GLOMO Awards: The Oscars for Gadgets Who Skipped the Red Carpet

Looks like the GSMA decided to play darts blindfolded and call whatever they hit best in show. Spoiler: the dart board was a smartphone billboard, and the prize went to a device that wasnt even on stage. Bravo, GSMA, for turning a prestigious award into a guessing game.

How GSMA Could Actually Pick Winners Without a Crystal Ball

Instead of consulting a Magic 8‑Ball, the organizers could actually compare specs, sales, and user love-things like real market impact. If you think the process is random, compare it to the Pixel 10a which earned praise on merit, not on a whim.

Best in Show: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra-The Invisible Winner

Samsung snagged best in show without ever stepping onto the MWC floor. Its like awarding Best Actor to a hologram that never filmed a scene. Red flag: the award was based on hype, not hardware. Nice move, if you enjoy awarding ghosts.

Best Smartphone: iPhone 17 Pro-Because Timing Is Everything

Apples iPhone 17 Pro got the best smartphone title a full year after its launch. Its the industry equivalent of giving a Newcomer award to a retired athlete. Red flag: the accolade feels more like a nostalgic nod than a genuine recognition of 2026 innovation.

Best Device (Entry‑Level): Infinix Hot 60 Pro+-A Hot Mess in Name Only

The best device crown lands on a budget phone that barely survived a summer heatwave. If the award were a temperature, itd be lukewarm. Red flag: rewarding mediocrity while premium flagships fight for relevance. Congrats, Infinix, for mastering the art of underwhelming the masses.

Disruptive Innovation: Honors Silicon‑Carbon Battery-The First‑to‑Claim Club

Honor bragged about disruptive device innovation for its silicon‑carbon battery, as if it were the sole pioneer. Meanwhile, other brands have been tinkering with similar tech for years. Red flag: self‑congratulatory awards that ignore the broader industry effort.