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Honor launches experimental smartphone with built-in camera gimbal in China

The limited-production device features a miniaturized three-axis mechanical gimbal, but high costs and durability concerns limit its immediate availability outside China.

The short version

  • Honor released the Robot Phone in China for 9,999 yuan (roughly $1,500) as a limited-production test run.
  • The flagship phone integrates a 2.6-gram three-axis gimbal motor behind a 200-megapixel primary camera to provide hardware stabilization without external accessories.
  • The device is currently restricted to China, with no immediate plans for a global release as Honor evaluates component costs and demand.

Key facts

  • Honor has launched its experimental Robot Phone in China priced at 9,999 yuan (approximately $1,500).[Engadget]
  • The smartphone incorporates a built-in three-axis mechanical gimbal powered by a 2.6-gram motor housed in a rear compartment.[Engadget]
  • The camera system features a 200MP main sensor, a 200MP telephoto camera with optical image stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front-facing camera.[Engadget]
  • Honor collaborated with camera manufacturer ARRI to integrate LogC3 video recording support, preview LUTs, and customized user interface elements.[Engadget]
  • The phone carries an IP54 dust and water resistance rating that applies only when the gimbal arm is fully retracted.[Engadget]

What remains uncertain

  • It is unclear whether or when Honor will release a successor or similar gimbal phone technology in international markets beyond China.[Engadget]
  • The long-term durability and resistance to wear of the miniaturized moving mechanical components remain unproven under extended daily use.[Engadget]

Sources