Best of IFA 2025: The Most Exciting Gadgets From Berlin’s Tech Showcase

Every September, Berlin transforms into the beating heart of global consumer technology, and 2025 has proven no different. IFA, one of the world’s oldest and most influential tech fairs, once again brought together companies, innovators, and enthusiasts eager to see what’s next in consumer electronics. While in past years smartphones have dominated the stage, this year’s event painted a broader picture of the industry’s shifting priorities: foldable phones that are thinner than ever, giant tablets trying to rival laptops, and earbuds infused with artificial intelligence to translate languages in real time. The result? A show that felt like both an evolution of the familiar and a glimpse into the future of personal tech.

Although major smartphone launches were relatively quiet – Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE being the big exception – there was no shortage of innovation across categories. Companies from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. all unveiled products aiming to stand out in a crowded market. Let’s walk through the highlights that defined IFA 2025.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Refining the Foldable Dream

Samsung has been leading the foldable revolution since 2019, and with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company is showing just how far the technology has come. The device stole the spotlight at IFA. Samsung’s engineers have managed to slim it down to a profile that feels closer to a traditional flagship phone, while still packing in cutting-edge power. It’s stylish, lightweight, and equipped with the kind of multitasking prowess that foldables promise but rarely deliver seamlessly. The Z Fold 7 also shared the stage with Samsung’s surprise reveals – the Galaxy S25 FE and two new Tab S11 models – but it was the Fold 7 that truly captured the buzz of attendees.

Honor Magic V5: A Challenger With Style

Not content to let Samsung dominate the foldable space, Honor brought its Magic V5 to Berlin, sparking debates on show floors and in press rooms. Is this the world’s thinnest foldable, or does that crown still belong to Samsung? Depending on where you measure – hinge versus frame – the answer changes. What’s undeniable, however, is that the Magic V5 has pushed foldables into territory where they can legitimately replace standard slab phones. At just 217 grams and 8.8 mm thin, it rivals even the Galaxy S25 Ultra in dimensions. The Magic V5 proves that foldables don’t have to be bulky compromises but can instead feel like sleek premium smartphones.

Honor’s bold entry also pressures Samsung to keep iterating, which ultimately benefits consumers. The rivalry on display at IFA shows foldables are no longer experimental – they’re a serious category here to stay.

Galaxy Tab S11 Series: Tablets Are Alive and Kicking

For years, critics predicted tablets would fade into obscurity, squeezed between ever-larger smartphones and ever-slimmer laptops. Samsung begs to differ. With the Galaxy Tab S11 lineup, especially the monster 14.6-inch Tab S11 Ultra, the company is signaling that tablets can be versatile productivity machines. The redesigned S Pen, new placement for magnetic attachment, and improved internals geared for Samsung DeX make these slates more laptop-like than ever. In a world where hybrid work continues to grow, Samsung’s bet on tablets feels refreshingly forward-looking.

BOYA Magic Microphone: AI Meets Audio Creativity

Microphones are rarely the stars of big tech fairs, but BOYA changed that narrative this year. The BOYA Magic microphone is a shape-shifting, AI-powered recording tool with a modular design. It hides two ribbon-style clip-on mics inside its chassis, enabling creators to record multiple audio channels simultaneously. AI-powered noise reduction cuts up to 40 dB of background disturbance, making it useful for journalists, vloggers, and streamers alike. Its versatility means it can transform from a desktop microphone to a camera-mounted mic within seconds – a dream for content creators who crave portability without sacrificing quality.

Ugreen MagFlow and the Rise of Qi2

If 2023 was about MagSafe for iPhones, then 2025 is about Qi2 for everyone else. Ugreen introduced its MagFlow Qi2.2 power bank at IFA, and it may be one of the most practical accessories at the show. With 10,000 mAh capacity and up to 25W of wireless charging, it makes topping up your phone a snap – literally, thanks to magnetic alignment. It’s designed with devices like Google’s Pixel 10 in mind but will work across the growing ecosystem of Qi2-enabled gadgets. This year, Qi2 moved from a niche feature to a near-essential standard, and Ugreen’s launch demonstrated just how polished the ecosystem has become.

Insta360 X5 Action Camera: A GoPro Rival Levels Up

Insta360 has steadily carved a reputation for being the boldest GoPro competitor, and its X5 Action Camera reinforces that narrative. Capable of shooting 8K 360-degree video at 30 fps, the X5 is loaded with processing power and AI enhancements. From intelligent framing to low-light optimization, this tiny powerhouse pushes the boundaries of what a pocket-sized camera can achieve. Its compatibility with both iOS and Android devices ensures creators won’t feel locked into one ecosystem. The result is a gadget that not only appeals to adventurers but also professional content creators seeking cinematic shots on the go.

Earfun Air Pro 4+: Premium Sound at a Budget Price

IFA isn’t just about flashy premium devices; it’s also a showcase for products that deliver surprising value. The Earfun Air Pro 4+ earbuds fall squarely in this category. At around $100, these earbuds bring 10 mm drivers, six microphones, active noise canceling, and a jaw-dropping 54 hours of total battery life. AI-assisted noise canceling further improves their performance, putting them in competition with earbuds twice their price. For students and budget-conscious buyers, the Air Pro 4+ was one of the sleeper hits of IFA.

ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 Charging Station: Cool Innovation

Charging hubs are typically uninspired, but ESR’s CryoBoost Foldable 3-in-1 station shook things up. Compatible with Qi2.2 and MagSafe, it cleverly integrates a near-silent fan that cools devices while they charge – solving the common overheating issue of wireless charging. Its foldable design makes it ideal for travelers or minimalists who want one hub for all devices. It’s a rare charging accessory that earned as much attention as the smartphones it supports.

Timekettle W4 Pro: Translation in Your Ear

The dream of frictionless communication across languages has fascinated people for decades, and the Timekettle W4 Pro brings us closer than ever. These AI interpreter earbuds allow two people to have conversations in different languages by sharing a bud, or for users to live-translate meetings, media, and more. While it doesn’t cover every language (Bulgarian was notably missing in demos), its accuracy across popular tongues impressed testers. For travelers, international professionals, or anyone navigating multilingual environments, the W4 Pro may be the most transformative wearable of the show.

Baseus XP1 Earbuds: Affordable Dolby Sound

To close out the list, Baseus introduced the XP1 earbuds, priced at $129.99. While affordable, they don’t skimp on features: Dolby Spatial Audio, adaptive active noise cancellation reducing up to -50 dB, and a design that competes with far more expensive rivals. For everyday listeners seeking premium sound without premium pricing, the XP1 delivers a strong argument. They were a reminder that innovation isn’t always about new categories – sometimes it’s about making great tech accessible.

The Verdict: IFA’s New Priorities

IFA 2025 made one thing clear: the consumer tech industry is moving beyond a smartphone-first mindset. Foldables are no longer experimental toys but legitimate flagship devices. Tablets are being reinvented as workhorses. Accessories, from earbuds to chargers, are integrating AI and new standards like Qi2 to deliver smarter, more reliable experiences. Even niche categories like microphones and action cameras are getting transformative upgrades.

Berlin’s fair has always been a place where future trends are teased before they hit the mainstream, and this year’s lineup shows a future defined by convergence: thinner, smarter, and more adaptable devices that fit seamlessly into daily life. If you thought the gadget industry was running out of steam, IFA 2025 proved just the opposite.