Are Modular Camera Lenses for Phones the Future? A Deep Dive into Xiaomi and Realme's Latest Innovations

With the ever-evolving smartphone market, manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what mobile phones can do. At Mobile World Congress 2025, two tech giants, Xiaomi and Realme, introduced the concept of modular camera lenses, sparking interest and excitement among photography enthusiasts and tech fans alike. But are these modular camera lens systems really the future of smartphone photography, or is it just a temporary trend? Let’s dive into the details of these innovative concepts and see what the future holds.

The Concept: Modular Camera Lenses Tested

At MWC 2025, Xiaomi unveiled a revolutionary Modular Optical System (MOS) for its custom Xiaomi 15 phone. This modular system magnetically attaches a camera lens to the phone, offering enhanced control over photography. The lens was designed to work seamlessly with the phone, drawing power from its battery and interacting with the camera interface through Xiaomi’s LaserLink technology. The MOS features a 100MP Light Fusion X Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is significantly larger than typical smartphone sensors, making it a game-changer for mobile photography.

This lens also supports a 35mm custom lens with a variable aperture of up to f/11, offering more flexibility than standard smartphone cameras. As you adjust the lens’ manual focusing ring, you get a tactile feedback that enhances the overall user experience. The system is intuitive—when the lens is attached, the phone automatically detects it and switches to a live view, allowing the user to capture photos directly from the new lens.

However, this isn’t the only modular camera lens system making waves at MWC 2025. Realme introduced a similar concept with the Realme Ultra, which supports M-mount lenses. While the Realme Ultra lacks a magnetic mounting system like Xiaomi’s, it still offers the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. But it’s not as convenient or lightweight as Xiaomi’s design, making the latter a more attractive option for those seeking portability and ease of use.

What Undercode Says: Analysis of the Modular Camera Lens Trend

Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System and Realme’s camera lens concepts present a promising future for mobile photography, combining the flexibility of traditional cameras with the convenience of smartphones. By using a magnetic mounting system, Xiaomi makes it easier for users to attach and detach lenses, offering a more seamless integration between the lens and the phone itself. The fact that the system uses Xiaomi’s proprietary LaserLink technology to communicate with the camera UI is an important step forward in terms of usability.

In comparison, Realme’s design, while offering M-mount lens support, is far more cumbersome and lacks the intuitiveness of Xiaomi’s MOS. The mounting system feels heavier and more awkward to use, suggesting that Xiaomi’s approach could be the way forward for modular phone accessories. Additionally, Xiaomi’s use of the camera’s native sensor to process the final shot improves the overall picture quality, avoiding the issues seen with past modular designs like the Moto Mods and LG G5.

Modular phones have been attempted before, but past efforts were hampered by usability issues. For example, the LG G5’s modular system required the phone to be turned off before modules could be swapped, while Moto Mods had issues with software integration and the physical design of the add-ons. Xiaomi has learned from these failures, offering a system that minimizes latency, offers real-time data transfer, and provides a more fluid user experience.

This technology is particularly exciting for mobile photographers who crave more control over their shots. The ability to attach professional-grade lenses to a smartphone opens up new possibilities for creative expression and more precise photography. Moreover, Xiaomi’s focus on portability—without sacrificing optical quality—makes it more appealing to users who want a lightweight, all-in-one solution without carrying around bulky camera gear.

Fact Checker Results 📊

Xiaomi MOS uses a magnetic mounting system: Verified. The system works by magnetically attaching the lens, making it both secure and easy to use.
Realme’s Ultra supports M-mount lenses: Verified. However, the usability is more cumbersome compared to Xiaomi’s magnetic solution.
100MP Light Fusion X Micro Four Thirds sensor: Verified. This sensor is larger than typical smartphone sensors and offers greater flexibility for mobile photographers.

Prediction 🔮

The future of modular phone lenses looks bright, especially with the advancements seen in Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System. As mobile phone manufacturers continue to explore new ways to integrate high-quality photography features into smartphones, it’s likely that more brands will follow suit. The combination of interchangeable lenses, enhanced sensors, and real-time data transfer will likely redefine mobile photography, giving both casual users and professionals the tools they need to capture stunning images on the go. However, the real question is whether consumers will embrace this shift or prefer the simplicity of traditional fixed lenses. Regardless, modular lens systems are poised to become a significant trend in the smartphone market over the next few years.