X

Highlights from Mobile World Congress (photos)

CNET brings you the sights from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Kent German
Kent was a senior managing editor at CNET News. A veteran of CNET since 2003, he reviewed the first iPhone and worked in both the London and San Francisco offices. When not working, he's planning his next vacation, walking his dog or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
Kent German
Picture_032.jpg
1 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Welcome to the Fira

The main expanse of the Fira Barcelona, the site of Mobile World Congress (MWC), stretches from the Placa d'Espanya to the domed Palau Nacional, which is home to the National Museum of Catalan Art. Lining the avenue are exhibitor pavilions and hospitality suites.
Picture_110.jpg
2 of 18 Kent German/CNET

No small patatas

The Fira is a huge place with nine buildings and several outdoor exhibition areas.
Picture_100.jpg
3 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Where the action is

Hall 8 houses most of the major manufacturer stands at MWC, including Samsung, ZTE, Huawei, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola. It's where we spent most of our time.
Picture_098.jpg
4 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Sammy's stand

Samsung heavily promoted its new Bada-equipped Wave smartphone in its bright and colorful stand (they don't use the word "booth" at MWC).
Picture_087.jpg
5 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Hello, Moto

Likewise, Motorola's stand was all about its new Quench/Cliq XT Android phone.
Picture_017.jpg
6 of 18 Kent German/CNET

It's not 'Avatar'

Visitors to the Moto stand also could enjoy some 3G technology.
Picture_101.jpg
7 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Out for attention

Way at the other end of Hall 8 was RIM's largest stand ever at MWC. Though the company didn't have a lot of news at the show, it wasn't shy about promoting itself.
Picture_103.jpg
8 of 18 Kent German/CNET

We like light

Unlike many a convention center, the Fira's buildings have natural light. Though the weather in Barcelona wasn't great, we welcomed a view outside.
Picture_095.jpg
9 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Up in the air

They were climbing the walls at Comverse's booth. The California-based company makes computer and telecommunications systems and software.
Picture_070.jpg
10 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Just teasing

ZTE showed its current phones, most of which will never make it to the United States.
Picture_080.jpg
11 of 18 Kent German/CNET

A world of apps

As its name implies, the App Planet hall was all about mobile apps.
Picture_055.jpg
12 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Before...

In the days before MWC began, Samsung draped a huge banner on a former bull ring across from the Fira with a promise to "unpack" something.
Picture_111.jpg
13 of 18 Kent German/CNET

And after

And on the day the show began, we saw what we were getting.
Picture_093.jpg
14 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Wait, where am I?

From SK Telecom's pavilion, you might think that you're at a car show.
Picture_108.jpg
15 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Happy Chinese New Year!

MWC didn't stop some attendees from celebrating The Year of the Tiger.
Picture_90.jpg
16 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Water everywhere

The Font Magaica, a huge and amazing fountain, sits on the Fira grounds at the foot of Montjuic Hill. At night it lights up with rotating colors. Angry skies delivered regular rain showers.
Picture_004.jpg
17 of 18 Kent German/CNET

More magic

The Font Magica extends down the full length of the Fira.
Picture_094.jpg
18 of 18 Kent German/CNET

Anyone hungry?

You can eat well at the Fira with full service restaurants and a bar.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos