TECNO has received two technology innovation awards at the IFA 2026 consumer-electronics show in Berlin.
The company’s ultra-thin Modular Phone received the Ultra-Slim Magnetic Modular Technology Innovation Gold Award.
Its Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS mini gaming computer received the Miniaturized Gaming PC Technology Innovation Gold Award.
The awards recognise two very different products. One attempts to change what a smartphone can become after purchase. The other tries to fit desktop-level gaming hardware into a much smaller body.
What is a modular phone?
A normal smartphone comes with a fixed collection of hardware.
You may be able to install new applications, but you cannot usually add a larger camera, extra battery or gaming controls directly to the phone.
TECNO’s modular design uses magnets and small physical connectors called Togo pins.
An accessory can attach to the back of the phone and receive power through these connectors. The idea is similar to attaching a magnetic power bank, but TECNO wants the system to support more types of hardware.
The company has demonstrated modules for photography, gaming, sound, storage and additional battery power.
This could allow someone to carry a thin phone during normal use and attach specialized hardware only when it is needed.
The phone is only 4.9mm thick
TECNO says the base phone is 4.9mm thick, making it the world’s thinnest modular smartphone.
The device is designed to work with an ecosystem of ten modules. Its internal battery capacity is expected to fall between 3,000mAh and 4,000mAh.
That battery would be smaller than the batteries found in many current smartphones. The thin design is one reason for the compromise.
A battery module could provide additional power when required.
TECNO also says the phone has a portless unibody and will receive a rating for protection against dust and water. The exact IP rating has not been announced.
The company first showed the modular system as a concept at Mobile World Congress in early 2026. The important new development is TECNO’s statement that the device is expected to enter mass production.
However, “soon” is the only timeframe provided.
There is no confirmed launch date, retail price or list of countries where the phone will be sold. TECNO has also not published final specifications for its processor, display, cameras or software support.
A compact water-cooled gaming PC
TECNO’s second award went to the Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS, also known as the MEGA MINI G1 Pro.
It is a compact gaming computer with a volume of approximately 6.36 litres.
Inside, TECNO says it includes an Intel Core i9-13900HK processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card.
A graphics card handles the complicated visual calculations needed for gaming, video editing and some AI tasks.
Powerful components also generate considerable heat. The TAURUS uses water cooling to move heat away from its processor and graphics hardware.
The computer provides 15 ports, including USB4 and OCuLink. OCuLink can be used to connect compatible high-speed hardware, including an external graphics system.
TECNO has not announced the TAURUS price or confirmed whether it will be sold in Ghana.
A useful idea with difficult questions
Modular smartphones have appeared before.
The challenge is not only building the phone. A manufacturer must continue producing compatible modules and supporting the system for several years.
Buyers will need to know whether future TECNO phones can use the same accessories. They will also want to understand how much each module costs and whether attaching one affects durability.
A successful modular system could reduce the need to replace an entire phone when someone wants a better camera, longer battery life or another specialized feature.
It could also create another collection of accessories that becomes useless when the phone changes.
TECNO’s awards show that the engineering idea has attracted attention. The real test will begin if the phone reaches shops at a reasonable price with useful modules and long-term support.
One important distinction should be noted. TECNO’s announcement refers to the Global Product Technology Innovation Awards presented during IFA. This is separate from IFA’s own Innovation Awards programme, which announced different winners.
The award and product claims come from TECNO’s official press release distributed by PR Newswire. The phone’s earlier status as a concept was documented in The Verge’s MWC 2026 coverage. The separate official IFA awards are explained in IFA’s September 4 announcement.
