Xiaomi showcases futuristic smartphone concept with detachable magnetic camera lens at MWC 2025

Amid the innovations announced at MWC 2025 this week, a new concept reflects a new direction in mobile imaging. The concept comes from Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi and involves a new modular phone system with removable magnetic camera lenses.

Xiaomi's new concept phone with powerful detachable camera

Known for its smartphone design, Xiaomi used the spotlight at MWC 2025 this week to unveil its Modular Optical System (MOS). The concept phone features a magnetic array reminiscent of the iPhone's MagSafe, to attach a compact but powerful camera lens.

In theory, the concept system could deliver extremely high-quality images, thanks to a 100-megapixel sensor inside an inconspicuous 35mm f/1.4 lens. The camera accessory shares its images with the phone instantly via Xiaomi's LaserLink Communication technology, eliminating the need for pairing or transferring through third-party apps. Furthermore, since the camera system is powered by the phone, there's no need to charge it separately.

Tip : With an impressively large sensor and f/1.14 aperture size, you can capture subjects in low light, as well as achieve those desirable shallow-focus portrait shots that the iPhone's Portrait mode tries to emulate.

Xiaomi Modular System vs. Standalone Smartphone

You might be wondering if there's really a market for this kind of system. Phone cameras like the iPhone and Pixel have improved dramatically over the years, making it a convenient way to take quality photos on the go without any technical training. Then there's the DSLR camera, when you need something more powerful than your phone.

The Xiaomi newsroom announcement mentions the modular system's hybrid approach:

"By combining the superior imaging capabilities of traditional camera hardware with the computing power of smartphones, Xiaomi has pioneered a groundbreaking approach to imaging technology . "

Perhaps Xiaomi's MOS will illuminate a middle ground we didn't know we needed, between the impressive specs of traditional cameras and the user-friendliness of mobile phones. The fact that the MOS camera is modular means there's still a degree of portability, while its large sensor delivers quality that the small, flat camera lenses on modern smartphones can't achieve.

The best attempt to cram powerful cameras into a single smartphone might be the newly launched Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which features a large circular quad-camera module designed in collaboration with Leica. While this is technically an all-in-one approach, it's probably not the most budget-friendly option.

Note : Xiaomi partnered with Leica in 2022 and has since been trying to push the "boundaries of mobile imaging technology."

While we don't know if Xiaomi will bring this concept to market, it's an interesting direction to consider. Should we expect this modular approach to mobile imaging in the future, or is this just a passing trend? While they offer flexibility, previous removable smartphone lenses have been met with mixed reception. But Xiaomi's modular design is different. Instead of amplifying built-in phone lenses, Xiaomi's MOS concept introduces a standalone, removable camera that's both professional and easy to use.

Marvin Fry

Update 26 May 2025