Xiaomi's new Modular Optical System could be the future of mobile photography

MWC 2025 has kicked off and despite the barrage of new phones like the Xiaomi 15 series' global launch (prices and availability here), Xiaomi’s new Modular Optical System concept is unique enough to create a buzz. Designed to magnetically attach to the back of a phone, Xiaomi showed off a 35mm f/1.4 lens which contains a new Light Fusion X Micro Four Thirds sensor that can deliver “true 100 megapixel clarity”.

The system requires a specially-designed phone as the raw data from the lens is transmitted to the device via Xiaomi LaserLink, which is then analysed by the on-board AISP – Xiaomi's AI computational photography platform. Xiaomi claims this system will be able to offer images with 16 stops of dynamic range, which would be an insane upgrade for enthusiast mobile photographers.

Thanks to the magnetic connection, there’s no need to pair or charge the system. All that needs to be done is to attach it to the back of the phone and it’ll work immediately. It does mean that there’s a separate part that needs to be carried around, but it’s certainly still more convenient than carrying a whole other camera. After all, the best camera is the one that’s with you.

We were lucky enough to get a short demo with the lens at MWC 2025, and it was interesting to see the way the lens attached securely to the back of the phone. The demo unit on display even allowed for manual focus, which is great for photographers who don’t want to rely on the smartphone’s auto-focus system. Here’s to hoping this concept will be able to make it into the real world soon for us to try.

Source: Xiaomi

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