'Robot Phones' and 'Liquid-Cooled Phones' Emerge... Form Factor Innovation Sweeps Smartphone Market Amid Growth Stagnation

[Financial News] The global smartphone industry is striving to break through stagnating growth by innovating form factors. With performance across smartphones becoming standardized, prices rising, and replacement cycles lengthening, the market remains sluggish. In response, companies are seeking to generate new demand by targeting niche markets.■ Development of 'Robot Phones'According to industry sources on the 20th, Chinese company Xiaomi recently released a development video for a smartphone equipped with a robotic arm, dubbed the HONOR Robot Phone. When a button is pressed, a square-shaped gimbal camera attached to the robotic arm extends from the upper rear of the device. The camera can rotate 360 degrees, enabling shooting from any direction or angle, and is designed to minimize shaking. Even if the phone is placed in a shirt pocket or laid face down on a desk, the camera can protrude for shooting. The gimbal camera also supports AI features, such as recommending outfits when taking full-body photos. Xiaomi plans to unveil detailed specifications of the HONOR Robot Phone at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 next March.
Xiaomi Corporation has equipped its flagship smartphone models, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, with a rear display. Similar to the cover display on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, this secondary screen can be used as a selfie viewfinder, for notifications, clock, custom animations, and video playback. With Xiaomi Corporation’s dedicated case, the device can even function like a retro gaming console.
Chinese company ZTE Corporation (ZTE) has applied a liquid cooling technology called AquaCore to its gaming smartphone, the REDMAGIC 11 Pro, set to launch on November 3. To enhance cooling, actual flowing water is incorporated into the rear of the device.■ Samsung Developing 'Galaxy Z Tri Fold'Samsung Electronics is accelerating the development of next-generation form factors, aiming to cultivate new growth drivers in currently underdeveloped markets. In May, the company introduced the thinnest model in the Galaxy S series, the Galaxy S25 Edge, and plans to unveil the Galaxy Z Tri Fold, a foldable phone that folds twice, later this month. The Galaxy Z Tri Fold features a dual in-folding G-shaped design, with the left and right panels folding inward. This contrasts with Huawei, which was first in the world to launch a tri-fold phone using a Z-shaped out-folding design. Samsung’s approach prevents the internal screen from being exposed when folded, thereby enhancing durability.
Apple Inc., which has been passive about form factor changes, is also betting on foldable phones to overcome stagnant growth. A foldable iPhone is expected to be added to the iPhone 18 lineup, set for release in the second half of next year. Smartphone manufacturers are rushing to innovate device exteriors as market sluggishness persists due to high penetration rates and extended replacement cycles. The urgency for new demand is heightened by the impact of U.S. 'tariff shocks.' According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), global smartphone shipments this year are expected to reach 1.24 billion units, a mere 0.6% increase from the previous year.
mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter