My initial impression of Honor’s strange robot phone raised more questions than it provided answers.

      In October 2025, Honor released a two minute and forty-five second video teaser for a new device they refer to as the ‘Robot Phone’.

      This unusual gadget features an integrated robotic camera gimbal arm that extends from the back of the phone and can follow the movement of specific subjects.

      Even as a concept, it appears quite daring, and Honor intends to showcase a fully operational version during MWC 2026 in March. For the moment, I had the opportunity to see the Robot Phone for the first time at CES 2026, although it was not the completed model.

      The version I observed was not functional, and the robotic arm required manual unfolding from its compartment at the back of the phone by an Honor staff member.

      While I had the chance to inspect this early prototype, very few other specifics were provided, leaving me with numerous questions that I will need to wait until March to have answered.

      Will the Robot Phone actually be released?

      John McCann / Digital Trends

      What the Honor representatives shared during the preview event was that a working model of the Robot Phone would be unveiled at MWC.

      That’s only two months away, and I am curious about how much work Honor has remaining to ensure the phone is fully operational by that time.

      I remain optimistic that Honor’s innovative vision will come to life because if it does, it will be something quite unique—perhaps even a bit whimsical—amid the multitude of black, flat rectangles that most smartphones have become today.

      How sturdy will it be?

      John McCann / Digital Trends

      I want to reiterate that my view is based on seeing an early prototype, so it may not reflect the final quality, but I do have concerns about how durable a robotic arm can be on a smartphone.

      It brings to mind the brief period between 2018 and 2020 when phone manufacturers began incorporating pop-up cameras to reduce bezels and maximize screen area on the front of devices.

      This was an innovative approach that resulted in some interesting gadgets, but the addition of a moving mechanism raised questions regarding durability, longevity, and ease of repair.

      Ultimately, this feature was short-lived as manufacturers transitioned to the punch-hole cameras we are now accustomed to.

      Regarding Honor’s Robot Phone, there are more moving components, and the careful way the camera was packed and unpacked from the prototype makes me concerned about the sturdiness of the final product.

      Will it function as expected?

      In addition to serving as a camera on a motorized gimbal arm, Honor’s teaser video hints that it will also be linked to the phone’s AI, offering motion and audio responses to questions, prompts, and—according to the video—even soothing a crying baby by ‘singing’ a lullaby.

      No additional information has been shared about its capabilities or AI features, but if the camera does possess some personality, it could provide an intriguing extra dimension to this already fascinating device.

      What if it gets damaged?

      Even if Honor manages to create a durable product, there’s no doubt that the robotic arm may be a vulnerable point and prone to damage. If it were to break, how easy would it be to repair? And what would the cost of repairs be?

      It’s likely to be considerably more than just replacing cracked screen glass. Having phone insurance will likely become essential.

      What are the specifications of the Robot Phone?

      Currently, we don’t have any specifications for the Honor Robot Phone; we’ll need to wait for its official debut at MWC 2026.

      John McCann / Digital Trends

      How much will it cost?

      This is also unknown—however, considering the technology and engineering required to bring this to life, I would expect the Robot Phone to come with a significant price tag, should it indeed be launched for sale.

      Will it actually be available for purchase?

      That remains the million-dollar question. While Honor might successfully present a fully functional device at MWC, that doesn’t guarantee that it will go into mass production. It could remain a concept, illustrating the possibilities of technology.

      Even if the Robot Phone is sold to the general public, I would be surprised if it became widely available around the globe. It may be a device limited to China. Moreover, given that Honor currently does not sell its smartphones in the US, it’s improbable that it would be available to customers there.

      As we await March to discover all the details, here’s the Robot Phone teaser video from October for you to enjoy once more.