The Best New Phones You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Know About)

Big-name brands like Samsung and Google might dominate the smartphone conversation, but some of the most interesting innovations come from manufacturers you’ve probably never heard of.

At MWC 2025, we spotted a few hidden gems—devices pushing the limits with AI-powered assistants, solar charging, and ultra-thin designs. But beyond MWC, smaller brands are constantly experimenting with gaming powerhouses, modular designs, and ultra-compact devices.

Here are some of the most exciting new phones you might not know about—but absolutely should.

Newnal AI Phone – A Phone That Learns You

Spotted at MWC 2025 – Full coverage here

Why It’s Interesting:

• Features a built-in AI assistant that learns your habits and adapts to your daily routine.
• Smarter notifications, battery optimization, and a personalized user experience over time.
• Moves beyond the usual Google Assistant/Siri AI model to something truly customized.

Who It’s For?
If you want a phone that actively evolves with how you use it, this is one of the most futuristic devices we’ve seen.

Infinix Solar Phone – The Phone That Powers Itself

Source: The Verge

Spotted at MWC 2025 – Full coverage here

Why It’s Interesting:

• Built-in solar charging eliminates battery anxiety by harnessing sunlight and ambient lighting.
• A sustainable solution that reduces power dependency and electronic waste.
• Ideal for off-grid travel and emergencies—charge anywhere, anytime.

Who It’s For?
If you’re someone who constantly needs a charger nearby, this phone could be a game-changer.

Tecno Spark Slim – The Thinnest Phone at MWC 2025

Source: GSMArena

Spotted at MWC 2025 – Full coverage here

Why It’s Interesting:

• At 5.75mm thin, it’s one of the thinnest smartphones ever released.
• Despite its size, it still packs a 5,200mAh battery and a 6.78-inch 144Hz display.
• Proves that slim design doesn’t have to mean weak performance.

Who It’s For?
If you want something lightweight yet powerful, or just hate how massive modern phones have become, this one’s worth checking out.

HMD Fusion – A Modular Phone Done Right

Non-MWC release – Read Our Overview!

Why It’s Interesting:

• Modular design with swappable “Outfits”—customize your phone’s look and features.
• Attachments include a ring light for selfies, with wireless charging and gaming modules on the way.
• Designed for repairability, meaning users can swap out parts instead of replacing the whole phone.

Who It’s For?
If you’re tired of buying a whole new phone for minor upgrades or want something that actually feels personal, this modular approach might be the answer.

NanoPhone – A Smartphone the Size of a Credit Card

Non-MWC release – SFGate’s coverage here

Why It’s Interesting:

• World’s smallest 4G smartphone—smaller than a credit card but still supports essential apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Uber.
• Dual SIM, lightweight (2.3oz), and ultra-portable.
• A real phone, not just a novelty—includes a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front camera.

Who It’s For?
Frequent travelers, minimalists, or anyone who needs a tiny, functional secondary phone.

Honor Magic V3 – The Slimmest Foldable Ever

Non-MWC release – Check Out Our Hands On!

Why It’s Interesting:

• At 9.2mm thick when folded, it’s the world’s thinnest foldable phone.
• AI-powered call clarity tools and advanced photo editing built-in.
• Uses an ultra-thin silicon-carbon battery for better efficiency.

Who It’s For?
If you love cutting-edge foldable tech but hate the usual bulkiness, this might be the best execution of the concept yet.

REDMAGIC 10 Pro – A Gaming Beast

Source: PCMag

Non-MWC release – TechRadar Review

Why It’s Interesting:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for desktop-level gaming performance.
• 144Hz AMOLED display—smoother than most gaming monitors.
• Advanced cooling system keeps performance stable even during long sessions.

Who It’s For?
If you game on your phone seriously (or just want a ridiculously overpowered device), this is one of the best gaming phones out right now.

Final Thoughts

The smartphone industry is way bigger than the big brands, and these lesser-known manufacturers are proving that innovation happens everywhere.

Whether it’s AI that learns from you, a solar-powered phone, or a credit-card-sized smartphone, these devices show that the future of mobile tech is more diverse than ever.

Want to see what else was at MWC 2025? Check out our full MWC coverage for all the highlights.

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