Shenzhen-based Transsion and its brands Infinix, itel, and TECNO are no strangers to experimentation. Ultra fast charging, colored e-ink back that can change to any photo you want it to display, and many more.
For starters, CNET shared a video of the TECNO POVA Neon in action. The brand claims that it’s “the world’s first ionized inert gas light emitting technology inside a smartphone.” The video shows a hand touching the back, and little jolts of what it looks like bursts of plasma current following the person’s finger.
Tecno unveils the POVA Neon which is “the world’s first ionized inert gas light emitting technology” inside a smartphone. And you have to admit, it looks pretty electric. ⚡️⛽️ #tecno #mwc2026 #phoneconcept #plasmalightning #tecnopova pic.twitter.com/vhKRJOsPSg
— CNET (@CNET) March 2, 2026
While it may never reach production, it’s nice to see what could've been if you own such a device: it will definitely be either a conversation starter, or a novelty party trick.
The cream of the crop, however, is here: remember Google’s Project Ara from 13 years ago? Now, TECNO has its own rendition of a modular device, but it’s vastly different from what we expected.
The smartphone is very thin at only 4.9mm. It features a screen, a set of cameras on the back, and a host of pogo pin connectors. As this is a concept phone, sacrifices are made and the Type-C port is nowhere to be found.
Here are the juicy parts: a big, DSLR-like telephoto lens transforms it to a photography machine with 20x zoom capabilities at almost thrice the weight. There’s also a much more reserved selection of attachments like an ultrawide camera, an action cam, a walkie-talkie with satellite communication capabilities that lets you reach someone even on areas without signal.
There’s also lanyards, a periscope telephoto attachment, grips, and a game controller as well. Of course, with the device’s slim profile, you’ll be needing some top-up. Thankfully, there’s a 3,000mAh powerbank and a big 10,000mAh one that can charge the phone through the pogo connectors.
Transsion is clearly pushing the boundaries here, and while we love to see it manufactured for mass production, the fact that these two concept phones exist is enough proof that phones will be fun yet again. Don’t let Zach from JerryRigEverything see the modular phone, though. | by Dan Manjares
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