For years, the flagship smartphone battleground has been photography, but this arms race has led to ever-growing camera bumps. Brands like Xiaomi have crammed in more lenses, boosting versatility but at the cost of bulky, unbalanced designs that snag on pockets and don’t always play nice with wireless charging. Could a modular, detachable lens system be the answer?
At MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Xiaomi unveiled an intriguing concept: a smartphone with a detachable lens that snaps onto the back magnetically, seamlessly transferring power and data. The Xiaomi Modular Optical System—built around a modified Xiaomi 15—uses a 35-mm lens module that connects instantly when needed.
The lens Xiaomi showcased is a 35-mm f/1.4 lens featuring a 100-megapixel Light Fusion X Type 4/3 sensor, much larger than any phone camera sensor today. The variable aperture makes it particularly powerful in low-light conditions. It attaches magnetically, much like a MagSafe accessory, and integrates directly into the camera app—switching from the phone’s built-in camera to the external lens with a simple tap.
It’s a fully functional lens, complete with autofocus, a physical focus ring for manual adjustments, and the ability to shoot RAW photos. Unlike portrait mode on a standard phone, which relies on software blurring that often struggles with fine details like hair or glasses, this system sidesteps that issue by using its large sensor for true optical depth.
At the core of this innovation is Xiaomi’s LaserLink technology, a near-infrared laser-based data transfer system that moves information at speeds up to 10 Gbps. It’s fast enough to work with Xiaomi’s AI and computational photography in real-time—something traditional external lenses can’t achieve.
The lens draws power from the phone via two small pogo pins, consuming about the same amount of energy as a built-in camera. It’s compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag, offering flexibility for photographers—though, of course, you’ll have to remember to bring it.
Beyond Photography: The Future of Modular Accessories?
While this system is designed for photography, the implications go far beyond. With a high-speed optical data transfer system and power-sharing capabilities, Xiaomi could eventually expand this into a whole ecosystem of magnetic accessories. Speakers, smart home devices, even connections to Xiaomi’s upcoming electric cars—the possibilities are endless.
Interestingly, the Xiaomi 15 lineup lacks Qi2 wireless charging support, and this proprietary system might be why. If LaserLink becomes standard, Xiaomi could be positioning itself for a future where devices snap together seamlessly in a way no other smartphone brand is currently offering.
For now, this remains a concept with no set release date or pricing. But what’s surprising is how polished the prototype already is. If Xiaomi can refine the design and build an ecosystem of compatible lenses, this could change smartphone photography as we know it—offering balanced, pocket-friendly phones without the massive camera bump, while still delivering pro-grade photography on demand.
And honestly? That sounds like the best of both worlds.