The world's largest mobile exhibition, "Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025," opened on the 3rd in Barcelona, Spain (local time). At MWC 2025, corporations from South Korea, China, and Japan will compete for dominance in new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR). From AI robots moving materials instead of people on construction sites to triple-foldable phones and XR technologies that allow sharing of views with others, these innovations captured the attention of visitors.
The number of Chinese corporations participating in MWC 2025 is 344, ranking third after Spain (744) and the United States (443). This is the highest number among Asian countries. South Korea has 187 corporations participating, an increase of 22 from last year (fourth place). Japan's participating corporations number fewer than 100.
The slogan for MWC 2025 is "Converge. Connect. Create." Six sub-themes have been selected: "5G Inside," "Connect X," "AI+", "Enterprise Re-invented," "Game Changer," and "Digital DNA."
◇ South Korea, armed with AI from devices to networks.
Samsung Electronics' Mobile Experience (MX) division showcased the Galaxy S25, equipped with Galaxy AI, at MWC 2025. The Galaxy S25 features "Now Brief," which provides personalized information including schedule and weather, "ProScaler," which enhances the clarity of photos and other content, and "Audio Eraser," which can eliminate surrounding noises from videos.
Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, the world's thinnest smartphone ever. The Galaxy S25 Edge model measures 6.4 mm thick, making it 0.4 mm thinner than the previous record holder, the Galaxy S6. Samsung Electronics also introduced a prototype of the XR glasses known as "Project Infinite," developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. These glasses are expected to allow various applications used on the Android operating system (OS) to be utilized in a virtual reality space.
SK Telecom introduced AI-based mobile communications, data centers, and autonomous driving technology. The technology aims to reduce power consumption in data centers and autonomously cool equipment. Other showcased technologies include AI applied to base station equipment for optimal control and AI agents responding to customer requests regarding rate plans. AI-equipped robots demonstrated their ability to navigate construction sites and hospitals while avoiding obstacles and transporting materials.
KT showcased AI-based work support services. The technology efficiently allocates graphics processing unit (GPU) resources in data centers and analyzes carbon emissions. Additionally, AI creates a comfortable indoor environment by autonomously managing lighting, curtains, and air purifiers, along with demonstrating security technologies based on video analysis.
LG Uplus showcased technology related to AI security at the exclusive exhibition hall prepared at the MWC venue. This includes the "Anti Deep Voice" technology, which distinguishes deepfake voices during calls, and quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) technology that provides a secure security environment. Attendees could also see a humanoid robot named "Alice," equipped with LG Uplus's AI model "IXI," answering visitors' questions.
◇ China, leading mobile trends with new form factors.
Huawei showcased the "Mate XT," a triple-foldable phone that gained local popularity in China, at MWC 2025. The ultra-thin model features three screens and has a thickness of 3.6 mm when unfolded. Honor also unveiled the ultra-thin foldable phone Magic V4. This model is thinner than its predecessor, Magic V3, measuring 9.2 mm when folded and 4.3 mm when unfolded. Infinix showcased its compact three-stage foldable phone, the "Infinix Zero," at MWC 2025. When unfolded, it is larger than a typical smartphone but can be folded vertically to one-third of its size for portability.
Tecno revealed the world's first smartphone, the "Realme 14 Pro" series, which changes color according to temperature. The back panel of the phone changes color based on temperature. Below 16 degrees, the back cover shifts from white to blue, returning to its original color as the temperature rises. Tecno also exhibited XR glasses equipped with AI.
Xiaomi showcased its new smartphone, the "Xiaomi 15 Ultra." It features four rear cameras for high-quality photography and includes a high-capacity battery rated at 6000 mAh. The model is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 16 Elite chipset, enabling smooth gameplay for high-spec games.
◇ Japan expands its global market base with XR technology.
NTT Docomo presented its "NTT XR Real Support" technology, which allows users in the field to share their field of view and receive assistance through voice while working with XR glasses. When a worker with the glasses performs complex electrical wiring tasks, another employee can remotely view the worker's perspective and provide guidance on the appropriate procedures. NTT Docomo also unveiled the XR glasses "Mirza2," developed in-house, at this year's MWC.
Japanese display company Cellid showcased a prototype of augmented reality (AR) glasses. The product recognizes objects in front of the user using artificial intelligence (AI) and assists in tasks in suitable ways. Cellid described potential applications for this product in sales support through human recognition, safe driving assistance, learning support, and entertainment.
Japanese corporations also presented AI-based telecommunications equipment technologies. Fujitsu, a telecommunications equipment company, showcased technology that improves 5G (fifth-generation mobile communications) speeds using AI. Technology that autonomously monitors telecommunications equipment in the ocean and notifies administrators when maintenance is needed was also exhibited. JDI introduced glass-like 5G signal reflection equipment for indoor use, which can enhance indoor 5G signal transmission and improve network quality.