I tried Tecno's modular phone that's got the internet buzzing - and it got weird quickly

Source: ZDNet

Key takeaways

• Tecno’s magnetic modular phone is a proof of concept without a release date.
• It’s thin and light, and the modular battery design is cool.
• The magnets aren’t strong enough, and the camera modules need some work.

Tecno is always a delightful visit during MWC; the brand has a history of bringing interesting concepts to bear. This year, there are a pair of them, including a tri‑fold phone I couldn’t dive into, as a security device prevented me from even closing it on the showroom floor.

The concept differs from the Z‑shaped foldable phone shown last year. Instead of a single fold, it folds twice to the centre, like the Samsung Trifold, with the outside screen on one of the wings. The magnetic modular phone, however, is the one that caught my attention.

Also: What to expect at MWC 2026: Best phones I’m anticipating from Xiaomi, Honor, and more

Concept overview

Modular phones are a long‑standing dream among enthusiasts. This device feels a bit like an iPhone Air: extremely thin, with magnets and pogo pins on the back for attaching modules. The magnets feel a bit weak, making the modules feel slightly wobbly.

Specifications (proof of concept)

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8350
• Storage: 256 GB
• RAM: 12 GB
• Battery: 3,000 mAh (base unit)

Battery module

A detachable battery module can be attached to the back. Each module is also 3,000 mAh, and three stackable modules were on display, providing a combined capacity of 12,000 mAh.

Other modules

• Wallet mod – similar to MagSafe wallets, but the weak magnets make it feel insecure.
• Camera attachments
  • Optical telephoto lens: adds 3× optical zoom. Images appear inverted, which is normal for a magnifying lens, though software correction would be expected. No ultrawide module was present.
  • 100× optical telephoto module: connects via Wi‑Fi to transmit images to the phone’s viewfinder. Testing showed noticeable lag, possibly due to poor Wi‑Fi conditions or implementation.
  • Action camera: was not functional on the show floor.
• Accessories
  • Lavalier mic with windscreen
  • Ring‑light/mirror combo for selfies or video
  • Bluetooth speaker mod

None of these accessories need to be physically attached to the phone to work, which blurs the line of “modularity.”

Also: I tried Honor’s ultra‑thin foldable phone at MWC 2026, and it’s almost too powerful

Buying advice

Although it remains a proof of concept, I would like to see several improvements before recommending the phone:

• Stronger magnets for more secure module attachment
• Refined camera attachments with better software handling and reduced latency

The device feels like a spiritual successor to the Moto Mods era, but it inherits the same challenge: once modules are released, Tecno must commit to the form factor, or the modules risk becoming obsolete.

Also: I tested Xiaomi’s matte‑glass tablet for a month, and it effectively replaced my iPad

I trusted Motorola’s promise to support mods for four years (and they exceeded it). Tecno, however, lacks that established reputation, and importing concerns add another hurdle. Still, the concept is intriguing, and the available modules show promise—provided Tecno can push the design further.