active fan with noise reduction. It serves as a second hand to the liquid metal when it comes to bringing the device’s heat down, especially during marathon gaming sessions.The Redmagic 10 Pro has an almost bezel-less expansive screen, unlike other modern smartphone designs, as well as a 144Hz refresh rate system.
Redmagic 10 Pro | image courtesy of Redmagic
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matthew burgos | designboom
feb 25, 2025
