Acer Liquid Jade 2: 1TB Hybrid Storage
Acer announced the Liquid Jade 2 at MWC 2016, a flagship smartphone boasting a unique hybrid storage solution. The device offered 1TB of expandable storage via a microSD card, coupled with 32GB internal memory. It featured a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB RAM, and a 21MP rear camera. The phone ran Android 6.0 Marshmallow and supported LTE connectivity. The 1TB hybrid storage capability was a standout feature, targeting users who store large media files locally.
Lenovo TAB3 Lineup: Affordable Tablets for All
Lenovo unveiled its TAB3 series of tablets at MWC 2016, focusing on budget-friendly options. The lineup included the TAB3 7, TAB3 8, and TAB3 10, with prices starting from around $100. Key features included Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Dolby Atmos audio, and optional 4G LTE. The TAB3 7 had a 7-inch 1024x600 display while the TAB3 8 and 10 offered HD resolutions. All models were designed for media consumption and education, with a focus on durability and long battery life.
HTC One X9 and Desire Models: Mid-Range Innovations
HTC introduced four new mid-range devices at MWC 2016: the global HTC One X9 and three Desire models (Desire 530, 630, and 825). The One X9 featured a 5.5-inch Full HD display, MediaTek Helio X10 processor, 3GB RAM, and a 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization. The Desire models introduced a unique 'Micro Splash' design that offered water resistance. They also included BoomSound speakers and Sense 7 UI. The Desire 825 upgraded to 2.5D curved glass. These phones targeted price-conscious consumers without sacrificing design.
Sony Xperia PP10 Leak and Smart Ear Accessory
Evan Blass leaked images of a mysterious Sony smartphone codenamed 'Xperia PP10' ahead of MWC 2016. The device had a distinctive design with a curved top edge, likely targeting the premium segment. Alongside the leak, a 'Sony Smart Ear' accessory appeared—a wireless earbud similar to the Moto Hint. The leak suggested Sony was expanding its audio ecosystem. However, Sony's official event later focused on different devices, and the PP10 never launched under that name.
LG G5: Modular Concept and Industry Impact
An opinion piece at MWC 2016 analyzed the LG G5's modular design, where users could swap out bottom modules for different features (camera grip, audio DAC). This approach aimed to differentiate the G5 in a market of incremental updates. The article questioned whether modularity could reinvigorate smartphone innovation. The G5 also featured a 5.3-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820, and dual 16MP rear cameras. Despite the hype, LG's modular system faced limited adoption from third-party developers.
LG Sends MWC Invitations for February 21
In January 2016, LG sent invitations for its MWC 2016 event scheduled for February 21st. The invite featured a jack-in-the-box image with the slogan 'Play begins.' This hinted at the upcoming G5 announcement. The event took place a day before MWC officially started, a common tactic among major vendors to capture media attention. The G5 was officially unveiled on that date, showcasing its modular design and always-on display.
Blackphone 2 Pre-Order: Security First
The Blackphone 2, announced at MWC 2015, became available for pre-order in August 2015 with shipping expected the following month. It ran Silent OS, a forked version of Android focused on encryption and privacy. The device featured a 5.5-inch 1080p display, 3GB RAM, and a 13MP rear camera. It targeted enterprises and privacy-conscious users. Pricing was not publicly listed, but the original Blackphone cost $629. The Blackphone 2 emphasized secure communications and data isolation.
Huawei Profits Climb 33% and Smartwatch Unveil
Huawei reported a 33% profit increase for 2014, with global revenue reaching $46.5 billion. The growth was driven by LTE expansion in China. At MWC 2015, Huawei announced its first Android Wear smartwatch, the Huawei Watch, featuring a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, sapphire crystal, and a classic round design. The watch came in stainless steel, gold, and rose gold finishes. It competed directly with the Moto 360 and Apple Watch. Early rumors suggested a $1,000 price tag, but Huawei denied this.
HTC One M9 Appears on B&H for $649
In March 2015, the yet-unannounced HTC One M9 appeared on B&H Photo's website with a price of $649 and a release date of March 25th. The listing was soon taken down, indicating retailer leaks often precede official announcements. The M9 featured Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, and a 20MP rear camera with sapphire lens. The dual-tone finish was a design highlight. It came in colors like Dark Gunmetal and Gold. The device was officially launched on March 1st at MWC.
LG G4: 'Radically Different' and More Powerful G Series
LG's mobile chief Cho Jun-ho stated at MWC 2015 that the upcoming LG G4 would be 'radically different' from its predecessor. It would feature a metal-mixed body and the new LG UX 4.0 software. The G4 eventually sported a leather back, 5.5-inch Quad HD display, and Snapdragon 808. LG also confirmed a new device series with more powerful specs than the G series, later revealed as the LG V10. The company aimed to differentiate through design and camera performance.
Google's Selfie Slam and 'Be Together' Campaign
At MWC 2015, Google launched a playful 'Selfie Slam' ad featuring Androidify characters playing basketball. This was part of the 'Be together. Not the same.' marketing campaign promoting Android's diversity. Google also shared a longer ad titled 'Young Together.' These ads emphasized that Android users could stay connected while expressing individuality. The campaign appeared across MWC signage and digital platforms, reinforcing Google's emphasis on Android's openness and customization.
Google's Sundar Pichai at MWC: MVNO, Android Pay, Project Titan
Sundar Pichai, then SVP of Chrome and Android, discussed several topics at MWC 2015. He revealed that Google was exploring an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) to improve connectivity, later launching Google Fi. He mentioned Android Pay as a unified mobile payment system. Pichai also talked about Project Titan (internet drones) and the integration of Android into virtual reality. This interview signaled Google's deepening involvement in mobile infrastructure and services.
Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet and Xperia M4 at MWC 2015
Sony announced the Xperia Z4 Tablet at MWC 2015, claiming it was the world's slimmest 10-inch tablet at 6.1mm. It had a 2K display (2560x1600) and a Snapdragon 810 processor. The device also featured waterproofing, an 8.1MP rear camera, and a 6000mAh battery. Alongside, Sony unveiled the Xperia M4 Aqua—a mid-range smartphone with IP68 water resistance, 13MP camera, and a 5-inch 720p display. The M4 offered a 'no compromises' waterproof experience at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge: Glass and Metal Design
Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge were unveiled on March 1, 2015, at MWC. The S6 featured a glass back and metal frame, replacing the plastic design of the S5. Key specs included a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7420 processor, 3GB RAM, and a 16MP rear camera with OIS. The S6 Edge had a dual-curved display. Both models released on April 10. Samsung also introduced wireless charging and a Samsung Pay service. The design change was widely praised as a significant upgrade.
Alcatel Idol 3 Series: Budget Smartphone Gems
Alcatel launched the Idol 3 series at MWC 2015, comprising 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch variants. The 4.7-inch model had a 720p display, 1.2GHz quad-core CPU, 13MP camera, and Android 5.0 Lollipop. The 5.5-inch version had a Full HD display. Both phones featured front-facing stereo speakers and an interface that allowed upside-down usage. The Idol 3 series aimed to provide premium features at low prices, with the 4.7-inch model costing around $180 off-contract.
HTC One M9 Announced: 20MP Camera, Dot View Cover
HTC announced the One M9 at MWC 2015 with a 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, and a 20MP rear camera with sapphire lens. The device came in 4 colors: Gold, Dark Gunmetal, Silver, and Pink. A new Dot View cover with customizable patterns allowed users to interact without opening the case. The M9 ran Android 5.0 with Sense 7. Despite some criticism for the 1080p display, the phone received positive reviews for its build quality and BoomSound speakers.
Mobile World Congress 2015 and 2016 showcased a diverse range of innovation, from modular designs and water-resistant mid-rangers to industry-shaking flagship redesigns. Companies pushed boundaries in storage, camera technology, and user interfaces. The event also highlighted Google's broadening involvement in mobile and the growing importance of software ecosystems. These announcements set the stage for trends that would dominate the smartphone industry for years to come.
Source: 9to5Google News