Xiaomi has launched a cool idea at MWC 2025: the Xiaomi Optical Modular System, a Micro 4 Thirds (MFT) digicam and lens mixture that magnetically attaches to the again of a prototype Xiaomi 15 smartphone. This revolutionary system contains a 100MP MFT sensor, dubbed the Gentle Fusion X, which is bigger than the 1-inch sensor discovered within the Xiaomi 15 Extremely. The MFT sensor, with a 2x crop issue (in comparison with the two.7x crop of 1-inch sensors), gives superior light-gathering capabilities and depth of subject, rivaling sensors utilized in high-end mirrorless cameras from manufacturers like Olympus and Panasonic.
The modular system, which resembles realme’s interchangeable lens idea, features a compact 35mm lens with a most aperture of f/1.4, a 6G aspherical lens meeting, and an in depth focus distance of 20cm. It helps each autofocus and handbook focus, together with face recognition. The lens is powered by way of pogo pins and a magnetic ring mount, just like Apple’s MagSafe, eliminating the necessity for an extra battery.
Information switch between the lens and cellphone is facilitated by Xiaomi’s Laserlink Communication, which makes use of a near-infrared laser to transmit uncooked picture information for processing by way of Xiaomi’s computational pictures system.
The design is glossy and premium, with a easy focus ring and a Leica-like aesthetic, although Xiaomi has not confirmed any collaboration with its ordinary lens companions. The lens integrates seamlessly with the cellphone’s Professional mode, providing a devoted consumer interface. Regardless of its polished look, Xiaomi has not disclosed whether or not this idea will attain the market or its potential value. The prototype makes use of a customized Xiaomi 15, not the commercially accessible mannequin.
Comparable ideas, akin to Sony’s QX-10 and QX-100 for Xperia telephones and the Alice Digicam for iPhones, have been tried earlier than however with restricted success. Xiaomi’s system, nonetheless, seems extra refined and complex, positioning it as a promising development in cell pictures.
However Xiaomi’s system has some drawbacks, one of many principal ones being compatibility. Whereas the Sony QX10 and QX100 have been “common”, that means customers may connect them to nearly any smartphone, Xiaomi’s module, in distinction, is restricted to particular telephones, due to this fact, proscribing its potential adoption and limiting market penetration, since customers that don’t have Xiaomi telephones will be unable to make use of it.
Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System advances modular smartphone pictures by addressing previous challenges like connectivity and sensor limitations. Whereas its present compatibility is restricted to a customized Xiaomi 15 prototype, increasing assist may make it a game-changer.
Although its future stays unsure, Xiaomi’s refined method represents a promising step ahead in cell imaging innovation. If priced competitively, it may attraction to pictures lovers searching for professional-grade capabilities in a smartphone-compatible format.
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