Xiaomi introduced a modular phone concept focusing on photography at MWC 2025. The innovative Modular Optical System uses a custom camera module and LaserLink communication technology for fast data transfer.

Xiaomi’s not the only company toying with this idea. This week rival Chinese phone maker Realme introduced a concept phone with a 1 inch image sensor that isn’t designed to work with a built-in lens. Instead you can attach any camera lens that uses the Leica M Mount system to the back of the phone.

With uncompromising camera hardware that puts every rival in the shade, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is as good as it gets for phone photography