Xiaomi’s Detachable Camera Module is Changing Smartphone Photography

Xiaomi's Modular Optical System: A Game Changer or Niche Experiment?

Xiaomi Unveils a Detachable Camera Module for Smartphones

On March 2, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun revealed a prototype of a modular smartphone camera system called the "Xiaomi Modular Optical System." This experimental setup, currently under research by Xiaomi’s camera division, consists of a modified Xiaomi 15 smartphone and a detachable 35mm lens, secured via a MagSafe-like magnetic attachment. Unlike conventional smartphone cameras, this system utilizes a larger M43 sensor—twice the size of the largest 1-inch sensors found in premium smartphones today.

XIaomi Modular Camera

The detachable lens is powered via small spring-loaded contact points and transmits image data through Xiaomi’s proprietary LaserLink technology, which enables 10Gbps data transfer. This allows the external module to deliver high-resolution images directly to the phone’s internal image signal processor (ISP), minimizing latency and optimizing computational photography capabilities. The system supports RAW format shooting, autofocus via screen touch, and a manual focus ring for precise adjustments.

While Xiaomi has positioned this concept as an innovative leap in mobile photography, the bigger question is whether it can address industry-wide challenges and scale as a viable product.

The Industry Context: Learning from Past Failures

Xiaomi is not the first company to attempt an external modular camera for smartphones. Sony introduced a similar concept over a decade ago with its SmartShot series in 2013, featuring detachable lenses like the QX10, QX100, and later the APS-C-based QX1. While these devices offered significantly improved image quality compared to integrated smartphone cameras, they failed to gain mainstream adoption. The primary issues were slow WiFi-based connections, frequent disconnections, and high preview latency—factors that made the shooting experience cumbersome.

Another attempt was made by Olympus with the Air A01 (2015), which used an M43 sensor and allowed interchangeable lenses. However, it suffered from poor battery life and awkward ergonomics. Even DXO Labs, known for its camera benchmarking, released the DXO One—a 20MP 1-inch sensor camera that connected via Lightning port to iPhones. Despite improved image quality, these products never became mainstream, largely due to connectivity issues, niche appeal, and lack of broad ecosystem support.

Xiaomi, however, seems to have learned from these past shortcomings. The LaserLink communication protocol aims to resolve the connectivity and latency issues that plagued earlier attempts. Additionally, the integration of computational photography with large-format optics could set Xiaomi apart from previous efforts.

The Technical Edge: What Makes Xiaomi’s Solution Different?

M43 Sensor Integration: The new module houses an M43 sensor, significantly larger than traditional smartphone sensors, improving low-light performance and dynamic range.
10Gbps LaserLink Transmission: Unlike previous detachable camera attempts, which relied on WiFi or Bluetooth, Xiaomi’s LaserLink enables ultra-fast data transmission, potentially eliminating the lag issues that doomed past products.
MagSafe-Style Magnetic Attachment: Ensuring a seamless user experience, the modular system uses a strong yet easily removable magnetic mount for quick installation and removal.
Computational Photography Benefits: By leveraging the smartphone’s powerful AI-driven image processing capabilities, the external lens system could outperform standalone cameras in scenarios requiring real-time HDR, AI-driven noise reduction, and advanced computational zoom.

Challenges and Market Feasibility

While the technology appears promising, the biggest roadblock to mainstream adoption remains cost and market demand.

High Manufacturing Costs: Each detachable module requires a dedicated M43 CMOS sensor, which increases production costs significantly. In contrast, professional cameras with interchangeable lenses use a single sensor across multiple focal lengths.
Limited Lens Ecosystem: Xiaomi would need to develop a series of compatible lenses or allow third-party manufacturers to join the ecosystem—a task that requires years of investment and market adoption.
Consumer Behavior: Mainstream users prioritize convenience over modularity. Even high-end smartphone users may hesitate to carry and attach additional accessories unless the quality leap is substantial.
Battery Drain & Heat Management: High-speed data transfer and a larger sensor will inevitably lead to higher power consumption and heat dissipation challenges, which Xiaomi must address before mass production.

Investor Insights: Market Potential and Strategic Impact

For investors, the unveiling of Xiaomi’s modular optical system highlights the company’s commitment to high-end imaging and premium hardware innovation. However, whether this technology will become a mass-market product or remain a niche experiment depends on several factors:

Competitive Differentiation: Xiaomi’s advancements in wireless data transfer (LaserLink) and computational photography provide a unique selling point compared to past failures. If successful, this could position Xiaomi as a leader in mobile imaging.
Ecosystem Development: The long-term viability of the product depends on Xiaomi’s ability to develop or attract third-party lens manufacturers to create a scalable ecosystem.
Consumer Adoption: If marketed as an accessory for professional photographers and content creators rather than general consumers, Xiaomi could find a profitable niche in the enthusiast and prosumer market.
Potential Industry Impact: If Xiaomi’s modular approach succeeds, it could pressure competitors like Apple, Samsung, and Sony to explore similar external imaging solutions, leading to a new hardware race in smartphone photography.

Innovation vs. Practicality

Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System is an exciting step toward breaking the physical limitations of smartphone imaging. It leverages a larger sensor, computational photography, and fast data transmission to address past shortcomings. However, scalability, cost, and consumer adoption remain major hurdles.

If Xiaomi can successfully solve these challenges and bring the product to market at a competitive price, it could redefine mobile photography and challenge traditional camera ecosystems. Otherwise, this may be another bold experiment that ultimately remains a technological showcase rather than a commercial success.