Xiaomi and Realme have taken mobile photography to the next level by unveiling concept phones with interchangeable lenses at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. These innovative devices aim to bridge the gap between smartphones and DSLRs, offering users the flexibility and quality of a professional camera in a compact, portable package.

Realme's concept phone features a bare sensor where a lens would normally be, allowing users to attach a regular DSLR lens via a proprietary lens mount. This bulky mount enables the phone to accommodate larger lenses, but it also throws off the balance and ergonomics of the device. The phone itself is a custom design, not based on any of Realme's existing smartphones, and includes two typical cameras on the rear, plus a third, customized one-inch-type sensor from Sony with no lens on top. The concept phone is designed to work with two lenses: a 73mm portrait and a 234mm telephoto, offering users a range of creative possibilities.

Xiaomi's approach, on the other hand, solves some of the problems associated with Realme's design. The company's Modular Optical System is built around a custom version of the Xiaomi 15 with a ring of MagSafe-esque magnets on the back. A separate lens attaches to this magnetic contact point in the center of the phone, but crucially, it includes its own sensor, allowing for a bigger sensor and better light capture. The one lens Xiaomi is showing off is a 35mm with an aperture of f/1.4, using a 100-megapixel 4/3-type sensor – bigger than you'll find in any smartphone, including Realme's concept.

The benefits of Xiaomi's design are twofold. Firstly, the modular lens can attach to the middle of the phone, rather than having to be built on top of the pre-existing camera module, making it feel more balanced and comfortable to hold and use. Secondly, the magnetic attachment and wireless data transfer over a 10Gbps optical transmission system, dubbed LaserLink, enable autofocus and image processing through the phone's own software. This means that users can enjoy a more seamless and intuitive photography experience.

While both concepts show promise, there are also downsides to consider. Realme's physical connection limits the lens options, and the mounting connection is purely physical, making it incompatible with autofocus lenses. Xiaomi's magnetic attachment, although strong, may not be suitable for full-size telephoto lenses due to weight constraints. Furthermore, the proprietary technology used in both designs may limit interoperability with existing lenses, which could be a major drawback for photographers.

Despite these limitations, it's clear that both Xiaomi and Realme are pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. The question remains whether these innovative designs will be enough to justify the hassle and cost associated with a setup like this. As phones like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra have already approached DSLR quality, the real challenge lies in creating a system that is both convenient and capable of delivering exceptional results.

As the mobile photography landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these concept phones develop and whether they will eventually make it to market. One thing is certain – the future of mobile photography has never looked brighter.