If you have ever explored the evolution of smartphone photography or tried to click pictures in tricky situations with limited resources as found on a smartphone, you would recognise the persistent challenge of balancing portability with image quality. The latest attempt to address this comes from Xiaomi, which recently unveiled a modular camera system for its smartphones at MWC 2025. Dubbed the “Modular Optical System,” this prototype integrates a 100-megapixel Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor and a 35mm f/1.4 lens that magnetically attaches to compatible Xiaomi phones. While the concept of external camera modules isn’t new – Sony’s QX series, Kodak’s PixPro, and others have tried and failed – Xiaomi’s approach, while reminiscent of previous attempts by brands like Sony, Olympus, and Motorola, introduces notable improvements that may redefine how users interact with smartphone cameras. However, its limited compatibility raises questions about its mass-market appeal.
Read along to find out how Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System could reshape the landscape of mobile photography –
If we trace back the history of attachable camera modules, Sony’s QX series stands out as a cautionary tale. The Sony QX10 and QX100, launched in 2013, promised to bring DSLR-like quality to smartphones by integrating a high-quality sensor and lens into a detachable module. While they delivered on image quality, they faltered in execution. The reliance on Sony’s PlayMemories app led to connectivity issues, slow response times, and frustrating user experiences.
Xiaomi, however, is taking a different route. Unlike Sony’s solution, which functioned as an independent camera requiring a separate app, Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System integrates seamlessly with its existing camera app. Through its proprietary LaserLink technology, the lens module locks onto the phone magnetically while drawing power and data directly from the device. This streamlines the user experience and eliminates the cumbersome pairing process that plagued Sony’s QX series.
One of the key advancements in Xiaomi’s approach is its sensor. The QX100 used a 1-inch sensor, which was impressive for its time but ultimately constrained by slow data processing and lack of direct integration Xiaomi’s new module, however, features a 100-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, a significant leap that rivals professional compact cameras. Combined with a 35mm f/1.4 lens and variable aperture control, Xiaomi’s module offers a level of control that was absent in Sony’s previous attempt.
Beyond sensor size, Xiaomi’s design considerations also differ. The QX100 was a bulky add-on that felt awkward when attached to a phone. Xiaomi’s module, while still protruding, is designed with a more compact form factor and a lightweight 6G aspherical lens structure to maintain balance. Early hands-on reports note negligible lag, which we are sure the brand will iron out soon, and the ability to switch between the module and built-in lenses seamlessly. This cohesion suggests a user experience closer to traditional camera systems than previous modular attempts.
So why did Sony’s QX series fail, and why might Xiaomi’s approach succeed? The biggest drawback of Sony’s implementation was the lag and inconvenience. The camera took seconds to connect, and even when it did, latency in live view made real-time composition difficult. Additionally, reliance on Wi-Fi meant that battery drain was a persistent issue. Xiaomi’s module, on the other hand, directly integrates with the phone’s hardware, eliminating the latency and power inefficiencies that plagued Sony’s implementation.
Another key issue with Sony’s approach was its lack of intuitive control. While the QX series had physical buttons, most operations required the app, creating a disjointed user experience. Xiaomi’s module addresses this with physical focus and zoom controls, ensuring that users can interact with the module without always relying on software adjustments.
However, Xiaomi’s system is not without its drawbacks. One of the main advantages of the QX10 and QX100 was their universal compatibility – users could attach them to virtually any smartphone. Xiaomi’s module, in contrast, is limited to specific Xiaomi models, restricting its potential adoption. While this ensures deep integration, it also limits market penetration and may deter potential users who don’t own Xiaomi phones.
Xiaomi’s modular camera module represents a well-calculated evolution of a concept that has historically struggled to gain traction. By addressing the connectivity issues, sensor limitations, and user experience pitfalls that plagued Sony’s QX series, Xiaomi stands a much better chance at success. However, its limited compatibility remains a potential hurdle.
If Xiaomi can expand support to a broader range of devices or introduce a universally adaptable variant, this could mark a significant turning point in smartphone photography. Whether this is the future of mobile imaging or another ambitious experiment remains to be seen, but for now, Xiaomi’s take on modular optics is a promising step forward.
