The nubia M153 AI phone and the AI Pet iMoochi were among the key products ZTE Corporation showcased at MWC Barcelona 2026, held on March 2, 2026. Both devices form part of ZTE’s broader “AI for All” strategy, targeting a new generation of personal smart devices.
nubia M153 AI Phone Brings OS-Level Agent Capabilities
The nubia M153 AI phone operates in collaboration with the Doubao AI Assistant at the operating system level. The device can understand and execute complex user commands in natural language, enabling cross-application task execution. ZTE said this marks a shift from users manually operating their phones to AI autonomously handling tasks on their behalf.
Practical use cases include booking a restaurant or comparing prices across platforms using a single voice command. The phone then navigates the necessary apps to complete the full process, from searching and comparing to booking and mapping a route.
Hardware Specifications Supporting Advanced AI Tasks
The nubia M153 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. It is paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, providing the computing capacity required for its artificial intelligence workloads and multitasking demands. ZTE conducted a limited launch of the device in the Chinese market on December 1, 2025, targeting developers and technology enthusiasts.
iMoochi Redefines the AI Companion Category
The second major product at ZTE’s MWC 2026 booth was iMoochi, an AI pet designed as an emotional companion. The device features a furry, cloud-soft texture and uses what ZTE describes as a unique “iMoochi language” alongside haptic feedback and tactile sensors. A pat on the head or prolonged caressing triggers responses such as nuzzling, coos, and tail wags.
iMoochi operates on its own internal rhythm, yawning when its battery or activity cycle simulates tiredness, reacting to temperature changes, and responding to the sensation of being tossed in the air. ZTE said the device targets young urban professionals, animal lovers unable to keep real pets, and families seeking a shared interactive experience.
A companion app allows users to name their iMoochi, monitor its mood, and read its personal diary. The iMoochi family currently includes five members: Hopami, Mimiu, Cynomi, Mogogo, and Morin.
ZTE’s AI Strategy at MWC 2026
ZTE positioned both products under its “AI for All” strategy at the Barcelona event. The company described its approach as deeply integrating AI across hardware, software, and ecosystem layers. ZTE stated the goal is to transform AI from a functional tool into what it calls an “agentic, symbiotic partner.”
“Whether reshaping human-device interaction with nubia M153 with Doubao AI Assistant, or defining a new category with AI Pet iMoochi, ZTE’s lineup at MWC 2026 brings its ‘AI for All’ strategy to life.”
ZTE Corporation, Official Statement
ZTE is a global provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions. The company’s mobile devices division operates under the nubia brand for its AI-focused smartphone lineup. MWC Barcelona 2026 served as the platform for the international debut of both the nubia M153 and iMoochi.