Brands often compare the camera performance of their smartphones to digital cameras, but in reality, they fall short, as they cannot match the sensor size and lens combination. On Monday, at the ongoing Mobile World Congress 2025, Realme showcased its latest concept smartphone, the Interchangeable Lens Concept, a device featuring a 1-inch-type sensor with a mirrorless-camera-like lens mount system.
Like most mirrorless and DSLR cameras, the Realme Interchangeable Lens Concept supports lenses of various focal lengths, allowing users to adjust the camera’s performance as needed—just like a professional camera.
Let’s take a look back at a big moment from realme’s Launch Event at MWC 2025, where the Interchangeable-Lens Concept went head-to-head with the iPhone in a photography showdown. Who came out on top?
#realmeMWC2025 #TechDrivesStyleThrives pic.twitter.com/F2CR1gAnuu— realme Global (@realmeglobal) March 3, 2025
While this isn’t the first phone to feature a 1-inch sensor, the combination of a customised 1-inch Sony sensor and a detachable lens system enables users to capture stunning images and videos. The concept includes a 73mm f/1.4 lens and a 234mm f/1.5 telephoto lens. For now, this remains a concept, and Realme has not confirmed a commercial launch. Besides, the phone also has a regular ultra-wide and wide-angle camera, which works like a camera system on any smartphone.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi has also showcased a customised model of the Xiaomi 15 with a magnetic clip-on camera system, featuring a large Micro Four Thirds sensor paired with an f/1.4 lens. This setup works in tandem with the phone, allowing users to enhance their smartphone’s camera capabilities instantly. However, this too remains a concept.
#XiaomiModularOpticalSystem introduces a groundbreaking new form of imaging, connecting the gap between portability and camera quality with a bridge of light.
The pinnacle of imagery is now in your hands. Find out more at Xiaomi #MWC25! pic.twitter.com/Csh25xet8o
— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) March 3, 2025
For those looking for a high-tech camera phone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra might be the better option. Launching in India on March 11, it features a primary 1-inch-type Sony LYT sensor and a 200 MP periscope zoom lens.
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