HONOR Launches Robot Phone in China

SHENZHEN, China – HONOR, a global leader in AI device ecosystems, is launching the HONOR Robot Phone in China. Pioneering a new device category, the Robot Phone integrates a fully motorised mechanical three-axis gimbal directly into its premium body. Featuring selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional filmmaking workflows, the system goes far beyond conventional smartphones, supporting creators as an active physical companion and powerful mobile production studio.

“Looking back over a century of imaging, every major leap has been driven by advances in both light capture and intelligent processing,” said James Li, CEO of HONOR. “Hardware lays the foundation for image quality, while algorithms enable the decisive leap forward. But technology is only the starting point—what ultimately defines outstanding imaging is aesthetics. A century of filmmaking has shown us the power of precise control over light and shadow, a deep understanding of colour and emotion, and the ability to make every frame tell a story. Together with ARRI, we will continue to push the boundaries of creativity and inspire a new generation of creators.”

“The future is not simply about more pixels. It is about control. It is about giving creators the tools they need to capture compelling images. HONOR brings expertise in mobile imaging, high-performance computing and robotics. ARRI contributes more than a century of trusted leadership in image science and professional production workflows. We come from different industries, but we share a common goal: to expand what creators can achieve with the tools they carry with them every day,” said David Bermbach, Chief Product Officer at ARRI.

The Industry’s First Smartphone with a 4DoF Titanium Agile Gimbal

At the heart of the technology is the ultra-compact mechanical 4DoF system featuring the HONOR Titanium Agile Gimbal. Manufactured through a 60-step production process, the design incorporates more than 100 precision components and is backed by over 100 patents. Compared with conventional external gimbals, HONOR has reduced the system’s overall size by 65% while increasing stability by 200%.

The 2.6 g Titanium Gimbal Motor enables control speeds of up to 360° per second, while the HONOR Super Steel Flip Motor delivers a torque density of 120 N·m/L. Together, these technologies enable fast, precise movements and stable positioning within a pocket-sized flagship design.

HONOR and ARRI: A Partnership for Intelligent, Cinematic Imaging

The HONOR Robot Phone marks the first product milestone in HONOR’s partnership with ARRI, the world-leading developer of professional motion-picture cameras. The device integrates selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional filmmaking workflows directly into the smartphone, offering capabilities that go far beyond simple filters.

The rear camera system is led by two 200 MP cameras: a 200 MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and f/1.6 aperture, and a 200 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and 2.7x optical zoom. The 200 MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera supports 10-bit ARRI LogC3 recording in ARRI CINEMA Mode, while a 50 MP Ultra-Wide Camera with a 122° field of view completes the versatile camera system.

As part of the partnership, the device combines ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3 and ARRI Looks with the HONOR H1 Imaging Processor. AI-powered noise reduction improves the signal-to-noise ratio in video recordings by 8 dB, while dynamic AI range optimisation provides a dynamic range of up to 14 stops.

During video processing, noise is reduced at an early stage in the RAW domain. Following 14-bit 4:4:4 data processing, video is output in 10-bit LogC3 and 4:2:2. This retains more usable image information for post-production. ARRI Looks can also be previewed in real time, making it easier to achieve specific cinematic colour moods.

For creators, ARRI LogC3 preserves more information in highlights and shadows for post-production. ARRI Wide Gamut 3 provides a wider colour space, while ARRI Looks deliver controllable, cinematic colour rendering. Footage can be imported directly into professional editing tools such as DaVinci Resolve, where ARRI LUTs can be incorporated as part of a complete mobile workflow spanning capture through to post-production.

The collaboration between HONOR and ARRI will continue, with both companies further refining their joint imaging technologies and workflows through technical validation and practical user testing. The upcoming HONOR Magic9 Series will represent the next milestone in the partnership.

Physical AI and Hands-Free Filmmaking with MagicOS

Pioneering a new era of multimodal AI interaction, the Robot Phone introduces robotics-grade motion control, transforming the smartphone into an autonomous personal camera crew. The camera arm supports a range of cinematic movement modes, including Tilt Lock, First Person View (FPV), FPV Vertical and AI SpinShot, enabling creators to produce smoother, more dynamic footage with greater ease.

Powered by MagicOS, the HONOR Robot Phone introduces YOYO Robot Mode, which combines multimodal perception, contextual understanding, gesture recognition and physical movement.

With voice-source localisation and real-time AI subject tracking, the camera automatically pans and tilts, keeping users in focus even as they move during a vlog, livestream or video call. Touch-free gesture controls also allow users to extend the camera arm and trigger recordings without touching the device.

Beyond imaging, YOYO Auto Execution enables the system-level AI agent to understand users’ intentions and carry out complex, multi-step tasks across supported applications and system settings. Through its open Agent Skills interface, the Robot Phone gives third-party developers the opportunity to create new applications that leverage the device’s gimbal, perception and robotics capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Premium Craftsmanship

Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, the device delivers flagship performance for AI processing, imaging and multitasking. A bespoke, state-of-the-art cooling system dissipates heat efficiently and ensures consistently high system performance, even during extended video shoots.

All-day operation is supported by the 7,060 mAh next-generation HONOR silicon-carbon battery, which supports 120 W wired and 50 W wireless HONOR SuperCharge.

The HONOR Robot Phone features a seamless metal unibody with flowing R3 edge transitions—a first for an Android device. Its brilliant 6.31-inch LTPO OLED HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display is protected by the durable HONOR NanoCrystal Shield. The screen supports an adaptive refresh rate of 1–120 Hz and reaches an exceptional peak brightness of 6,800 nits. Advanced eye-comfort technologies, including 4,320 Hz PWM dimming, ensure comfortable viewing even during extended use.

A Global Tour Culminating in the Market Launch

The official launch event for the HONOR Robot Phone marks the culmination of a global tour. Following its highly acclaimed unveiling at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in March, the device impressed the film industry at China Night during the Cannes Film Festival and at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. With the start of sales, HONOR is now making professional filmmaking technology accessible to consumers.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR Robot Phone will be available in two configurations: 12 GB + 512 GB and 16 GB + 1 TB, priced at RMB 9,999 and RMB 12,999 respectively. Pre-orders in China begin at 8:30 p.m. on 12 August, with official sales starting at 10:08 a.m. on 18 August.

Buyers of the HONOR Robot Phone will also receive complimentary lifetime access to YOYO AI Membership SVIP benefits. Each purchase additionally includes a complimentary bundle of original accessories, including a magnetic stand, a crossbody strap and a 120 W all-in-one charger.

HONOR LAUNCH EVENT: Click here

Photo: Honor