At MWC 2025, Xiaomi introduced its latest imaging concept, the Modular Optical System, designed to enhance smartphone photography by integrating an external, customizable camera module with the Xiaomi 15-series handsets.
Highlights
While still in the concept stage, this system aims to provide professional-grade photography capabilities while maintaining smartphone portability.
The showcased prototype features a Xiaomi 15 device equipped with a MagSafe-like magnetic ring on the back, allowing users to attach a custom external lens.
Unlike traditional clip-on accessories, this modular lens integrates directly with the smartphone’s hardware, enabling users to capture, edit, and share high-resolution images without compromising performance.
At the core of this system is Xiaomi’s LaserLink technology, which enables high-speed data transfer between the smartphone and the external lens.
The camera module houses a 100MP Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) sensor paired with a 35mm all-aspherical glass lens, designed to improve low-light performance and optical clarity.
Alongside this innovation, Xiaomi also unveiled the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15, both featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Leica-branded cameras, and Android 15-based HyperOS 2.
These flagship devices support 90W wired fast charging and up to 80W wireless charging. Xiaomi has confirmed their India launch on March 11 at 12 PM IST.
Addressing the Challenges of Smartphone Camera Design
The pursuit of advanced smartphone photography has led manufacturers to incorporate multiple lenses and larger sensors, enhancing image quality but also increasing the size and weight of camera modules.
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | Xiaomi 15 | Modular Optical System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite | N/A (External Module) |
| Camera System | Leica-branded Quad Camera | Triple Camera Setup | 100MP M4/3 Sensor + 35mm Lens |
| Lens Type | Fixed Smartphone Lenses | Fixed Smartphone Lenses | Interchangeable External Lens |
| Data Transfer | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | LaserLink (10 Gbps Optical Transfer) |
| Charging | 90W Wired, 80W Wireless | 90W Wired, 80W Wireless | N/A |
| Attachment Method | Non-Modular | Non-Modular | MagSafe-style Magnetic Ring |
| Manual Focus | No | No | Yes (Physical Focus Ring) |
| Software Integration | HyperOS 2 + Leica Imaging | HyperOS 2 + Leica Imaging | Native Camera App Support |
This has resulted in protruding camera bumps, imbalances in phone design, and, in some cases, interference with wireless charging.
Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System aims to address these challenges by offering a detachable high-performance lens.
This approach allows users to enjoy a sleek, well-balanced smartphone in everyday use while attaching a DSLR-quality lens when needed, providing flexibility without permanent bulk.
How Xiaomi’s Modular Camera System Works
Unlike traditional clip-on smartphone lenses that primarily enhance magnification, Xiaomi’s modular system integrates directly with the phone’s hardware.
It features a MagSafe-like magnetic attachment for secure connectivity, pogo pins for power transfer, and LaserLink technology for rapid data transfer at speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
The modular lens, a Xiaomi 35mm f/1.4, includes a 100MP Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) sensor, which is significantly larger than standard smartphone sensors.
This configuration enhances low-light performance, depth-of-field control, and RAW image support for professional editing. Additionally, a physical focus ring offers a manual focusing experience, a feature not commonly found in smartphones.
The Potential of LaserLink
While LaserLink technology is primarily being used for high-speed data transfer between the phone and the modular camera, its applications could extend beyond photography. Its low-latency optical communication could enable:
- Magnetic wireless chargers with improved efficiency
- Instantly connecting portable power banks
- Ultra-low latency gaming accessories, such as controllers
- Smart home integrations within Xiaomi’s device ecosystem
If Xiaomi expands this proprietary system, it could serve as an alternative to Qi2 wireless charging and influence the broader smartphone accessory market.
Modular Smartphone Photography
Xiaomi’s modular approach brings renewed attention to interchangeable smartphone lenses, but this concept has been explored before.
Companies such as Google, LG, and Motorola experimented with modular smartphone designs in the past, but widespread adoption was limited by factors such as high costs, lack of third-party support, and consumer reluctance.
However, Xiaomi’s implementation appears to emphasize seamless integration and high-end imaging.
The company is not alone in this space—Realme also showcased an interchangeable-lens prototype at MWC 2025, featuring a 1-inch Sony sensor with dedicated portrait and telephoto lenses.
For Xiaomi’s modular system to gain traction, key considerations such as user experience, affordability, and ecosystem support will play a crucial role.
If successfully developed, this technology could provide DSLR-like capabilities in a compact smartphone form, potentially influencing the future of mobile photography.
In addition to this innovation, Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Legend Edition, which includes a USB Type-C camera grip and a detachable shutter button, further expanding smartphone photography capabilities.
While the Modular Optical System remains in its concept phase, it signals Xiaomi’s interest in redefining smartphone imaging technology in the years to come.
