The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has once again delivered a wave of innovation, with artificial intelligence (AI) dominating the smartphone industry. Among the most talked-about announcements was the emergence of AI-powered smartphones, setting new standards for intelligent, adaptive mobile experiences.
Leading this revolution is the Perplexity AI Phone, developed by the US-based startup Perplexity, known for its ChatGPT rival in the AI assistant space. Alongside it, Newnal’s latest AI-integrated smartphone has also captured attention, showcasing the next evolution of AI-powered devices.
These next-gen smartphones go beyond just hardware advancements, offering AI-driven software that enhances personalisation, voice-assisted navigation, and real-time contextual awareness. From automating everyday tasks to revolutionising mobile search and assistance, AI is transforming how users interact with their devices.
Perplexity AI Phone: All you need to know
Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile, has announced its own AI Phone powered by the Perplexity chatbot. This smartphone is designed to be primarily controlled by voice, allowing users to perform tasks like booking flights or making restaurant reservations without switching apps.
Key features
Some key features of this AI Phone are detailed here:
- Multimodal input: Users can interact with the device through voice commands, typing, or using the camera to perform searches, akin to Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature.
- Perplexity AI assistant integration: Deep integration allows for seamless execution of tasks such as sending emails and online shopping without the need to switch between applications.
- AI ecosystem: The device will come equipped with Magenta AI, which integrates Perplexity Assistant, Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, Picsart, and a suite of AI tools, enhancing its capabilities.
- Hardware design: Preliminary images suggest a mid-range Android device with noticeable bezels and a distinctive pink sleep/wake button.
On Deutsche Telekom smartphones, the Perplexity Assistant is easily accessible directly from the lock screen or by double-tapping the power button. For users with older smartphone models, these AI-driven features can be accessed through Magenta AI, available via the MeinMagenta app on the Google Play Store.
Magenta AI software
Central to the Perplexity AI Phone is the Magenta AI software, a collaborative effort between Deutsche Telekom and Perplexity. This integration offers users an advanced AI assistant capable of understanding context, providing precise answers, and facilitating tasks across various applications. Magenta AI curates up-to-date articles in the “Discover” section, selected by the AI to help users expand their knowledge engagingly and interactively.
Beyond the Perplexity AI Phone, other manufacturers are introducing AI-centric smartphones to cater to the growing demand for intelligent devices.
Availability and pricing
Deutsche Telekom plans to unveil the device in the second half of this year, with sales commencing in 2026. The smartphone is expected to be priced under $1,000 and will initially target the European market.
This collaboration between Perplexity and Deutsche Telekom signifies a bold step towards AI-centric mobile experiences, offering users a more intuitive and integrated approach to smartphone interactions.
Newnal’s AI Phone
Korean startup Newnal, a rising player in the smartphone industry, has also introduced its AI-integrated phone. While specific details about Newnal’s AI phone are limited in the provided sources, the company’s commitment to incorporating advanced AI features suggests a focus on enhancing user experience through intelligent software integration.
The AI-driven smartphone is designed to create personalised AI avatars. By analysing user data, including social media activity, medical records, and financial information, the device develops a virtual assistant capable of handling tasks like shopping and drafting emails. To enhance security, all data is encrypted and distributed across multiple cloud servers.
The phone features a design reminiscent of the iPhone 5S and runs on a hybrid OS combining Newnal’s system with Android. It is set for a global launch on May 1 with a price tag of $375.
Other smartphones at MWC 2025
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 showcased a plethora of smartphone launches from various manufacturers, highlighting the industry’s dynamic nature. Notable releases include:
- Samsung Galaxy A36 and A26: Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G, priced at $400 and $300 respectively. Both models feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 5,000-mAh battery, IP67 water resistance, and Gorilla Glass Victus+. They are set to receive six years of software updates, ensuring longevity for users.
- Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro: Nothing launched its Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro models, targeting the mid-range market. Both devices boast innovative designs with characteristic LED panels, improved materials transitioning from plastic to recycled glass and aluminum, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processors, up to 12 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage. The Pro variant offers enhanced camera capabilities, including a 50 MP periscopic lens.
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, a premium flagship priced at €1,499. It features a 6.73-inch WQHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a 5,400mAh battery with 90W wired and 80W wireless charging. The device boasts a Leica co-engineered quad-camera system, including a 50MP 1-inch main sensor. It runs on HyperOS 2.0, based on Android 15, with four years of major software updates.
- Tecno Camon 40 and Phantom Ultimate 2: Tecno introduced the Camon 40, a smartphone emphasising AI integration to enhance user experience. Additionally, the company showcased the Phantom Ultimate 2, a prototype with a unique triple-fold design, pushing the boundaries of smartphone form factors.
Is this a major shift towards AI?
Before the rise of dedicated AI-first phones, smartphones launched last year integrated AI to enhance photography, performance, and user interaction. Devices like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra use AI for advanced image editing, including Magic Editor, Best Take, and Generative AI for object removal. Assistants also became smarter and Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Samsung’s Galaxy AI improved with on-device processing, real-time translations, and AI-driven call screening.
The performance saw a boost with AI-based battery optimisation and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s AI-powered efficiency. AI also transformed communication with live transcription, instant translation, and generative text tools, like Samsung’s Note Assist and Pixel’s AI-powered email drafts.
While these features were impressive, 2025 marks a shift towards AI-first smartphones, designed for voice-driven navigation, deeper personalisation, and real-time AI assistance. The MWC 2025 underscored the industry’s shift towards integrating AI, flexible designs, and sustainable materials in smartphones. As AI continues to evolve, devices like the Perplexity and Deutsche Telekom’s AI Phone, and Newnal’s offerings are set to redefine user experiences, making technology more intuitive and personalised.
The post The AI phone by Perplexity and Deutsche Telekom steals the show at MWC 2025: Everything you need to know appeared first on Tech Funding News.