Xiaomi has introduced a groundbreaking concept that could change smartphone photography forever.
At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, the company revealed its Modular Optical System, a new approach that replaces the bulky camera bump with a detachable lens. This concept could be the answer to the growing issue of massive camera modules in flagship smartphones.
A Revolutionary Camera Design
Modern smartphones focus heavily on photography, but this has led to larger camera bumps that disrupt the phone’s design, make it harder to fit in pockets, and even interfere with wireless charging.
Xiaomi’s new system solves this by allowing users to attach a high-quality lens magnetically when needed, eliminating the need for a permanent protruding camera module.
The prototype shown at MWC is based on a modified Xiaomi 15 smartphone and includes a 35mm f/1.4 lens with a 100MP Light Fusion X sensor.
This larger-than-usual smartphone sensor allows for better low-light performance and natural background blur (bokeh), features usually found in professional cameras. The lens snaps into place like a MagSafe accessory and can be activated directly in the camera app.
How It Works
Xiaomi’s LaserLink technology is the key to this system. It enables high-speed optical data transfer between the phone and the lens at speeds up to 10 Gbps, ensuring real-time image processing. The lens also draws power directly from the phone through tiny pogo pins, so there’s no need for a separate battery.
Users can switch between the built-in camera and the detachable lens with a simple tap in the camera app. The lens supports autofocus and even includes a physical focus ring for manual adjustments. It also allows users to shoot in RAW, providing more control over image editing.
Beyond Photography
This modular system could have uses beyond photography. Since LaserLink allows for ultra-fast data transfer, it might enable magnetic accessories like power banks, wireless chargers, or even gaming controllers with low latency. Xiaomi’s broader ecosystem, which includes smart home devices and even electric cars, could benefit from this seamless connectivity.
Will It Become a Reality?
Although this is just a concept with no official release date, the prototype appears polished and functional. Xiaomi’s approach is different from past modular phone failures, such as Google’s Project Ara and LG’s G5, because it focuses on a single, practical upgrade rather than a fully modular phone.
If Xiaomi successfully brings this to the market, it could lead to a future where smartphones maintain a sleek, flat design while still offering professional-level photography options.
Whether this concept becomes mainstream or fades away like past modular ideas remains to be seen, but it certainly raises exciting possibilities for the future of smartphone cameras.
