MWC 2025 Spotlight: Next Wave of Innovation in CIoT, Smart Devices

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Mar 25, 2025

This year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, which took place from March 3 to March 6, showcased some interesting announcements and trends that will set new standards for upcoming products and technologies across the entire digital ecosystem.

With innovations spanning artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity, extended reality (XR) and eSIM technology, leading brands such as TCL, HONOR, Lenovo, Xiaomi, TECNO and HMD introduced a new generation of devices designed to enhance connectivity and user experience.

Key takeaways

  • AI-driven advancements are shaping consumer IoT (CIoT) devices, with Lenovo’s AI-powered laptops, TCL’s smart tablets and TECNO’s AI glasses enhancing user experiences.
  • Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, as seen in Lenovo’s Solar PC concept, which sets new standards for eco-friendly device innovation.
  • High-refresh-rate and OLED displays are gaining traction across tablets, laptops and smartwatches, reflecting consumer preference for superior visual quality.
  • Devices like the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra and TECNO Megabook laptops highlight the growing demand for extended battery life and fast-charging capabilities.
  • AI-powered augmented reality features are being integrated into wearables, with brands like TCL and TECNO driving innovation in smart glasses.
  • A diverse range of products caters to both budget-conscious and premium consumers, from Xiaomi’s affordable wearables to Lenovo’s high-end creator-focused laptops.
  • Practical and multifunctional features are gaining popularity, demonstrated by HMD’s reverse-charging earbuds and TECNO’s lightweight laptops designed for modern users.


Here are the major CIoT announcements from this year’s MWC:

TCL Unveils AI-powered Tablet and Smart Glasses

TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus

  • TCL’s NXTPAPER 11 Plus is its first AI-powered tablet. It comes with NXTPAPER 4.0 technology, incorporating Smart Eye Comfort Mode and Personalized Eye Comfort Mode to reduce eye strain.
  • TCL has introduced the Write in Text Fields feature, which helps in handwriting-to-text conversion in supported text input areas with the help of AI algorithms.
  • It is based on a MediaTek Helio G100 chipset with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
  • The tablet has an 11.5-inch display with a 2.2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with an 8,000mAh battery and 33W fast-charging support.
  • The device is priced at €249 (around $269.4) and will be available in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
  • The NXTPAPER 11 Plus emphasizes user well-being by optimizing eye comfort and minimizing eye fatigue.

TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus

Source: TCL

HONOR Expands Tablet and Smartwatch Portfolios

HONOR Pad V9

  • HONOR’s Pad V9 features an 11.5-inch OLED display with a 2800x1840 resolution. With a peak brightness of 500 nits and a pixel density of 274 PPI, it supports HDR Vivid, a color depth of 1.07 billion, and the P3 color gamut.
  • It is powered by a 4nm Octa-Core Dimensity 8350 Elite chipset with a Mali G615 GPU, and it runs on Android 15 with MagicOS 9.0.
  • The tablet is equipped with 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it also has a 13MP rear camera supporting autofocus and 4K video recording, and an 8MP front camera with fixed focus.
  • The HONOR Pad V9 has a 10,100 mAh dual-cell battery with 66W fast charging, is just 6.1 mm thick and weighs only 475 gm. The device supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version 5.2.
  • It is priced at €449.90 (around $486.84) and is currently available in Europe, with expansion to other markets expected soon.
  • The HONOR Pad V9 focusesmore on providing laptop-like display quality to a tablet user particularly interested in streaming.

HONOR Pad V9

Source: Honor

HONOR Watch 5 Ultra

  • HONOR’s Watch 5 Ultra comes with an IP68 rating and Free Diving Mode, allowing water resistance up to 40 meters. It also comes with a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display which offers a 466 × 466 resolution, variable refresh rates up to 60Hz, an always-on display for better visibility, a 480mAh battery and smooth user experience.

  • It is packed with over 100 sports modes and tracks essential health metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels and sleep patterns, along with ECG monitoring.
  • It is positioned as a premium fitness and adventure smartwatch that combines durability, extended battery life and advanced health features, making it a strong competitor in the high-end smartwatch segment.

HONOR Watch 5 Ultra

Source: 91mobiles

Lenovo Showcases Solar PC Concept, Laptop Series in Yoga, IdeaPad Ranges

Lenovo Yoga Solar PC

  • The Yoga Solar PC concept is the segment’s first laptop that will harness renewable energy. It integrates solar energy to power a PC through a high-efficiency solar panel with a 24% conversion rate. It has a slim 15 mm design and a lightweight build of 1.22 kg.
  • It utilizes Back Contact Cell technology and a Dynamic Solar Tracking system to maximize energy absorption and optimize power conversion, even in low-light conditions.
  • It has Solar-First Energy system which ensures stable energy storage, allowing the device to function efficiently, with the ability to generate one hour of video playback from just 20 minutes of sunlight exposure.
  • The laptop design ensures that the future of tech sustainability is brighter with solar technology and ultra-efficient processors intersecting to make a laptop that is nearly self-sustaining in broad daylight.


Lenovo Yoga Solar PC

Source: Lenovo

Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition (16”, 10”)

  • The Yoga Pro 9i Aura is powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU.
  • It comes with a 3.2K PureSight Pro OLED display with tandem OLED technology for a peak brightness of 1600 nits. It supports 100% sRGB, P3 and Adobe RGB colon gamut.
  • It comes with machine learning-powered features like Lenovo X Power tuning solution and Creator Zone AI-powered app.
  • The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition (16”, 10) will be available starting June 2025, with an expected starting price of €1,699 (around $1,838.5), including VAT.
  • Lenovo is integrating AI in its laptops as this helps make the laptop highly performance-oriented and also user-friendly.


Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura

Source: Lenovo

The Yoga Pro 7i Aura Edition, Yoga Pro 7, Yoga Slim 7 and Yoga 7 2-in-1 come with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, up to 32GB RAM, a 14.5” 3K OLED display and enhanced audio and keyboard features, making them ideal for creators and professionals. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i Aura Edition (14″, 10”) will be available starting from €1,399 (around $1,513.8).

  • The Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 10”) is designed for creators who need a portable yet powerful device. It features AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processors, a 3K OLED display, Dolby Atmos audio and two USB-A ports. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 will be available starting from €1,399 (around $1,513.8).
  • The Yoga Slim 7 (14”, 10”) is designed for creators and professionals who need a highly portable yet powerful device. It features a 14” 2.8K OLED display, AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processor and an extended 22.5-hour battery life. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 (14”, 10”) will be available starting from €999 (around $1,081.1)
  • The Yoga 7 2-in-1 (14″, 16″) offers versatility for creators with a 360° convertible design. It comes with AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processors, up to 14” 2.8K OLED displays and Yoga pen support, making it ideal for digital artists and multitasking professionals. It will be available starting from €1,099 (around $1,189.23).


Yoga Pro 7i Aura edition, Yoga Pro 7, Yoga Slim 7 and Yoga 7 2-in-1

Source: Lenovo

IdeaPad Slim 3x (15”, 10”)

  • Lenovo’sIdeaPad Slim 3x is powered by a Snapdragon X processor with a 45 TOPS NPU. It also features a durable metal design with MIL-STD-810H certification.
  • The laptop offers a 60Whr battery with Rapid Charge that delivers up to two hours of battery from just a 15-minute charge.
  • The IdeaPad Slim 3x (15″, 10”) is available at a starting price of €599 (around $648.2).
  • The IdeaPad Slim 3x is designed for students, professionals and budget-conscious users seeking an AI-powered laptop with strong multitasking capabilities and affordability.


Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x

Source: Lenovo

Xiaomi Showcases Next-generation Wearables

  • Xiaomi’s Buds 5 Pro (Wi-Fi variant) is the first in the segment to introduce Wi-Fi connectivity. It enhances the listening experience with Wi-Fi connectivity, supported by a 40-hour battery life, and is priced at €219.99 (around $238.05). The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro leverages Qualcomm's S7 Pro chip to enable Wi-Fi audio streaming, delivering 96kHz/24-bit lossless playback with stable connectivity and efficient power consumption.
  • The Buds 5 Pro delivers premium audio with Snapdragon Sound and 55dB hybrid noise cancellation. The device has a 40-hour battery life and is priced at €199.99 (around $217.19).
  • The Smart Band 9 Pro features a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a 336x480 resolution, a 350mAh battery that can last up to 21 days on a single charge, support for over 150 sports modes, GNSS tracking, and health sensors for blood oxygen and heart rate monitoring. The Smart Band 9 Pro is priced at €79.99 (around $86.56).
  • Xiaomi’s Watch S4 comes with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display (466x466 resolution), a 486mAh battery providing 15 days of use, stress tracking feature, 150+ sports modes, and health monitoring. The Watch S4 is priced at €159.99 (around $173.75).
  • Xiaomi has emphasized sound quality improvement by introducing Wi-Fi connectivity in the Buds 5 Pro. This will also differentiate Xiaomi from other brands.

Bud 5, Pro Bud 5, Smart Band 9 Pro, Watch S4
Source: Xiaomi

TECNO Unveils Megabook Laptops & AI Glasses

Megabook S14, Megabook T14 Air, Megabook K15S

  • TECNO’s Megabook S14 is the lightest 14-inch OLED laptop at 899 gm. It features a 2.8K OLED display and the Snapdragon X Elite processor, making it ideal for professionals, travellers and content creators seeking portability and high performance.

  • The Megabook T14 Air is positioned by TECNO as a durable yet portable laptop. It features a 999-gm magnesium alloy body and long battery life, making it an attractive mid-range option for professionals seeking affordability, reliability and style.

  • The Megabook K15S targets budget-conscious users with an all-metal build, a 70Wh battery and 65W fast charging, offering long battery life and durability, making it a strong contender in the affordable laptop segment.

Source: Techno

TECNO AI Glasses Series

  • TECNO’s AI Glasses Series marks the brand’s entry into the AR and wearable tech space. The TECNO AI Glasses series has introduced two models, both featuring a 50MP camera, AI-enhanced imaging and real-time translation in over 100 languages.
  • The AI Glasses Pro has a MicroLED display with a 30° field of view and over 1,500 nits brightness for AR-based navigation and teleprompting.
  • Targeting both tech enthusiasts and enterprise users, TECNO positions its smart glasses as a solution for photography, video capture and hands-free data visualization in professional environments.


TECNO AI Glasses Series

Source: Gadgets 360

HMD Unveils Wireless Earbuds with Reverse-charging Case

Amped Buds

  • HMD’s Amped Buds are the first in the segment to have a 1600mAh reverse-charging case, allowing users to wirelessly charge smartphones, making them a multifunctional accessory for on-the-go consumers.
  • The device is equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC).
  • It has an integrated EQ control via Android and iOS apps, which allows users to personalize their sound experience.
  • With a stylish, ergonomic design and high-end audio features, Amped Buds differentiate themselves in the wireless earbuds market, targeting tech-savvy users, professionals and travelers seeking both performance and convenience.
  • The added functionality could justify a premium price, appealing to consumers willing to pay more for versatile gadgets.

HMD Amped Bud

Source: HMD

Doogee Expands Portfolio, Unveils New Tablets & Smartwatches

Doogee Tab E3 Series

  • The Doogee Tab E3 Pro is equipped with a 13-inch IPS FHD 90Hz display, Android 15 OS, MediaTek Helio G100 chipset, 8GB RAM and 11,000mAh battery. It is 7.9 mm thick. The tablet also includes a 16MP rear camera.
  • The Doogee Tab E3 Max improves upon the E3 Pro with a 14-inch IPS 2.1K 120Hz display, 13,500mAh battery with 18W fast charging and the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset.
  • Doogee’s latest tablets emphasize a balance of performance, display quality and battery life, catering to consumers who prioritize affordability without compromising essential features.


Tab E3 Pro Tab E3 Max

Source: Doogee

Doogee Smartwatches

  • The Doogee D39B women’s smartwatch is powered by the Realtek 8773EWE-VP chipset with a built-in 2D/2.5D GPU, 1.32” AMOLED display, essential health-tracking features, 250mAh battery and an AI voice assistant.
  • The Doogee D45B men’s business smartwatch includes the ATS3085L chipset and 9213+VP60A4 sensors. It comes with a zinc alloy and stainless-steel build, a 1.32” AMOLED display, a 350mAh battery and an AI voice assistant.
  • The Doogee D43/D43B is equipped with the ATS3085L chipset, VP60A4+VC9202 sensors for health tracking, a zinc alloy and stainless-steel build, a 1.43" AMOLED display, 350mAh battery and an AI voice assistant.
  • Doogee’s latest smartwatches combine durable design, AI-driven features and essential health tracking, positioning them as competitive options in the growing wearable tech market.


Doogee Smartwatches

Source: Doogee

Conclusion

MWC 2025 showcased a transformative shift in the consumer IoT landscape, with AI-powered innovations, sustainability and seamless ecosystem integration taking center stage. From TCL’s AI-enhanced tablets and TECNO’s AI Glasses to Lenovo’s Solar PC concept, leading brands are redefining connectivity, efficiency and user experience.

The rise of AI-driven functionalities, such as Lenovo’s X Power laptops, Xiaomi’s smart wearables and Doogee’s AI-integrated smartwatches, highlights the industry’s commitment to making devices smarter and more intuitive. Besides, high-refresh-rate OLED displays in tablets, laptops and smartwatches reflect growing consumer demand for immersive visuals.

Sustainability also emerged as a major theme, with Lenovo’s Solar PC setting a benchmark for green computing, while brands like HMD and TECNO focused on multifunctional, energy-efficient products. Doogee’s expansion into AI-powered tablets and smartwatches further underscores the increasing accessibility of feature-rich, affordable devices, making cutting-edge technology available to a wider audience.

As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve, the innovations unveiled at MWC 2025 pave the way for a smarter, more connected, and sustainable future.

Summary

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Author

Team Counterpoint

Counterpoint Research is a global industry and market research firm providing market data, intelligence, thought leadership and consulting across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of global clients spanning the supply chain – from chipmakers, component suppliers, manufacturers and software and application developers to service providers, channel players and investors. Our veteran team of analysts serve these clients through our offices located across the key innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers globally. Our analysts consistently engage with C-suite through to strategy, market intelligence, supply chain, R&D, product management, marketing, sales and others across the organization. Counterpoint’s key coverage areas: AI, Automotive, Cloud, Connectivity, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks & Infra, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables.