At MWC, Tecno’s super-thin modular concept phone doesn't even have a wired charging port

Source: Engadget

Overview

At just 4.9 mm thin, Tecno’s modular phone concept feels more like a design exercise than a conventional smartphone. The base unit consists of a display, a basic camera module, and four low‑profile pogo‑pin connectors. From there, users can attach a variety of modules to build a customized device.

Camera Modules

Tecno showcased two families of modular components in different colorways at its MWC 2026 booth.

• Telephoto lens – A chunky module that adds up to 20× zoom. It includes manual focus, though the demo was a bit glitchy. The lens is large enough to make even Vivo’s 400 mm telephoto lens look modest by comparison.
• Ultrawide and streamlined periscope telephoto – Smaller, more subtle camera options.
• Action cam – Connects via Wi‑Fi and can operate independently.
• Walkie‑talkie module – Features an antenna that folds out, enabling communication without cellular service or Wi‑Fi (using Bluetooth or mmWave for transmission).

Additional accessories displayed included lanyard connectors, grip clips, and various other modules. A game‑controller mod was mentioned but not present on the stand.

“It’s a lot of fun to swap out and even stack the modules, most of which were functionally working.” – Engadget

Battery and Charging

Because of its extreme thinness, the base phone contains a tiny, unspecified battery. However, users can attach external battery packs:

• 3,000 mAh packs can be added to the back.
• Multiple packs can be stacked, reaching a total capacity of around 10,000 mAh—exceeding most mainstream smartphones.

Notably, the device lacks a traditional USB‑C charging port. Instead, a dedicated charging module attaches to one of the two pairs of pogo‑pin connectors, and additional modules can be stacked on top.

Industry Context

Tecno frequently presents bold concepts at trade shows, but there’s no guarantee these designs will reach consumers. Modular phones have historically struggled:

• Google’s Project Ara was discontinued over a decade ago.
• Motorola’s Moto Mods received mixed reviews.
• LG’s G5 modules never gained traction.

Furthermore, Tecno’s market presence in Western Europe and the United States is limited, though recent moves by other Chinese manufacturers suggest this could change.

Conclusion

Tecno’s ultra‑thin modular concept demonstrates impressive engineering—especially the ability to stack battery modules and attach a charging unit without a wired port. However, practical concerns remain, such as the durability of magnetic connections and the logistics of carrying multiple modules.