• AI Innovations: Huawei, HONOR, and ZTE showcased AI advancements, from deepfake detection and AI-driven eyewear to ecosystem-driven AI solutions, shaping the future of intelligent services.
• Product Innovations: From Xiaomi's seamless device integration in SU7 to Lenovo's Moto Razr 50 Ultra with AI-driven features and robust design, brands demonstrated cutting-edge advancements in consumer technology.
• China Mobile's ‘Jiutian’ LLM: AI applications in healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, underscoring China's leadership in practical AI integration.

Under the ‘Future First’ theme, MWC Shanghai showcases the transformative impact of mobile technology in the world’s largest 5G market. Spread across five exhibition halls, the general buzz centered around AI, 5G-A and large language models (LLMs), highlighting advancements set to reshape industries.

In his opening keynote at the event, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd highlighted China's impressive 5G growth, forecast over 1 billion connections by year-end 2024, and applauded the country’s leadership in the Open Gateway initiative. He emphasized China's pivotal role in AI advancements, noting that around 40% of global LLMs are now developed here, with major telecom companies like China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom working on enterprise AI models and services. Granryd's address underscored China's significant contributions to both 5G and AI industries.

From AI-embedded consumer electronics to AR glasses and the latest AI solutions, attendees were given a glimpse into the future of connectivity and innovation. Below are the highlights:

Fibocom Unveils Compact LTE Cat 1 bis Module

Fibocom introduced the MC610-GL, a new LTE Cat 1 bis module noted for its high reliability, ultra-compact size and cost-effectiveness. This addition aims to boost IoT scalability in sectors such as asset tracking, e-mobility and advanced metering infrastructure. Counterpoint’s recent note on the Global IoT Cellular Market highlighted a 7% YoY growth in global cellular IoT module shipments in Q1 2024, driven mainly by demand in China and India. Fibocom saw significant growth in shipments, achieving a new quarterly record and securing a top-three position in the international market excluding China, thanks to the brand’s strong presence in the router/CPE and telematics segments.

Source: Fibocom

HONOR Debuts AI Deepfake Detection and Eye Protection at MWC

HONOR introduced two AI-powered features for smartphones – AI Deepfake Detection and AI Defocus Eye Protection. The AI Deepfake Detection tool promises to enhance security by identifying manipulated media, while the AI Defocus Eye Protection technology simulates defocus glasses on the display to reduce eye strain. These advancements represent a welcome step from HONOR towards enhancing user safety and comfort through AI.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Huawei’s Focus on 5G-A and Mobile AI

Huawei is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of 5G-A and Mobile AI technologies under the theme ‘Advancing the Intelligent World.’ Highlighting ‘Commercial 5G-A Experience Tours’ and partnerships with global operators, Huawei's strategy aims to redefine telecommunications. David Wang, Huawei's Executive Director and ICT Infrastructure Managing Board Chairperson, outlined the brand’s commitment to harnessing 5G-A and AI advancements for transformative impact, envisioning a future of intelligent services and pioneering business opportunities.

Source: Huawei

 ZTE's Insights on AI, 5G and Digitalization

ZTE showcased its advancements in AI, 5G and digitalization. The company participated in forums and introduced AI-powered eyewear-free 3D products and the Nebula Telecom Large Model. Emphasizing an ecosystem-driven approach, ZTE focused on partnerships and continuous innovation in intelligent computing and 10Gbps+ 5G experiences. ZTE’s initiatives, including Digital Nebula 3.0, has positioned it at the forefront of the intelligent era with a comprehensive AI Full-Scenario Intelligent Ecosystem 3.0.

ZTE has also addressed four key challenges in AI development – bottlenecks in computing power supply, errors in critical scenarios, an emphasis on training over inference, and difficulties in achieving a commercial closed-loop. ZTE’s hardware and software full-stack solution aims to tackle these issues effectively.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Xiaomi SU7: A Seamless Experience Revealed

The Xiaomi SU7 attracted considerable attention at its launch, thanks to the battery electric vehicle’s sleek design and sophisticated interior. A large tablet inside features a user interface and user experience similar to Xiaomi’s smartphones, indicating the company’s focus on providing a seamless experience across devices. This was further emphasized by Xiaomi’s booth demonstration of seamless connectivity between smartphones, tablets and laptops. Once again, Xiaomi appears to have successfully distilled the essence of industry-leading technology into a more affordable package, much like what it previously achieved in the smartphone market.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Lenovo Introduces the Moto Razr 50 Ultra: Advancing Clamshell Innovation

Lenovo showcased its latest innovation, the Moto Razr 50 Ultra, at MWC Shanghai. This clamshell-type foldable smartphone features a 4-inch LTPO outer display and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen3 platform. It boasts a 4000mAh battery, an improved hinge design for durability and IPX8 waterproof certification. With dual 50MP rear cameras including OIS and AI-driven features like content identification and multi-device connectivity, Lenovo continues to push the envelope of clamshell smartphone technology.

Source: Counterpoint Research

China Mobile Introduces ‘Jiutian’ LLM

China Mobile showcased its versatile ‘Jiutian’ LLM at MWC Shanghai, demonstrating applications across government, healthcare, hospitality and entertainment. Highlights include AI-driven smart hotel management, advanced medical assistance and innovative exam monitoring systems. Migu, its content subsidiary, debuted China's first AIGC-enabled short play and AI commentators for sports, highlighting Jiutian's transformative potential across industries.

Source: Counterpoint Research