MWC 2020 – what to expect from Samsung, Sony, Apple and more at gadget show

EUROPE'S biggest tech show is right around the corner, and MWC 2020 is shaping up to be a big one when it kicks off in Barcelona next month.

We're expecting major announcements from the likes of Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Motorola and more at this year's show – and we've got all the news and rumours below.

What is MWC 2020? Mobile World Congress explained

Mobile World Congress (MWC) is a huge annual tech event held in Barcelona.

It's mostly focussed around new smartphones and mobile technology, although other gadgets often feature, including robots, virtual reality gear and more.

MWC is typically attended by the world's biggest tech companies, including Samsung, Huawei and Sony.

And it always produces endless gadget news – from major smartphone launches to futuristic 5G announcements.

MWC 2020 dates and times – when is this year's event?

MWC takes place every February – just in time for a boatload of smartphone launches in Spring.

This year, the main show runs from Monday, February 24 to Thursday, February 27.

However, much of the news will come before those dates.

Press conferences from the biggest brands will take place on Sunday, February 23 – so look out for big announcements over the weekend.

MWC 2020 news and rumours – what to expect

There'll be no short supply of news once the event gets into gear, so here's what to expect from some of the biggest brands:

• Samsung is expected to launch its new smartphone, the Galaxy S20, just before MWC 2020. If Samsung does announce anything in Barcelona it will likely be a smaller product, such as the next iteration of its Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watch.
• Huawei weathered a torrid 2019 and is expected to come out swinging at MWC 2020. We're expecting a mix of devices including more news on the impressive Mate X foldable smartphone unveiled at last year's conference. We could also see a new addition to the Matebook laptop line or a new Huawei Watch.
• Sony is probably going to show the Sony Xperia 2, the followup to last year's Xperia 1. The phone was most notable for its strange shape, with Sony opting for a long and thin 21:9 aspect ratio for its screens, like those used for Hollywood movies.
• Oppo is one of many Chinese smartphone brands making waves in Europe at the moment, and is expected to have a big presence at MWC 2020. The firm will reportedly show off its Find X2 smartphone, which boasts an under-screen selfie camera.
• LG will launch a new smartphone, the LG V60 ThinQ, at MWC 2020, according to rumours. Following a trend of recent LG phones, the V60 will will come with an attachable secondary screen that snaps onto your primary one.
• Xiaomi will be going big at MWC after a cracking year in China. The firm is rumoured to be releasing a selection of high-spec phones – he Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro – to capitalise on the woes of Huawei and Honor, who the US banned from using Google apps and services last year.
• Nokia often hits MWC with a few cards up its sleeve and this year will be no different. We're expecting a bunchy of new smartphones to be announced loaded with the new Android operating system, Android 10.
• Apple has no official presence at MWC 2020, so don't expect any big news from the company.

There'll be plenty of news from more minor brands too, and as with last year we're expecting super-fast 5G mobile internet to be a big trend in 2020.

In other news, Apple could change the Lightning port for a USB-C connector on future iPhone models.

Here's why it's dangerous to keep using your old iPhone or Android mobile.

And the iPhone 12 could be the thinnest ever thanks to new screen technology.

Are you excited for any phones coming out this year? Let us know in the comments!

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