Honor's 'Robot Phone' Folds Gimbal Inside

Honor has introduced an experimental flagship phone, dubbed the 'Robot Phone,' which uniquely incorporates a miniaturized three-axis gimbal. This technology aims to provide advanced stabilization for its 200-megapixel primary camera, a feature that debuted at MWC 2026. The gimbal is cleverly concealed within the phone's body, making it the smallest gimbal motor ever manufactured for a phone.

Despite its innovative design, the 'Robot Phone' faces market limitations. Honor plans to sell the device only in China, citing escalating component costs as a reason for a limited production run. This cautious approach mirrors strategies used by other manufacturers for experimental devices. The phone measures 9.6mm thick, with the camera unit adding to its dimensions.

Beyond its headline gimbal feature, the phone boasts a 200MP telephoto camera with 2.7x optical zoom and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. The front-facing camera also has a 50MP resolution. Video recording is a focal point, with Honor collaborating with ARRI for a cinematic shooting experience, including support for ARRI's LogC3 format and real-time LUT application.

Testing revealed impressive stabilization, even in dynamic environments like London's Kings Cross station. Users can manually adjust gimbal angles and tracking speeds, with the device capable of tracking both humans and objects. The phone retails for 9,999 yuan in China, approximately $1,500, with potential for higher prices if released internationally. Durability concerns exist due to the mechanical gimbal, though the phone offers IP54 protection when the gimbal is stowed.