Counterpoint Research analysts attended the second day of the Mobile World Congress 2025 after an eventful Day 1, as they continue to track the latest developments shaping the technology industry. Here are the key announcements from Day 2:

1. Nothing Expands its Lineup with the Phone 3a Series

Source: Nothing

British smartphone brand Nothing has introduced the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro. Both models run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and retain the company’s distinctive transparent design and Glyph lighting interface. The series represents Nothing’s strategy to balance performance and design aesthetics while expanding its presence in key markets.

Our Takeaway:

Nothing refreshed its A series smartphones after a year and added a Pro variant featuring a better camera and retailing for a higher price. The phones now feature AI capabilities as they switch to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and keep up with the growing adoption of AI in the mid-range. Nothing’s AI approach aims to improve UX while skipping individual AI features like image generation and eraser. The devices are likely to drive the brand’s sales momentum due to affordability along with improved hardware primarily, camera, display, and charging capabilities. With Nothing Phone 3 also lined up for the year, we can expect the brand to see further growth. However, the Pro variant uses the same chipset as the non-Pro which creates a lesser differentiation between the two models.

2. Samsung Showcases the Galaxy S25 Edge

Source: Samsung

Samsung provided a closer look at the Galaxy S25 Edge, first mentioned during the Galaxy Unpacked event in January. This ultra-thin device is expected to be slimmer than other S25 models, positioning it as an alternative for users prioritizing a sleek form factor. While availability details remain undisclosed, Samsung’s continued refinement of design trends suggests an ongoing effort to differentiate within the premium segment.

Our Takeaway

The Samsung S series is the world’s most popular premium Android smartphone. Samsung is adding another device in the lineup – the S25 Edge – adding further impetus to the series. In terms of specifications and performance, the S series has already become very mature. Samsung is taking a new approach to differentiate in terms of design, with thickness being the key element. The device was strategically launched before the iPhone Air, slated for release later in 2025. The launch will further intensify competition in the premium market as more OEMs chase value-driven strategies.

3. TECNO Introduces the Spark Slim

Source: TECNO

TECNO has launched the Spark Slim smartphone. At 5.75mm, it is one of the slimmest smartphones in the market. The device features a stainless-steel frame with a chrome mirror finish and a ceramic option. Its 6.6-inch 3D curved OLED display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, with a dual 50-megapixel camera system complemented by an LED flash. TECNO’s approach reflects the growing demand for ultra-thin smartphones with premium materials in the budget segment.

Our Takeaway:

While this is still a concept phone with no information on the launch date, it does give an idea of where the industry is heading in terms of design. Slimness seems to be the new differentiating factor, further underscored by the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air, which is in the pipeline along with the iPhone 17 series. Packing a 5200mAh battery in a 5.75mm thick phone is also impressive. It shows the company’s advancements in battery tech. We have already seen SiC batteries packing more power in a thinner form factor.

4. Open Telecom AI Platform Gains Industry Support

Source: Company logos sourced from AMD, Jio, Nokia, and Cisco

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) has partnered with AMD, Nokia, and Cisco to develop an open-source AI platform for telecom networks. The initiative aims to integrate AI and automation across various network operations, improving efficiency and scalability. As AI-driven network management becomes more prevalent, this collaboration reflects a broader industry shift towards more intelligent and autonomous telecom infrastructure.

Our Takeaway:

With 5G investments stabilizing, mobile operators are shifting focus from infrastructure rollout to monetization, cost efficiency, and service innovation. The Open Telecom AI Platform, developed by Jio in collaboration with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia, aims to embed AI-driven automation across network operations. AMD’s computing power, Cisco’s AI-driven analytics, and Nokia’s expertise in RAN and core networks provide a strong foundation to scale these capabilities. The most significant aspect of this initiative is its open-source framework, designed to serve as a replicable model for telecom operators worldwide. As AI-powered networks evolve, the ability to integrate Agentic AI, domain-specific LLMs, and SLMs will be key to improving real-time decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing overall network security and efficiency. This collaboration signals a broader industry push towards AI-led telecom automation, setting a precedent for scalable, intelligent, and adaptive networks that benefit both enterprises and consumers.

5. OPPO Advances AI Integration

Source: OPPO

At the OPPO AI Tech Summit, OPPO outlined its AI strategy, emphasizing system-wide AI enhancements and security improvements, and advancements in Private Computing Cloud. The company is strengthening its collaboration with Google, integrating AI features into its ecosystem. Google Gemini will be embedded in OPPO’s core applications, such as Notes, Calendar, and Clock, with further support for Gemini 2.0 planned. OPPO is one of the first smartphone brands to implement Private Computing Cloud, enabling users to take action across OPPO apps within Gemini, enhancing security and cross-app functionality. OPPO’s focus on AI at the system level aligns with the industry’s broader movement toward more personalized and responsive smartphone experiences.

Our Takeaway:

Smartphone OEMs have been announcing closer partnerships with Google and OPPO has followed suit. Although OPPO has its own LLM in China, called Andes GPT, the company has expanded its partnership with Gemini to provide deeper AI integration in global markets. OPPO is also one of the OEMs that has been working aggressively to democratize AI in the mid segment.

One of OPPO’s key announcements was the implementation of Private Computing Cloud. Apple has been able to delicately maintain a balance between AI features and privacy narrative through private cloud compute. In the Android camp, OPPO is one of the first to do so. This is important, as users are willing to use AI, but are skeptical about parting with their data.

6. Perplexity and Deutsche Telekom Partner for AI Phone

Source: Deutsche Telekom

Perplexity AI and Deutsche Telekom are collaborating on an AI-driven smartphone, expected to be launched in 2026 for under $1,000. The device will integrate Perplexity AI as the default assistant, replacing conventional search engines and app-based interactions with a more direct AI-powered experience. The concept signals a potential shift towards ‘app-less’ smartphone ecosystems, where AI acts as the primary interface for user interactions.

Our Takeaway:

AI promises to redefine customer experience across a spectrum of areas including smartphones. AI could very well become the center of connectivity. Smartphone OEMs have been marketing AI smartphones over the last one year.

The smartphone market is very mature, and the top players have remained fixed for some time. When a new structural feature like ‘AI’ comes around, there is scope for newer players to thrive. Deutsche Telekom is entering the market with an AI phone. ByteDance has also announced an AI smartphone , set to be released in Q3 2025.

The app-less phone gives a glimpse of how AI could perform tasks without the need for apps in the future. This would mean that the OEM, operator or AI can control the terms instead of apps or search engines.