MWC 2015: news and reviews from the biggest phone show of the year

MWC
MWC 2015 is fast approaching

MWC is the show that produces the goods when it comes to mobiles (and more recently wearables), and MWC 2015 hasn't left us disappointed.

The show is now over, and there's plenty of new smartphones, tablets, wearables and a whole lot more for you to read about in our coverage below.

Check out our brand-by-brand guide to find out everything that's happened in Barcelona at MWC 2015.

Samsung

Hands on: Galaxy S6 review

Samsung

Arrives in a full-metal jacket

Samsung couldn't resist teasing the Galaxy S6 in the lead up to MWC, and now the Korean company's latest flagship is official. It comes rocking a QHD 577ppi display - the sharpest on the market - and a super bright mode that comes on when outside. It's a thing of beauty and feels solid in the hands thanks to a combination of metal and Gorilla Glass 4. There are some downsides to Samsung's latest flagship unfortunately. There's no removable battery, and the disappearance of a microSD slot may rule it out of the running for some. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 hands on review

Samsung Galaxy S6 release date: where can I get it?

Samsung

An Easter egg for Samsung fans

Now that you've salivated over its metal exterior and banished your current smartphone to the scrapheap, you may be interested to know when you can get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy S6. We now have an official release date, but the S6's availability will vary if you're with a certain mobile operator in the UK. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 release date

This is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge release date you have been looking for

Samsung

Edging closer every day

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge will go on sale the same day as the Galaxy S6, meaning that don't have too long to wait whichever handset you choose. Samsung is launching its unconventional smartphone in 20 countries and it will come with 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and in a variety of colours. Read: Samsung Galaxy Edge release date: where can I get it?

Galaxy S6 storms the benchmarks

Samsung

You can fly fast in space

Under the hood, Samsung has opted to take a chance on its own Exynos 7420 processor (instead of a Snapdragon variant) in the Galaxy S6 and it appears to have paid off. Early benchmarks show that the Galaxy S6 tops the multi-core tablet with a score of 4,547, compared to the HTC One M9's 3,959. Safe to say it's a real powerhouse. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 storms the benchmarks

Hands on: Galaxy S6 Edge review

Samsung

Pulling Samsung back from the brink

The Samsung Galaxy S6 launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, which is a similar handset but comes with a dual-curved display. It's a marvel to behold and something that would wow others when you pull it out in the pub. It has a bigger battery than the Galaxy S6 and provides clever notifications along its side edge that let you know who's calling, which is almost worth the (admittedly quite pricey) rate of admission alone. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge hands on review

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge bring back the premium look

Samsung

New handsets send plastic back into the shadows

Samsung has received rapturous applause for its decision to clad the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in premium materials. As Apple has proved over the years, premium design can go a long way to deciding a smartphone's success, and the Galaxy S6's front and rear glass panels, combined with its metal unibody, has ramped up the appeal. The S6 Edge is a looker too, and the more interesting of the two devices in our eyes. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge bring back the premium look

Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung

New beats old in (almost) every department

It's not unusual for a new smartphone to look and feel better than its predecessor, but the Galaxy S6 is on an altogether different level to the Galaxy S5. It's packing premium materials for a start, in contrast with the S5's plastic exterior. The Galaxy S6 is the most attractive of the two thanks not only to its build quality but also its superior QHD display. That's not to say the Galaxy S5 is out for the count: it packs a bigger (and removable) battery than the S6, which could make all the difference if you value battery life over everything else. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6

Samsung

Either would hit your wallet for six

It's the battle that smartphone addicts will be keeping a close eye on as the two flagships go head-to-head. The S6 is one of, if not the most beautiful Galaxy handset ever, but it is it enough to help tip the balance in Samsung's favour? You can bet that with all the cash stored in its coffers, Apple isn't going to sit back and let it try. Read: Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Samsung Galaxy S5

Hands on: Samsung Gear VR (S6) review

Samsung

Virtually there

If you're nailed-on buying a Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, and you have even a passing interest in VR, the Samsung Gear VR (S6) would make an excellent companion device. Simply put: it's awesome. Sure, it's bulky and might chop off the ends of your eyelashes but it's not uncomfortable and lets you dive into incredible, immersive virtual worlds. It's 15% lighter than the original Gear VR, but on the downside doesn't appear to take advantage of the Galaxy S6's display's improved 577ppi. Oh, and it still costs a fair whack. Read: Samsung Gear VR (S6) hands on review

Samsung Pay aims to simplify mobile payments

Samsung

It's looking to make Apple pay

Paying for stuff is about to get a whole lot easier. Apple unveiled Apple Pay in 2014, and now Samsung has responded with its similarly monikered Samsung Pay. Unlike Apple Pay, Samsung's platform is said to work seamlessly with current payment systems in shops, meaning the tech could get off the ground much quicker. It'll work using NFC and a Magnetic Swipe Transmission (MST), which is a modified version of the reader that cashiers use to swipe your credit or debit card.

Samsung Pay is not to be confused with Android Pay, which has been launched by Google at MWC and will act as an "API layer" allowing third parties to build payments into their Android apps. Read: Samsung Pay arrives - looks to shortchange Apple Pay

Samsung won't launch another smartwatch for a while

Samsung

Sitting back to observe the competition

While some companies chosen to be slow and steady to win the smartwatch race, others like Samsung have fired on all fronts. Samsung has launched more of the things than anybody else, and upon reflection has decided to take its time before making another. Read: Samsung calling time on smartwatches - for now

HTC

Hands on: HTC One M9 review

HTC

All that glitters is gold

HTC has revealed the expected HTC One M9 complete with its dazzling design and satisfying, weighty feel. It sits nicely in the palm and screams premium. The M9 uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 which keeps things zipping along nicely, helped along by a beefy 3GB of RAM. HTC has made some inroads when it comes to battery life: the M9 houses a 2800 mAh battery that's helped along by the various power saving modes from last year. The only cause for concern is the HTC One M9's stock Sony 20MP camera sensor, which takes pictures that disappointingly lack depth and colour. Read: HTC One M9 hands-on review

When and where you can buy the HTC One M9

HTC

One M9? I want ten of them

There's a fair bit of choice for prospective HTC One M9 buyers. You can pick up the new handset in Unlocked or Developer Editions from HTC's website from March 9, although we're still in the dark as to how much it will cost. It will become available to buy later in the month from HTC's partners, and certain UK-based mobile operators are offering tasty trade-in deals that give you cash for your old handset. Read: HTC One M9 release date: where can I get it?

HTC One M9 vs iPhone 6

HTC

Premium smartphones go head-to-head

If you're looking to upgrade from the HTC One M8, iPhone 5S or Galaxy S5, choosing between the HTC One M9 and iPhone 6 could be a tricky. Both sport luxurious designs, premium materials and slick interfaces that make you feel like you're holding an expensive, well-crafted smartphone. We've put together a slick gallery pitting the two head-to-head to help make your decision. (Or make it more difficult.) Read: HTC One M9 vs iPhone 6

HTC One M9 vs HTC One M8

HTC

Like a difficult second album following a classic debut

The HTC One M8 was always going to take some beating. It's currently sitting at the top of our best smartphones list, meaning the HTC One M9 had its work cut out. There isn't much to differentiate the two on the outside, but it's the subtle tweaks made on HTC's latest flagship outing that could make all of the difference. Read: HTC One M9 vs HTC One M8

HTC One M9 vs Samsung Galaxy S6

HTC

Which will take the Android crown?

Like two Silverback Gorillas squaring up in a scrap, the HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6 are ready for a rumble in the smartphone jungle. Samsung's flagship has caught up in the build quality department and has a higher-resolution display than the HTC One M9, but houses a smaller battery. Both are expected to be blazing performers and excellent devices in their own right, so which one is for you could be a case of personal taste. Read: HTC One M9 vs Samsung Galaxy S6

Hands on: HTC Grip review

HTC

GPS means runners can leave the smartphone at home

The HTC Grip is a fitness band not dissimilar to the Nike Fuelband, arriving complete with a clasping arm and LCD display. It's a very low-res one at that, which on the up side means that it's very good on power drain. The Grip is primarily designed to be used as a fitness tracker in conjunction with the Under Armour Record app, meaning it doesn't have to be tethered to your handset as it packs its own accelerometer and GPS. It's a device runners could take with them on long runs (its battery lasts up to five hours) instead of a smartphone. Read: HTC Grip hands-on review

Hands on: HTC Vive review

HTC

Reality bites... in a good way

As a nice surprise, HTC announced it has partnered with Valve for a high-end virtual reality headset called the HTC Vive. You might expect this to be a mobile affair, but the Vive is eschewing the smartphone in the name of high-powered VR, and we couldn't help but break out into a huge smile when we wrapped it around our face. The Vive isn't just for fans of Sci-fi TV shows, though - aside from gaming, it could let you do things like wander around museums, watch films and even learn. We're quite excited about its zombie killing potential, too. Read: HTC Vive hands on review

Microsoft

Hands on: Microsoft Lumia 640 review

Microsoft

An attractive mid-range Lumia handset

The Lumia 640 is the first of two new mid-range Lumia handsets Microsoft unveiled at MWC. With an impressive display, Dual-SIM functionality and optional 4G all available at a sensible price, the Lumia 640 could be a great option for Windows Phone fans. Read: Microsoft Lumia 640 hands on review

Hands on: Microsoft Lumia 640 XL review

Microsoft

Going large for minimal cost

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL has a screen size of 5.7 inches, making it one of Microsoft's largest smartphones. If you're looking for a phablet-style smartphone that won't break the bank, the Lumia 640 XL fits the bill. Despite its big-boned body, the 640 XL is comfortable to hold and comes with a 3000mAh that should benefit from its low (for the handset's size) 1080p resolution. The Lumia 640 XL should become an even more attractive proposition than it already is when Windows 10 Mobile arrives later this year. Read: Microsoft Lumia 640 XL hands on

Hands on: Windows 10 mobile review

Microsoft

A proper look at Microsoft's mobile OS

We've gone hands on with the next version of Microsoft's Windows Phone OS, and it shows real promise. Windows 10 Mobile sports a fantastic new design that goes big on translucent effects in contrast to the 2D tiles of old. Additionally, Microsoft has built notifications into the UI and made welcome tweaks to the way apps are presented and accessed using swipes. All good stuff, but will it be enough to sway non-Windows Phone users away from iOS and Android? Read: Windows 10 Mobile review

Flagship Windows 10 Mobile handsets coming later this year

Microsoft

The best is yet to come

Microsoft has confirmed that several flagship Windows 10 phones are on the way, but it wants to wait until the new OS is ready and polished before bringing them out into the light later this year. Read: Windows 10 flagship phone on the way, says Microsoft

Hands on: Microsoft Universal Foldable keyboard review

Microsoft

Bending over backwards

Like a dog wandering the streets for its owner, Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard is looking a little lost. Essentially a Surface accessory without a Surface, the Bluetooth keyboard folds over to roughly the size of a CD case (remember them?) for easy transportation. It's compatible with Windows Phone, iOS and Android, making it a potentially great alternative to on-screen keyboards. Just don't try to use it on your lap. Read: Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard review

Sony

Hands on: Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet review

Sony

PS4 in the bath? We're sold...

Does Apple's iPad have a new serious competitor? That appears to be the case following the launch of Sony's Xperia Z4 Tablet, which could give both Apple and Microsoft a reason to be concerned. The 10.1-inch tablet barely troubles the scales at 396 grams and measures just 6.1mm. The waterproof Xperia Z4 Tablet's Remote Play feature means you can play on Sony's console in the bath too. Promising stuff indeed. Read: Sony's Xperia Z4 Tablet should intimidate Apple, annoy Microsoft

Hands on: Sony Xperia M4 Aqua review

Sony

Mid-range waterproof handsets aim to make a splash

Sony's Xperia M4 Aqua echoes the company's flagship Xperia Z3, yet it costs a much more palatable €299 (about £220, $340). In other words, if you like the look of Sony's top-end smartphones but are put off by the price tag, the 5-inch Xperia M4 Aqua could prove a better fit. The specs aren't too shabby either: a clear 720 display, waterproof build and strong 13MP onboard camera might just be enough to make you forgive it for not being compatible with PS4 Remote Play. Read: Sony Xperia M4 Aqua hands on review

LG

Hands on: LG Watch Urbane review

LG

Awristed development

There's something missing on your wrist - could it be the LG Watch Urbane? Unfortunately LG's smartwatch suffers from the same flaws as other Android Wear devices - namely the fact that it doesn't do much. That doesn't stop the LG Watch Urbane, which is essentially a rebadged G Watch R, from being a beautiful smartwatch. Its clean, metallic edges and the ability to change watchstraps mean it's one of the best-looking out there. Read: LG Watch Urbane hands on review

LG Watch Urbane vs Apple Watch

LG

It's time to find a winner

If you've got the best part of £300 to blow on a smartwatch that's compatible with iOS, the Apple Watch and LG Watch Urbane are the two main contenders. Apple's timepiece is the slightly more expensive of the two, but the LG doesn't exactly come cheap. While the LG Watch Urbane favours a more traditional look, the Apple Watch is more concerned with modern fashion. Expect both to be strong performers with capable specs. Read: LG Watch Urbane vs Apple Watch

Hands on: LG Watch Urbane LTE review

LG

The Urbane LTE sends Android Wear packing

The LG Watch Urbane LTE - not to be confused with the LG Watch Urbane - is a little chunkier than most smartwatches but feels very well made. It's something of an oddity because unlike its LG Urbane namesake it runs WebOS, rather than Android Wear (which could be a good thing). However, it has something of a confusing interface that we didn't get on particularly well with (read below for more on that). Read: LG Watch Urbane LTE review

Why the LG Watch Urbane LTE isn't the one to watch

LG

Different doesn't always mean better

LG picked WebOS for its Watch Urbane LTE, which could've turned out great - better than Android Wear, even. LG bought the OS from HP in 2013, and although it's early doors, it doesn't appear to have paid off. There aren't many apps available on the LG Watch Urbane LTE, and its interface is slightly chunky and overbearing. And that's just scratching the surface. Read: Why you should simply ignore the LG Watch Urbane LTE

Hands on: LG Joy review

LG

We'll only be happy if it's affordable

The LG Joy is the first of four mid-range phones in its 2015 selection. It has a 4-inch WVGA display with a pixel resolution of 480 x 800 and a pixel density of 233ppi. The Joy will come in two versions, with one offering 1GB of RAM with 8GB of internal storage and a quad-core 1.2GHz CPU. The other will rock up with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. Its storage can be expanded by up to 32GB using a microSD card. Read: LG Joy hands on review

Hands on: LG Leon review

LG

Not a French soldier, but a mid-range handset

The LG Leon sits in the middle (or one up above the LG Joy) in the company's new range of mid-tier smartphones, and it's something of a limited offering. With only 8GB of onboard storage and no way of expanding it via microSD, you wouldn't be able to install too many large apps on the Leon. On the plus side it has a responsive screen and looks, well, alright. It's all just a bit middle of the road - which is sort of the point. Read: LG Leon hands on review

Hands on: LG Spirit review

LG

The LG Spirit is a looker

The LG Spirit is a step up above above the LG Leon, but still only comes with 8GB of internal storage (it's once again non-expandable via microSD). If that doesn't bother you, the LG Spirit is a well-designed handset that feels compact and soft in the hand, and features a nice and bright display that uses LG's in-cell technology to improve contrast ratios and responsiveness under the finger. Read: LG Spirit hands on review

Hands on: LG Magna review

LG

What, still only 8GB of storage?

Here we are: we've reached the top level to be found on LG's four mid-range smartphones from MWC 2015 and oh - it still has just 8GB Of internal storage. Great. It's a shame as the LG Magna rocks up with Lollipop and ticks nearly every box you would want from a mid-range handset. It has an attractive display and expandable storage, a not-too-shabby 2540mAh battery inside and the best feeling back plate we've clasped our hands on in recent times. Read: LG Magna hands on review

Huawei

Hands on: Huawei Y635 review

Huawei

Could be the best budget smartphone yet

With no flagship phone in sight at MWC 2015, Huawei has outed the Y635 - a cheap and cheerful smartphone. It's a solidly built handset that comes with 4G and NFC for a reasonable price, one that should see it go up against the Moto E, Lumia 535 and Moto G. Better yet it comes with a 5-inch display, quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM, meaning it may not only match those handsets but steal their best budget blower crown altogether. Read: Huawei Y635 hands on review

Hands on: Huawei Talkband N1 review

Huawei

A headset that doubles up as a necklace

If you're the kind of person who likes to make a fashion statement with your headset, the Huawei Talkband N1 will be right up your alley. The innovative headphones stick together using magnets when worn around the neck, which could come in handy for people who have finished their run and need their hearing back but don't have a pocket in their spandex outfit. Read: Huawei Talkband N1

Hands on: Huawei Talkband B2 review

Huawei

Now you can really 'talk to the band'

Huawei kicked things off with a handful of new devices, including the second generation of its fitness wearable, the Huawei Talkband B2. The fitness tracker promises greater functionality, better accuracy and a more pleasing design over the Talkband B1, and the Android and iOS-compatible device doubles up as a handy Bluetooth headset. Read: Huawei Talkband B2 hands on review.

Hands on: Huawei Watch review