Smartphone photography has driven manufacturers to create increasingly bulky camera modules, resulting in unbalanced designs that snag on pockets and often don't work well with wireless chargers. At Mobile World Congress 2025, Xiaomi has presented an innovative solution that could transform how we think about mobile photography while addressing the persistent problem of camera bumps.
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| The innovative modular design of Xiaomi's smartphone combines sleek aesthetics with advanced camera technology |
The Modular Optical System Concept
Xiaomi's new Modular Optical System, showcased at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, represents a bold approach to smartphone photography. The concept features a detachable 35mm f/1.4 lens that connects magnetically to a modified Xiaomi 15 smartphone. This system effectively eliminates the need for a permanent camera bump while still providing professional-grade photography capabilities when desired. The lens module contains a 100-megapixel Light Fusion X Type 4/3 sensor—significantly larger than any found in current smartphones—and includes a variable aperture for exceptional low-light performance.
Seamless Connection Technology
What makes this concept particularly impressive is the seamless connection between the phone and the detachable lens. Xiaomi has developed a proprietary LaserLink technology that transfers data as light (near-infrared laser) at speeds up to 10 Gbps. This high-speed connection ensures the external lens works in concert with Xiaomi's AI and computational photography systems just as efficiently as a built-in camera. Power is supplied through tiny pogo pins that draw energy directly from the phone, with Xiaomi claiming the power consumption is comparable to that of integrated camera systems.
User Experience and Functionality
The modular system is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. After attaching the lens magnetically to the back of the phone (similar to how MagSafe accessories connect), users simply tap an icon in the camera app to switch from the built-in camera to the detachable lens. The system supports autofocus through the touchscreen, but also features a physical focus ring for precise manual adjustments—providing a tactile experience similar to professional cameras. Photos are saved directly to the phone's gallery and can be captured in RAW format for professional editing.
Advantages Over Traditional Smartphone Photography
One of the most significant advantages of this system is its ability to produce natural bokeh effects without relying on software-based portrait modes. Traditional smartphone portrait modes use algorithms to detect subject edges and apply artificial blur, often struggling with complex details like hair or eyeglasses. Xiaomi's large sensor creates authentic depth of field effects optically, similar to what you'd expect from a dedicated camera. The system also maintains full compatibility with the phone's computational photography features, unlike traditional clip-on smartphone lenses.
Future Possibilities
While currently just a concept with no announced release date or pricing, the potential applications extend far beyond photography. The LaserLink technology and magnetic connection system could potentially support a wide range of accessories, from chargers and power banks to gaming controllers. It might also enable seamless connections to other devices in Xiaomi's ecosystem, including speakers, smart home gadgets, and even cars. The absence of Qi2 support in the Xiaomi 15 range suggests the company may be prioritizing this proprietary system for future connectivity.
Market Challenges
Modular phone concepts have historically struggled to gain traction in the market. Previous attempts by Google, LG, Motorola, and most recently HMD have either failed commercially or disappointed consumers. The primary challenge for Xiaomi will be balancing the convenience of an all-in-one smartphone with the added complexity of carrying and attaching external components. However, the polished state of the prototype and the clear use case suggest Xiaomi may have found a more viable approach than previous attempts.
Current Status and Outlook
Xiaomi has clarified that this modular phone concept is currently focused on gathering customer feedback rather than immediate commercialization. No release schedule or pricing information has been shared. Nevertheless, the concept demonstrates a thoughtful approach to solving the camera bump dilemma while potentially opening new avenues for smartphone accessories and ecosystem integration. For photography enthusiasts who want both a sleek phone and DSLR-like capabilities, Xiaomi's modular concept represents an intriguing glimpse into a possible future for mobile photography.